Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Poignant fantasy about loss and the power of imagination.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
IF
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 98 parent reviews
Parents say the film presents a blend of whimsical storytelling with emotional depth, exploring serious themes such as grief and loss through the lens of a child's imagination. While many children enjoyed the engaging characters and magical elements, some parents expressed disappointment with the film's pacing, mature language, and handling of sensitive topics, suggesting it may be more suited for older kids or teens rather than younger audiences.
- emotional depth
- serious themes
- appropriate for older kids
- mixed reactions
- language concerns
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 50 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a mixed bag, with some enjoying its heartfelt themes and humor while others criticize its lack of depth and plot coherence. Although it has been appreciated for its family-friendly content and emotional moments, some reviewers found it dull, confusing, or marred by inconsistent execution, leading to divided opinions on its overall quality.
- family-friendly
- mixed reviews
- emotional themes
- confusing plot
- lack of depth
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In IF, 12-year-old Bea (Cailey Fleming) stays with her grandmother (Fiona Shaw) in her Brooklyn apartment while Bea's father (John Krasinski) undergoes heart surgery. Bea hasn't visited the apartment since her mother's death six years earlier. After spotting an unusual creature who lives with the upstairs neighbor, Calvin (Ryan Reynolds), Bea learns that imaginary friends (IFs, for short) are real. She ends up taking a job to help the IFs who've been left behind as their children have grown—but it turns out that they're really helping her, because imaginary friends are coping mechanisms.
Is It Any Good?
Writer-director and co-star Krasinski's imaginative fantasy is poignant and full of wonder. It's magical, giving off E.T. vibes, and Reynolds' Calvin is reminiscent of Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka, a quirky pessimist who's outwardly discouraging while secretly rooting for the kid to figure out the puzzle. And, like both E.T. and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the curiosity-meets-melancholy score in IF is central to understanding that while Bea is acting tough, she's also facing something terrifying: the potential death of her father, only a few years after the loss of her mother. It's a lot, but the movie artfully avoids overplaying viewers' emotions. It also serves an important purpose, demonstrating how imagination isn't just a creative outlet, but also a powerful coping mechanism.
Bea's journey with the IFs is ultimately rewarding, even though—it has to be said—the beginning does drag a bit. But when IF hits its stride, it becomes a mind-bending, eye-popping, musical extravaganza that's truly unforgettable. (The movie is worth seeing for that bit alone.) Teens may think the imaginary friend story will be too babyish for them, but even they may be swayed by its sweetness. And for families of elementary school-aged kids and tweens, IF makes for a simply enchanting movie night.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how imagination is made into a character in IF. Can you think of other examples of locations or nonliving things being made into characters? What does that mean, exactly?
How do you currently (or how did you used to) play out wild scenarios using your imagination? Did you have imaginary friends? Did that fade? How can we keep our imagination active, and how does that help us throughout life?
Discuss the technique used in the movie to access memories. How can accessing a happy, familiar feeling or space help us calm down?
What does it mean to have "purpose"? How do Bea's curiosity and compassion lead her to discover her purpose? Why does doing purpose-driven work bring fulfillment?
How is Calvin able to realize what isn't working with his IF program once he starts working with Bea as a team? Why is teamwork an important skill? Do you consider anyone in the film a role model? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 17, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : June 18, 2024
- Cast : Ryan Reynolds , John Krasinski , Cailey Fleming , Steve Carell
- Director : John Krasinski
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Curiosity , Teamwork
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material, some suggestive material, brief strong language and smoking
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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