Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe) is a bit down on his luck after a series of relationships have crashed and burned. However, when he meets Chantry (Zoe Kazan) at a party the sad life he currently lives is turned upside down. However, Chantry has a boyfriend, Ben (Rafe Spall), who she has been with for over five years, leaving nothing but a simple friendship for Wallace. As the two grow closer and closer, it feels impossible for them not to ask themselves “What If?” What if they decide to pursue a romantic relationship and leave the others in their lives behind? However, what if this attempt lands them in an awkward and unfixable position. Only time will tell Wallace and Chantry what is right.
How is it possible to separate Daniel Radcliffe from the gargantuan role of Harry Potter? You cast him in a role that is, in every way, different from the innocent Potter and opens viewers’ eyes to the talent that Radcliffe possesses. Wallace is outgoing, abrasive from time to time, and, for lack of a better word, a bit naughty. As Wallace attempts to traverse the cumbersome streets of Toronto, Radcliffe is asked to take on this eccentric, yet simple persona that allows viewers to see him in a different light. What If is not raunchy by any means, but it feels like the purpose of Ben and Chantry are to step up as close to the line between family and dirty humor, and they somehow manage to find a way to tiptoe that line throughout the film’s entirety.
That ability stems from the chemistry that the two possess. Nearly every scene has at least one of the two leads present, however the scenes in which the two coexist feel much more fluid, enticing, and entertaining. As Wallace and Chantry’s relationship grows in unique ways and their story continues to progress, viewers see subtle changes in their attitudes and their passion for one another. Again, the changes in their personalities are incredibly subtle, making the jobs of both Radcliffe and Kazan difficult. The simple nuances in their tones of voice, their facial expressions, and their body language change the way viewers see them from start to finish. What If hinges entirely on whether or not these leads are capable of convincing viewers of the very real emotions present throughout; and, the two do a spectacular job of coming through.
What If’s story is simple, and while it’s not quite brilliant or original enough to entertain viewers for hours, the acting and the uniqueness of the characters are. Radcliffe, Kazan, and Adam Driver (Allen) are incredibly gifted, but distinctively quirky in their approach toward each of these characters. What If expresses just how important casting is, as it seems impossible that another group of individuals could have allowed What If any success. However, this combination of incredible actors has provided it with moderate successes.
Directed by Michael Dowse. Written by Elan Mastai, T.J. Dawe & Michael Rinaldi. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan, Adam Driver, Mackenzie Davis, Megan Park, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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