By: Isabella Langner and Kloe Adams
Public Relations Manager and Humor Editor
John Krasinski’s new movie IF debuted in movie theaters on May 17. The movie follows the protagonist, Bea, played by Cailey Fleming, after she discovers she can see everyone’s imaginary friends and embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect all the forgotten imaginary friends, or IFs, with their kids.
IF originally appears to be a movie about magic and imaginary friends, but it actually incorporates a much deeper topic. One of the main settings in the movie is a hospital, where Bea deals with her loved one’s health issues. As the plot develops, audiences see how the imaginary friends serve a more complex job than magical companions. IF shows how imaginary friends serve as comfort and coping mechanisms for children and adults. The best part of this movie is the message it presents to the audience. Through multiple characters who reconnect with their IF’s, the movie demonstrates no matter how old we get, inside we are all still little kids who need comfort and connection to our childhood.
Even though the premise of this movie seems to be for kids, IF can be enjoyed by all ages. The message is valuable not only to children but also to teenagers who attempt to grow up too fast, and adults. While encompassing a deeper topic, the movie is still very lighthearted and has a lot of comedic relief. It continues at a compelling pace, which allows the audience to remain invested and entertained.
IF’s cast has some major names including Krasinski as the writer, director, and one of the main characters. The film also features Ryan Reynolds, Emily Blunt, Steve Carell, Awkwafina, Blake Lively, Matt Damon, George Clooney, Phoebe Waller Bridge and many more. Though there are a lot of big names in this movie, they have relatively small roles. Krasinski has only a couple minutes of screen time when he’s seen in the hospital dealing with his heart condition and also playing an IF, Marshmallow Man. Reynolds, Carell, Fleming, and Bridge have the largest roles, but that does not take away from all the other IFs. IFs such as Cosmo, Unicorn, and Bubble add much comedy and lightheartedness as they follow Bea to try and find their kids.
As the IFs begin to reconnect with their kids, who are now adults, Bea finds hers. [SPOILER ALERT]All along Cal, who is played by Reynolds and who was portrayed as a real person who could see IFs like Bea, was Bea’s IF. Bea figures this out when she suddenly can not see the IF’s anymore. When she tries to look for Reynolds, he too is gone. The movie concludes when Bea looks at an old picture she drew and sees not just her, her mom, and her dad, but her imaginary friend who looks just like Cal. Unexpected, this plot twist evoked many emotions, and even a couple of tears.
Overall, though filled with many humorous moments, IF also relays a deeper message about friendship, and how no matter your age, everyone needs friends.