The central premise of “What If” (2013) posits a crucial question: can genuine friendship exist between a man and a woman without romantic complications inevitably arising? The film argues that, while challenging, such a bond is possible, but only with significant effort, self-awareness, and acceptance of individual circumstances. It further explores the idea that sometimes, the perfect relationship might be closer than you think, masked by the comfort of friendship.
The Core Themes of “What If”
“What If,” directed by Michael Dowse and starring Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan, isn’t just another romantic comedy; it delves into deeper themes. It tackles the complexities of unrequited love, the fear of commitment, and the societal expectations placed upon relationships. The film navigates the gray areas of platonic friendships, particularly those that simmer with unspoken romantic potential. It explores the idea that true compatibility may not always manifest as instant attraction, but rather grow through shared experiences and genuine connection. Wallace (Radcliffe), jaded from a previous heartbreak, meets Chantry (Kazan), who is already in a committed relationship. The film masterfully showcases the evolution of their friendship, fraught with both endearing moments and agonizing tensions. Ultimately, “What If” champions the idea of embracing vulnerability and taking risks in the pursuit of love, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Character Dynamics and Relationship Evolution
The film’s strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of Wallace and Chantry’s evolving relationship. Wallace, initially hesitant to pursue Chantry due to her boyfriend Ben (Rafe Spall), struggles with his feelings and the boundaries of their friendship. Chantry, on the other hand, genuinely values Wallace’s companionship, but is committed to her long-term relationship, albeit one that is ultimately revealed to be less than ideal. The supporting characters, including Adam Driver as Wallace’s wildly inappropriate yet surprisingly insightful friend Allan, and Mackenzie Davis as Chantry’s sister Nicole, provide comedic relief and act as sounding boards for the central couple’s internal conflicts. The film avoids simplistic stereotypes, portraying each character as flawed but ultimately well-intentioned, contributing to the overall authenticity of the narrative.
The Importance of Communication and Honesty
A critical element in “What If” is the subtle yet powerful emphasis on communication, or rather, the lack thereof. Wallace’s initial reluctance to express his true feelings creates unnecessary complications and emotional turmoil. Similarly, Chantry’s initial blindness to the cracks in her relationship with Ben contributes to the prolonged period of uncertainty. The film subtly suggests that open and honest communication, while difficult, is essential for navigating the complexities of relationships, whether platonic or romantic. The ultimate resolution comes when both Wallace and Chantry are finally able to articulate their true feelings and address the underlying issues that had been holding them back.
Challenging Romantic Comedy Tropes
“What If” cleverly subverts several established romantic comedy tropes. It doesn’t rely on grand, sweeping gestures or overly dramatic confrontations. Instead, it focuses on the small, everyday moments that build genuine connection. The film’s humor is often understated and character-driven, rather than relying on broad slapstick or predictable scenarios. Furthermore, it avoids the typical “meet-cute” formula, presenting Wallace and Chantry’s initial encounter as awkward and somewhat unremarkable. By eschewing these clichés, “What If” delivers a more relatable and emotionally resonant portrayal of modern relationships.
The Film’s Enduring Appeal
Despite being released over a decade ago, “What If” continues to resonate with audiences. Its appeal lies in its relatable characters, realistic portrayal of relationships, and subtle humor. The film’s message of embracing vulnerability and taking chances on love remains timeless and universally applicable. The charming performances of Radcliffe and Kazan, coupled with the witty and insightful script, contribute to its enduring popularity. “What If” is more than just a feel-good romantic comedy; it’s a thoughtful exploration of the complexities of human connection and the enduring power of love and friendship.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into “What If”
Here are some frequently asked questions that further explore the themes and nuances of “What If”:
1. Is “What If” based on a true story?
While not directly based on a specific true story, “What If” is loosely inspired by the play “Toothpaste and Cigars” by T.J. Dawe and Michael Rinaldi. The play, in turn, draws inspiration from real-life experiences and observations about relationships and friendships. This grounding in relatable human experiences contributes to the film’s authenticity.
2. What are the main differences between the play “Toothpaste and Cigars” and the movie “What If”?
The play is a one-man show, primarily focusing on one character’s perspective on relationships and heartbreak. The movie expands upon this framework by introducing a wider range of characters and storylines, creating a more complex and nuanced narrative. The film also adds a significant romantic comedy element, which is less prominent in the original play.
3. How does “What If” differ from other romantic comedies?
“What If” distinguishes itself by its more realistic and nuanced portrayal of relationships. It avoids many of the clichés and over-the-top scenarios common in the genre, focusing instead on the everyday moments that build connection. The film’s humor is more subtle and character-driven, and the characters are portrayed as flawed and relatable.
4. What is the significance of the “zombie” metaphors used in the film?
The “zombie” metaphors, particularly those used by Wallace, represent the feeling of being emotionally numb and disconnected after experiencing heartbreak. Wallace uses the zombie imagery to describe his own emotional state and his fear of opening himself up to further pain. It’s a visual representation of his guarded and cynical outlook on relationships.
5. Does “What If” promote the idea of settling for second best?
No, the film actually argues against settling. While Wallace and Chantry’s initial relationship is based on friendship while she’s with Ben, the film shows that Ben is ultimately unsuited to Chantry. The implication is that Chantry and Wallace’s relationship is genuine and based on deep understanding, which is far from settling.
6. How does the film depict the challenges of long-distance relationships?
“What If” highlights the difficulties of maintaining intimacy and connection when physically separated. Chantry’s move to Taiwan with Ben exposes the cracks in their relationship, demonstrating the importance of consistent communication and shared experiences in sustaining a long-distance bond.
7. What role does Toronto play in the film’s narrative?
Toronto serves as more than just a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the film’s atmosphere. The city’s vibrant arts scene, quirky cafes, and iconic landmarks contribute to the film’s unique charm and authenticity. The Toronto setting also reflects the characters’ artistic sensibilities and their connection to a close-knit community.
8. How does the soundtrack enhance the emotional impact of “What If”?
The soundtrack of “What If” features a mix of indie pop and alternative tracks that perfectly complement the film’s tone and themes. The music underscores the characters’ emotions, enhances the romantic moments, and contributes to the overall atmosphere of the film.
9. What are some of the recurring visual motifs in “What If”?
Recurring visual motifs include drawings and art, which symbolize Chantry’s creative spirit and her ability to see the world in a unique way. These motifs also represent the importance of artistic expression and shared creative interests in building a strong connection between Wallace and Chantry.
10. Does “What If” offer a realistic portrayal of male-female friendships?
While fictionalized, “What If” offers a reasonably realistic portrayal of the complexities of male-female friendships. It acknowledges the potential for romantic feelings to develop, but also emphasizes the importance of communication, respect, and boundaries in maintaining a platonic relationship.
11. What is the significance of Chantry’s job as an animator?
Chantry’s job as an animator reflects her creative and imaginative nature. It also serves as a metaphor for her ability to bring things to life and to see the potential in others, even when they don’t see it in themselves. Her artistic pursuits are a key part of her identity and contribute to her appeal to Wallace.
12. What is the ultimate message of “What If” regarding love and relationships?
The ultimate message of “What If” is that genuine connection and compatibility are more important than initial attraction or societal expectations. It encourages viewers to be open to the possibility of finding love in unexpected places, and to embrace vulnerability in the pursuit of meaningful relationships. It underscores that true love is worth taking a risk for, even when faced with potential heartbreak.