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IF

IF is a 2024 American live-action animated fantasy comedy film written and directed by John Krasinski.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

IF (also marketed as Imaginary Friends) is a 2024 American live-action animated fantasy comedy film written and directed by John Krasinski. The film stars Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, and Fiona Shaw, and follows a young girl who can see imaginary friends left behind by growing children. Paramount Pictures released the film theatrically in the United States on May 17, 2024.

Premise

The story follows a young girl who, after a difficult experience, begins to see imaginary friends whose children have grown up. She becomes involved in helping these characters find new children or reconnect with their original ones.

Production

IF was written and directed by John Krasinski, who also produced the film with Allyson Seeger, Andrew Form, and Ryan Reynolds. It uses a mix of live-action performance and animated characters.

Cast

The principal cast includes Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, and Fiona Shaw. The film also features voice roles from Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., and Steve Carell.

Release

Paramount Pictures released IF in U.S. theatres on May 17, 2024. It was later made available for streaming in June 2024 according to some sources.

Key facts

  • The film combines live-action and animation.
  • It centres on a young girl named Bea who can see imaginary friends left behind by growing children.
  • Ryan Reynolds plays Calvin, a neighbour who helps Bea with the imaginary friends.
  • The film includes voice performances by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., and Steve Carell.
  • Paramount Pictures released the film theatrically in the United States on May 17, 2024.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed in Canada as an English-language Hollywood release and was reviewed by Canadian and international media, making it relevant to Canadian audiences as a mainstream family fantasy film.

Frequently asked questions

What is IF about?
It is about a girl who can see imaginary friends and helps reunite them with children who have grown up.
Who directed IF?
John Krasinski wrote and directed the film.
Who stars in IF?
Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, and Fiona Shaw are among the main cast.
Is IF animated?
It is a live-action film that also includes animated characters.
When was IF released?
It was released theatrically in the United States on May 17, 2024.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IF_(film)
    Supports: Basic release information, title, cast, premise, and marketing name
  2. Paramount Pictures — https://www.paramountpictures.com/movies/if-0
    Supports: Official synopsis, cast, and film format
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/if_2024
    Supports: Runtime, genre, rating, release date, and synopsis
  4. Roger Ebert — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/if-film-review-2024
    Supports: Plot details involving Bea and Cal
  5. The Hollywood Reporter — https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/if-review-ryan-reynolds-john-krasinski-1235899123/
    Supports: Premise involving imaginary friends and thematic description