What If (2013) Movie ft. Daniel, Zoe, and Megan
What If stands as a refreshing entry in the romantic comedy genre that manages to breathe new life into familiar territory. Directed by Michael Dowse, this 2013 film marks a surprising departure into sweeter, more intimate storytelling.
The movie features Daniel Radcliffe in his first contemporary romantic lead role, alongside Zoe Kazan, with strong supporting performances from Adam Driver, Mackenzie Davis, and Rafe Spall.
Based on the play Toothpaste and Cigars by TJ Dawe and Michael Rinaldi, the film was adapted for screen by Elan Mastai. The film premiered at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival before receiving theatrical releases throughout 2014.
Plot Storyline
The story centers on Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe), a heartbroken medical school dropout who has sworn off relationships after being devastated by his ex-girlfriend. Living with his sister in Toronto, Wallace works a dead-end job and maintains a cynical outlook on love.
His best friend Allan (Adam Driver) convinces him to attend a house party, where Wallace meets Chantry (Zoe Kazan), Allan’s cousin and an aspiring animator. The chemistry between them is immediate and undeniable.
They spend the evening engaged in witty banter and meaningful conversation, walking through Toronto’s streets. However, just as Wallace begins to hope for something more, Chantry casually mentions her long-term boyfriend Ben (Rafe Spall).
Despite the romantic complications, Wallace and Chantry decide to pursue a genuine friendship. The film explores the complexities of platonic relationships between men and women, particularly when romantic feelings exist.
The plot thickens when Ben receives a work opportunity in Dublin, leaving for six months. This creates space for Wallace and Chantry’s relationship to evolve naturally.
Cast Performance Analysis
Daniel Radcliffe delivers a remarkably natural and charming performance as Wallace. He successfully sheds his Harry Potter persona to embody a relatable, contemporary character. His portrayal captures Wallace’s vulnerability, humor, and gradual emotional growth.
Zoe Kazan brings depth and authenticity to Chantry, avoiding the typical manic pixie dream girl trope. Her performance balances Chantry’s artistic ambitions, relationship uncertainties, and genuine affection for Wallace. Her natural comedic timing complements Radcliffe’s energy perfectly.
Adam Driver steals several scenes as Allan, Wallace’s boisterous and confident best friend. His over-the-top personality provides comic relief while serving as a foil to Wallace’s reserved nature.
Rafe Spall manages the difficult task of playing Ben as a genuinely good person rather than a romantic obstacle. This makes the central conflict more complex and morally interesting.
What I Liked About the Film
The screenplay by Elan Mastai deserves particular praise for its sharp, witty dialogue that feels natural rather than overly scripted. The conversations between Wallace and Chantry crackle with intelligence and humor, making their relationship feel authentic.
I found Michael Dowse’s direction refreshing for the romantic comedy genre. Rather than embracing typical rom-com conventions, Dowse maintains a grounded and realistic approach. His background in edgier comedies helps the film avoid saccharine sweetness.
The Toronto setting adds character and authenticity, with the city serving as more than just a backdrop. The cinematography captures the urban landscape beautifully, making Toronto feel like a character in the story.
What impressed me most was the film’s exploration of platonic friendship between men and women. Rather than dismissing genuine friendship or rushing toward romance, the film examines the complexities and rewards of these relationships.
Areas That Could Be Better
While the film succeeds in many areas, it occasionally falls into familiar romantic comedy tropes, particularly in its third act. The inevitable misunderstandings and romantic resolution feel somewhat predictable, even if executed well.
Some viewers may find the pacing slow in places, as the film prioritizes character development over plot momentum. The animated sequences featuring Chantry’s artwork feel disconnected from the realistic tone.
The supporting characters, while well-performed, sometimes feel underdeveloped beyond their function in advancing the main plot. More depth could have enriched the overall narrative.
Critical and Public Reception
The film received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 74% approval rating based on 133 reviews, with an average rating of 6.3/10.
Metacritic assigned the film a score of 59 out of 100 based on reviews from 36 critics. Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave it an average grade of A, .
John DeFore of The Hollywood Reporter praised the film: Hitting all the rom-com notes with wit and some charm, it’ll be a crowd-pleaser. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone noted: What If doesn’t break new ground. But it has charm to spare, and Radcliffe and Kazan are irresistible.
However, some critics found the film overly familiar. Eric Kohn of IndieWire wrote that the movie primarily frustrates by doing nothing fresh. Public reception was generally more positive than critical reception, with many viewers praising the chemistry between leads.
Final Verdict
What If succeeds as a charming, well-acted romantic comedy that elevates familiar material through strong performances and sharp writing. While it doesn’t revolutionize the genre, it demonstrates that traditional frameworks can work when executed with intelligence.
Daniel Radcliffe proves his range beyond fantasy roles, and Zoe Kazan delivers a nuanced performance that avoids typical rom-com pitfalls. The film works best as a character study of two people navigating modern relationships.
Its Toronto setting, authentic dialogue, and genuine chemistry between the leads make it a worthwhile entry in the romantic comedy canon. Though it occasionally falls into predictable patterns, What If offers enough wit, heart, and charm to satisfy viewers.
Rating: 3.5/5
