Cailey Fleming and Ryan Reynolds are Exuberant in Whimsical IF

I don’t recall ever having imaginary friends. With the presence of  a sibling, a zillion cousins and most importantly my mother and father (who were and still are children at their core), this was not my reality.  These types of stories are fascinating to me for the simple fact most imaginary friend scenarios in film seem to be born from the mind of a only child.  The only time I recently recall that not being the case was with Lionsgate’s release of ‘Imaginary’ earlier this year where the forgotten imaginary friend was not warm and fuzzy.

So, considering John Krasinski’s track record with horror and thriller through his ‘A Quiet Place’ franchise, it’s easy to assume there may be a smidge of those elements hidden within this live action animated feature. That assumption would be misguided, as IF is a delightful, whimsical tug of childlike innocence and joy in cinema at a time when humanity needs it the most.

Saturated with star-studded cameos and musical numbers that will bring a smile to your heart and face, IF explores Bea (Cailey Fleming) discovering she can see everyone’s imaginary friends.   So, she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids. This film works for two reasons – the performances of  Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming.  The unbridled Reynolds and Fleming singing and dancing up a storm to Tina Turner’s ‘Better Be Good To Me’ exude charm and fun in one of the film’s best moments

These imaginary creatures seemingly help adults and kids alike with their insecurities, health issues and unfulfilled dreams as seen in the many character driven storylines embedded within Bea’s journey to assist others. After all the most important stories we have to tell are the stories we tell ourselves and John Krasinski, through his writing and directing is sharing the most important story of all – life doesn’t always have to be fun. For it is through those moments that humans learn to love and grow for the better.

Although fun is exactly what is to be had with this film through moments like the American Idol-esque interview session and the heartfelt moment of watching Bea assist her own grandmother (Fiona Shaw) reliving her unfulfilled dream of becoming a prima ballerina. Alongside the immaculate production design from Jess Gonchor, this Ryan Reynolds and Paramount Pictures produced film will surprise audiences in the best way possible with a tearjerking moment at the end you will never see coming.

IF warmed my heart and allowed  me leave the theatre better than I entered – with hope, joy and a renewed sense of living out every moment of my life despite any obstacle.