This is Why Reviews For John Krasinski’s ‘IF’ Are So Mixed

John Krasinski’s latest cinematic venture, ‘IF,’ has sparked a whirlwind of mixed reviews despite its low numerical scores. Positioned as a fantasy film aimed at younger audiences, IF has left critics divided, with some acknowledging Krasinski’s earnest attempt while others finding fault in the execution of the story. Serving as the writer, producer, director, and star of ‘IF,’ Krasinski introduces viewers to the enchanting tale of Bea and Cal, portrayed by Cailey Fleming and Ryan Reynolds, as they embark on a journey to reunite a group of imaginary friends (IFs) with other children.

While the film’s charm and emotional resonance are undeniable, critics remain undecided about its suitability as a kids’ movie. Departing from his renowned work on ‘A Quiet Place’ and its sequel, Krasinski’s foray into the realm of IF marks a tonal shift, garnering his first rotten rating on Rotten Tomatoes since 2016 and casting doubts on its box office success. Despite its shortcomings, ‘IF’ has been lauded for its stellar performances, captivating visual effects, and courageous exploration of heavy themes within what could have been a mere comedic adventure.

Also Read: ‘IF’ Movie Review: The Most Imaginary Fun You Can Have!

The Emotional Message Caters More to the Mature Audience

‘IF’ is a film that resonates deeply on an emotional level. While it may not always evoke laughter as expected, its poignant and nostalgic elements are undeniably commendable, even when they overshadow its lighter moments. This emotional depth is likely to strike a chord with adult audiences, prompting them to reconnect with the innocence and wonder of their inner child. Adrian Horton of The Guardian observes that IF is more about heartfelt sweetness than belly laughs, emphasizing the enduring lesson of cherishing love and playfulness throughout life’s journey.

Furthermore, the film explores the solace found in embracing childlike imagination and play, particularly through Bea’s emotional odyssey. IF sensitively addresses life’s inevitable moments of sadness, illustrating how moments of escapism can provide much-needed comfort. As Bonaime highlights, the film’s relatability lies in its portrayal of the narratives we construct to navigate life’s challenges, underscoring the significance of support and kindness in making daily struggles more bearable.

The Childlike Magic is Missing

In the delicate balance between humour and melancholy, ‘IF’ falls short, lacking the enchanting wonder and magic found in its genre counterparts. While the abandoned IFs and their whimsical designs draw from the depths of a child’s imagination, much of the film’s fantasy is overshadowed by its weighty narrative. Criticisms echo as Scheck observes, “The slapstick involving the IFs feels generic, and when the film delves into deeper emotional terrain, its attempt at magic feels strained.”

Drawing comparisons to beloved films like ‘Paddington’ and its sequel, ‘IF’ struggles to capture the same essence of fantasy and imagination. The portrayal of its amalgamation of imaginary creatures lacks the childlike wonder essential to the film’s core. Despite John Krasinski’s venture into family filmmaking, A. A. Dowed of IGN notes, “While the filmmaker may have penned ‘IF’ for his kids, he hasn’t evaded the pitfalls of many movies that preach about the magic of childhood rather than authentically depicting it.”

No In-Depth World Building

In the intricate dance between nostalgia and narrative depth, the movie finds itself at a crossroads. While the film’s nostalgic charm and emotional resonance tug at the heartstrings of its audience, its storyline often gets lost in unnecessary complexities, failing to sustain engagement. ‘IF’ beckons viewers to embark on a heartfelt journey, yet struggles to provide a compelling reason for them to invest in the narrative from the outset.

As noted in Erbland’s review, the film’s characters frequently stress the importance of a good story without fully immersing the audience in its own storytelling and imagination. Moreover, the lack of explanation regarding why the IFs were abandoned by their previous owners leaves a narrative void that even the protagonist, Bea, fails to fill.

While audiences grasp the surface of Bea’s emotional turmoil, the script falls short of delving deeper into her inner struggles. As William Bibbiani of The Wrap observes, “IF” presents a story teeming with serious emotions but fails to fully engage with them, resulting in escapism that feels insincere and drama that rings hollow.

The Cinematography and CGI is Great

In the enchanting world of ‘IF,’ the intricate design and CGI rendering of the imaginary friends (IFs) play a pivotal role in immersing audiences into the film’s fantastical universe. While these characters originate from the vivid imaginations of children, any misstep in their visual portrayal could jeopardize the emotional connection with both young and adult viewers alike.

Fortunately, the seamless blend of fantasy and reality is a hallmark of the film’s visual presentation. Director Roman’s vision for the IFs prioritizes a whimsical, cartoonish aesthetic over photorealism, ensuring their integration with live-action actors is nothing short of stunning. As Complex’s review praises, the impeccable CGI work flawlessly merges the realms of the real and the imaginary, with particular attention to detail evident in the texture and fur of characters like Blue and Lewis.

Furthermore, the masterful cinematography by Janusz Kamiński, renowned for his collaborations with Steven Spielberg, adds an extra layer of visual richness to ‘IF.’

The Film Fails to Find a Cohesive Tone

At first glance, the promotional materials for ‘IF’ might suggest a whimsical and adventurous romp as Bea and Cal embark on a mission to aid a colourful cast of imaginary friends. However, delving into the film reveals a surprising depth of sentimentality. While moments of levity are sprinkled throughout ‘IF’ predominantly leans towards the sentimental side of the spectrum.

IndieWire’s Kate Erbland observes a significant tonal dissonance, noting the stark contrast between the zany world of imaginary friends and the weighty concerns of Bea’s reality. If director Krasinski intended to craft a heartfelt exploration of rediscovering childlike wonder, this tonal ambiguity might not pose a challenge.

However, critics scrutinizing the film’s suitability for its target audience perceive a disconnect. As a fantasy comedy aimed at younger viewers, ‘IF’ may struggle to strike a balance between its thematic exploration and providing sufficient action and humour to captivate its audience, as noted by Ross Bonaime from Collider.