IF

I think this movie has been catching some mixed reviews because the film, obviously geared toward children, is sending a lot of adults some feelings they weren’t prepared to process. IF is about the incredibly powerful force of a child's imagination. It is captured through the beautifully unique characters, which writer and director, John Krasinski, ensured were all voiced by a star-studded cast. I think you can tell John did this movie because of the few moments that used similar techniques as horror films. This is no Quiet Place and not your typical children’s movie, either. There is no prologue setting up the story; you get a few details and begin to work on piecing things together. It is not clear what hardships the main character, Bea, is facing, but you know she is facing them. It is not clear why she can see EVERYONE’S imaginary friends, but you trust she has good reason. Her neighbor sees them, too, and the duo work together to reunite everyone with their IF. The film's one-two punch finale, though, is what really makes people cry. First, after Bea sobs and tells him about her experiences with the IFs—who she is no longer able to see—her father, who had been thought to be in a coma, awakens. She begs him not to abandon her. Subsequently, when they are packing to go home after her father's hospital discharge, Bea finds an old crayon drawing she did when she was younger that shows her IF. She had forgotten it was her imagination that brought him to life. This is as non-spoiler as I can explain it, but I probably gave a lot away.

I think this movie is taking hits because it isn’t just a numbing child’s film to spoon feed you, it is asking adults and children to reflect on coping mechanisms. How we all handle our day to day hardships is unique to us. I believe that some people's irritation over this movie stems from their habits of avoidance. The use of imagination is marketed as a means of coping. All age groups can relate to the way that distress-tolerance skills are exhibited, and people feel obligated to reflect on how they handle difficulties in their own lives. If you believe there are no safe spaces, your brain will create one.

Ratings: 8.9/10

I think I may have spoiled some of this movie but it worth a watch. I think anything that teaches people emotional literacy or normalizes coping techniques that help us process daily existence is fantastic. Too often are sacred places ruined by those who can’t understand them. Watch this movie, it is a feel good film in the best way.