Quartile rating: 6.5/10 · 1 rating
Medical-school dropout Wallace has been repeatedly burned by bad relationships. So while everyone around him, including his roommate Allan, seems to be finding the perfect partner, Wallace decides to put his love life on hold. It is then that he meets Chantry, an animator who lives with her longtime boyfriend Ben. Wallace and Chantry form an instant connection, striking up a close friendship. Still, there is no denying the chemistry between them, leading the pair to wonder, what if the love of your life is actually your best friend?
What If is a charming but fairly conventional romantic comedy that hits familiar beats of the will-they-won't-they friendship-to-romance arc. The plot is earnest and likable but offers little that deviates from genre expectations — the obstacle (her boyfriend) and resolution are telegraphed early. Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan have genuine chemistry and deliver warm, naturalistic performances that elevate the material above average, though neither is doing career-defining work. Cinematography is functional and pleasant, capturing Toronto and Dublin with modest visual ambition but nothing distinctive. Novelty is low — despite some quirky dialogue and papercut animation flourishes, the film is essentially a well-executed version of a well-worn template. The ending is satisfying and emotionally honest without being particularly surprising, wrapping things up in a way that feels earned if predictable.