IF
When young Bea suddenly begins to see the invisible companions people once imagined, her ordinary life gets a burst of chaos and color. These forgotten imaginary friends are fading because their kids grew up or stopped believing, and Bea can't stand to see them drift away. She teams up with a... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: January 14, 2026
About IF
When young Bea suddenly begins to see the invisible companions people once imagined, her ordinary life gets a burst of chaos and color. These forgotten imaginary friends are fading because their kids grew up or stopped believing, and Bea can't stand to see them drift away. She teams up with a reluctant adult imaginary friend and a ragtag group of oddball characters, traveling through unexpected places and tricky memories to reconnect pals with the children who created them. The story stays warm and funny, with moments of sadness and hope, and it keeps surprises about who remembers what.
IF was released in 2024 and was created by John Krasinski. The film centers on Cailey Fleming as Bea and features vocal turns from Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Steve Carell, and Fiona Shaw. It blends family comedy with fantasy elements and relies heavily on performance-driven visual moments and voice acting to bring imaginary friends to life.
Critics and audiences responded well, with an average vote of about 7.0 out of 10 from more than 1,500 votes, and many reviews praised the film's heart and humor. The movie treats themes like creativity, memory, and the awkwardness of growing up in a way that feels accessible to families. It balances slapstick and sentiment without getting too heavy, and the child lead gives the story a grounded emotional center.
The cast and the concept created a fair amount of buzz, especially online among parents and animation fans who liked seeing familiar voice actors take whimsical roles. Visuals of eccentric imaginary friends and a few standout set pieces got shared widely on social feeds, and the film encouraged conversations about keeping childhood imagination alive into adulthood.
IF didn't become a major awards-season presence, but reviewers often highlighted performances and production design when praising the movie. It drew attention more for its feel-good appeal and strong ensemble voices than for trophy runs, making it a pleasant family pick rather than an awards spectacle.
What Viewers Are Saying
Viewers appreciate IF for its creative blend of 3D animation and live-action, as well as its heartfelt exploration of childhood imagination and emotional themes. The cast's performances, particularly Cailey Fleming and supporting actors, receive positive mentions, and the film's visual effects and tone are noted as strengths. However, some critics find the story simplistic and feel it relies too much on celebrity cameos, leading to a lack of narrative depth and emotional payoff. Overall, audiences find it charming and suitable for families but note it may not fully satisfy those seeking a more complex or mature story.
Details
- Release Date
- May 08, 2024
- User Ratings
- 1,505 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Comedy, Fantasy, Family
Official Trailer
Cast
Cailey Fleming
Bea
Ryan Reynolds
Cal
John Krasinski
Dad / Marshmallow (voice)
Fiona Shaw
Grandmother
Steve Carell
Blue (voice)
Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Blossom (voice)
Louis Gossett Jr.
Lewis (voice)
Alan Kim
Benjamin
Liza Colón-Zayas
Janet
Bobby Moynihan
Jeremy
Written by: John Krasinski