The Imaginary is Beautiful Exploration of Grief and Creativity

 

Imaginary friends have provided comfort and solace to many children for centuries with some whose vivid imaginations run amok in ways one could never see coming.  But, what happens to these friends when we grow up or our time is unexpectedly cut short due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control?

The Imaginary delves into the depths of humanity and creativity through the eyes of young Amanda and her imaginary companion, Rudger, a boy imagined by Amanda who no one can see, to share her thrilling make-believe adventures. Their creed is their bond – Never Disappear-Protect Each Other and Never Cry. But when Rudger arrives in The Town of Imaginaries, where forgotten Imaginaries live and find work, he faces a mysterious threat.

Based on the beloved and award-winning novel of the same name by A.F. Harrold, illustration by Emily Gravett and Directed by renowned animator Yoshiyuki Momose, this an unforgettable tale of love, loss, and the healing power of imagination that will bring childhood to the present along with all the emotions attached. With groundbreaking hand-drawn animation, this anime infused feature is heightened by first-of-their-kind techniques of light and shadow. The color palette is vibrant and with each adventure one feels transported into the screen.

Witnessing a community of Imaginaries have the time of their lives with a library concert while sharing with one another their fear of disappearing resonates to the core.  Being in a library is key as these books let us go anywhere in time.  Beethoven and Shakespeare were born from imagination fueling humans with the growth of possibilities.  Well, for imaginaries – imagination is like oxygen and without it they cease to exists forever. Amanda, Rudger, Emily and Jinzan are on a mission to make sure that doesn’t happen and they almost succeed until they encounter Mr. Bunting, who is fueled by eating Imaginaires the verge of disappearing

The most endearing part of the story is learning that Amanda’s Mom Lizzie had a friend as a child that assisted her in coping just as Amanda created Rudger as a coping mechanism to grief.  After all imagination can never defeat reality.  Can you fathom a bird who has not ever seen a flower or not ever seeing a starry night  that provide such wonderment, joy and adventure? It can happen.  But saying goodbye to an imaginary just one last time provides the greatest adventure of all for the audience and Amanda.

The Imaginary provides a beautiful lesson for children and adults alike to lean into your creativity.  Even when we are afraid or sad, those are the moments our very best self is heightened and bubbles to the service to be celebrated