Even if the execution isn’t perfect, Krasinski shines a little magic with IF.

John Krasinski’s career didn’t get off the ground in 2018 with the horror film A Quiet Place, but the film helped him make a name for himself in Hollywood as a writer and director. As success spread with A Quiet Place Part II, Krasinski chose to step away from his franchise for a while, for a project that had been close to his heart for almost 10 years. Passing the reins to Michael Sarnoski for A Quiet Place: Day One, Krasinski decided to delve into the world of imaginary friends with IF, starring Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds and Steve Carell.

The concept of Krasinski’s universe is summed up by Reynolds as Pixar live action, and it absolutely is. Throughout, IF carries a magic in its characters, real and imaginary, as well as in its directing. Supported by large skylights and sets that are always filled with objects, the film manages to represent on screen the ideal imagination of a child taking his first steps into this magical world. IF is based on the assumption that our imaginary friends still populate our environment, but have been neglected as our age and growing responsibilities in life have grown. Entering this world, Bea (Cailey Fleming) discovers a universe full of imaginary friends, all waiting for a new friend. Teaming up with Cal (Ryan Reynolds), Béa reunites these adults with their childhood friends and spirits.

While IF‘s concept is rather charming, it lacks overall cohesion on a number of occasions. By the end of the film, it’s pretty hard to fully grasp how the film’s universe works, why some characters can see their imaginary friend rather than others. There’s no clear dividing line between the real world and the imaginary or childhood world. In a way, Cal’s very Ryan Reynolds personality helps bridge the gap between the two. If Cailey Fleming’s acting isn’t always right, and can prevent our minds from entering this universe, she carries the film brilliantly on her shoulders as the lead. Which, for her age and the number of intangible elements in front of the camera, is all the more of a success.

Despite endearing imaginary characters, all with their own distinct personalities and dubbing voices, it’s sometimes hard to connect with this world, as IF lacks a concrete objective, a final goal to which it’s imperative to attain. While wanting to reunite adults with their imaginary friends is one of them, Krasinski regularly changes the characters on whom our protagonists focus their attention, leading to a confusing plot. Nevertheless, IF manages with several key scenes in its final act to capture emotions and bring a little magic by reuniting characters crossed during the film with their imaginary friends.

It’s hard to criticize IF, so much so that you can feel it’s a project made with love by Krasinski and as a tribute to his two children. Even if the execution is far from perfect, Krasinski still manages to open the door to a colorful universe that will find its audience among children and their imaginary friends.