Mood.Playr
Sign in
IF poster

IF

"A story you have to believe to see."

2024 1h 44m EN
👍
6.9
SOLID
★6.9TMDB · 1,705
ComedyFantasyFamily
Synopsis
Spoiler shield

After discovering she can see everyone's imaginary friends, a girl embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten imaginary friends with their kids.

“A story you have to believe to see.”

Share

Cast

Credits

Behind the camera

Director
John Krasinski
Writers
John Krasinski
Languages
English
Countries
United States of America

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 8
MONEY

Did you know

$110M budget — tentpole studio territory.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01
2 / 8
ERA

Did you know

Released 2 years ago.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02
3 / 8
DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by John Krasinski, shot by Janusz Kamiński. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03
4 / 8
DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Michael Giacchino. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04
5 / 8
DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Christopher Rouse shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05
6 / 8
ERA

Did you know

Cailey Fleming and Ryan Reynolds and John Krasinski carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06
7 / 8
FACT

Did you know

Marketing tagline: "A story you have to believe to see.".

MoodPlayr · trivia#07
8 / 8
WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt11152168 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#08

Cinephile deep dive

The take

John Krasinski directs. Janusz Kamiński behind the camera. Michael Giacchino scores. Christopher Rouse cuts. Profitable at the box office. Produced in United States of America. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

  • 1$110M budget — tentpole studio territory.
  • 2Released 2 years ago.
  • 3Directed by John Krasinski, shot by Janusz Kamiński. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
  • 4Original score by Michael Giacchino. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
  • 5Editor Christopher Rouse shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
  • 6Cailey Fleming and Ryan Reynolds and John Krasinski carry the top of the cast.
  • 7Marketing tagline: "A story you have to believe to see.".
  • 8IMDB entry: tt11152168 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
  • 9Released under 15 different titles around the world.

The technical file

Cinematography
Janusz Kamiński
Original score
Michael Giacchino
Editing
Christopher Rouse
Production design
Jess Gonchor
Costume design
Jenny Eagan
Makeup / hair
Kerrie Smith
VFX supervisor
Chris Lawrence
Sound
Mike Prestwood Smith
Stunt coordinator
Mike Gunther
Runtime
104 min · 1h 44m
Aspect ratio (typical)
1.37:1 (Academy)
Status
Released
Budget
$110,000,000
Box office
$190,309,707
Return
173% of budget
Original language
EN
Certification (US)
PG

Also by

John Krasinski

Stills · wallpapers

Selected frames

Full-resolution frames — open one to save it as a wallpaper.

Trailers & featurettes

Watch the pieces

Community reviews

What people are saying

  • Manuel São Bento
    ★ 8/10

    FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://fandomwire.com/if-review-a-heartwarming-blend-of-animation-and-live-action-that-surpasses-expectations/ "IF is a delightful surprise that exceeds personal expectations. The skillful blend of 3D animation and live-action brings creativity to a layered, profoundly moving narrative, which explores sensitive themes in a truly genuine, reflective manner while successfully conveying a crucial message about the importance of never forgetting the child within us. Cailey Fleming delivers the best young performance of the year, further enhancing the already highly emotional story, much like Michael Giacchino’s lovely score. As a writer-director, John Krasinski once again demonstrates his innate talent by creating a movie all families can enjoy and cry together. It will linger in the audience’s memory for a long time." Rating: A-

  • CinemaSerf
    ★ 7/10

    "Bea" (Cailey Fleming) arrives to stay with her grandmother (Fiona Shaw) so she can be near her father (John Krasinski) who is having cancer treatment at a nearby hospital. It's a fairly traumatic time for everyone, but it also becomes quite puzzling for the youngster when she encounters "Blosson", "Blue" (who's actually purple) and their handler "Cal" (Ryan Reynolds) living in the apartment upstairs. She quickly discovers what an "IF" is, and is introduced to loads of them, now adrift in a world where their original partners have grown up and forgotten them. "Cal" and his friends are trying to re-home these friendly and creative critters, and so "Bea" takes an hand helping out. Their first target for a new friend is the friendly "Benjamin". He's a patient in the same hospital as her dad, prone to breaking his bones and though outwardly cheery and good-natured, cuts a rather lonely sight in his room. As the story continues we begin to suspect that it's not just him that needs an "IF". Sure, it's derivative at times, but there's an engaging effort from the young Fleming and the sparing use of the colourful and well integrated visual effects along with some cheery scripting and a few amiable supporting characters that could easily inhabit any toy-box (I liked the bear and the tasting marshmallow) wired well. Also, Reynolds takes enough of a back seat not to impose his presence too firmly on the proceedings. It's an amiable story about family, loneliness and growing up that encourages folks to use and enjoy their imagination. I wasn't really expecting to, but I did quite enjoy this.

  • Hotplix
    ★ 7/10

    "If" is a whimsical and heartwarming film directed by John Krasinski. Starring an ensemble cast including Ryan Reynolds, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Fiona Shaw, the movie takes viewers on a fantastical journey into the world of imagination. Krasinski's direction brings a perfect blend of humor, charm, and emotional depth, making it a delightful watch for audiences of all ages. The narrative is both engaging and thought-provoking, exploring themes of childhood wonder and the power of belief. With its stellar performances and enchanting story, "If" is a cinematic treat that leaves a lasting impression.

Production companies

Who made it

  • Paramount Pictures

    Paramount Pictures

    US

  • Sunday Night Productions

    Sunday Night Productions

    US

  • Maximum Effort

    Maximum Effort

    US

Key crew

  • ProducerAndrew Form
  • ProducerAllyson Seeger
  • ProducerRyan Reynolds
  • Executive ProducerGeorge Dewey
  • EditorChristopher Rouse
  • Executive ProducerJohn J. Kelly
  • EditorAndy Canny
  • Production DesignJess Gonchor
  • In Memory OfLouis Gossett Jr.
  • ChoreographerMandy Moore
  • CastingTricia Wood
  • CastingJennifer L. Smith
  • Co-ProducerJess Kidd
  • Co-ProducerMichael Lerman
  • Visual Effects SupervisorChris Lawrence
  • Unit Production ManagerRandy Manion
  • Sound Re-Recording MixerMike Prestwood Smith
  • "B" Camera OperatorConnie Huang
  • Costume DesignJenny Eagan
  • Supervising Sound EditorEthan Van der Ryn
  • Associate ProducerJeff Robinson
  • Set DesignerAdam Mull
  • "A" Camera OperatorMatthew Moriarty
  • Set DecorationKris Moran

Themes & keywords

What it's about, really

  • friendship
  • imaginary friend
  • aftercreditsstinger
  • imaginary
  • live action and animation
  • imagination

Release history · US

When it landed

  • Theatrical2024-05-17PG
  • Digital2024-06-18PG
  • Digital2024-07-09PG· Paramount+ / MGM+
  • Physical2024-08-13PG· Blu-ray
  • TV2024-07-12PG· MGM+

Also known as

International titles

  • Imaginary FriendsUS
  • HA: Hayalî ArkadaşlarTR
  • Amici immaginariIT
  • BLUE AND THE SECRET FRIENDSJP
  • Уявні друзіUA
  • ブルー AND THE SECRET FRIENDSJP
  • 无中生友CN
  • IF (Imaginary Friends)US
  • IF - Imaginäre FreundeDE
  • 幻幻之交TW
  • 假想友人CN
  • 幻想朋友CN
  • Imaginarni prijateljiHR
  • Shokët imagjinarëAL
  • Shokët imagjinarëXK

More movies like this