A sweet ode to rediscovering one’s inner child, IF is a family film that revolves around the concept of imaginary friends that many of you had during childhood. The plot follows two individuals who embark on a heart-warming mission to reunite imaginary friends with the kids who have outgrown them. It takes you to the days you played with your toys, believing them to be your best companions.

IF is the story of a girl, whose mother just died and whose father is in a hospital for heart surgery. Afraid of losing another parent, Elizabeth, known to many as Bea, finds solace with the neighbour Calvin, brilliantly played by Ryan Reynolds. Bea starts to like the neighbourhood where she had just moved to live with her grandmother. Calvin, a former clown, has been uniting IFs (imaginary friends) with the kids who used to imagine them. Bea sets herself to the task of helping Calvin save the IFs by giving them someone to believe in them.

Directed by John Krasinski, who also plays the father’s role of the 12-year-old Elizabeth (17-year-old Cailey Fleming), does an amazing job both in front of and behind the camera. He balances comedy and sentiment, creating an entertaining and touching narrative. Aware of the fear, Bea has to go through, Krasinski acts ‘clownly’, just to up the mood of his daughter.

IF has many superstars lending voices to the characters. Reynolds’ real-life wife Blake Lively voices the character Octopuss, while Krasinski’s wife, actor Emily Blunt, is the voice of Unicorn. Awkwafina is Bubble, George Clooney is Spaceman, Bradley Cooper is Ice, while Matt Damon is the pretty flower ‘Sunny.’ Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Fiona Shaw provide excellent supporting performances; however, Steve Carell as Blue, an imaginary friend, steals the show with his amazing performance. Carell’s portrayal of Blue is both hilarious and deeply touching, capturing the essence of an imaginary friend with heart and humour. The film’s soundtrack is uplifting, perfectly complementing the movie’s tone.

“IF” explores themes of imagination, nostalgia and the importance of maintaining a connection to one’s inner child. It reminds viewers of the joy and wonders that come with childhood, encouraging adults to rekindle that sense of playfulness and creativity. The film also touches on the themes of friendship and the enduring impact of the bonds formed during childhood. The movie shows that there is an inner child in everyone and hints that every kid has an IF, once in their lifetime.

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 10th, 2024