The movie “What If” concludes with Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe) and Chantry (Zoe Kazan) finally acknowledging their deep connection and entering into a committed romantic relationship after a year apart. The film avoids a neatly tied-up, overly sentimental finale, instead embracing the awkwardness, vulnerability, and ultimately, the enduring possibility of love even amidst complex friendships and past relationships.
A Year Apart and a Second Chance
The core of the film revolves around the platonic friendship between Wallace, a heartbroken med school dropout, and Chantry, an animator who is already in a seemingly stable, long-term relationship with Ben (Rafe Spall). The film deftly explores the delicate boundaries between friendship and romantic love, and the inherent challenges of navigating those feelings when one or both parties are already committed.
After a period of emotional turmoil and difficult choices, culminating in Chantry choosing to stay with Ben (at least temporarily), Wallace leaves Toronto for a year to clear his head and distance himself from the situation. This separation is crucial to his emotional growth and allows Chantry the space to truly assess her own feelings.
Upon Wallace’s return, he and Chantry meet at a bar. The tension is palpable. Chantry confesses that she broke up with Ben, realizing that their relationship had become stagnant and that she couldn’t deny her feelings for Wallace any longer. She admits that she missed him terribly during their separation.
The final scene depicts Wallace and Chantry on the same porch swing where their friendship initially blossomed, now embracing as a couple. They are surrounded by friends and loved ones, including Wallace’s best friend Allan (Adam Driver) and his girlfriend Nicole (Mackenzie Davis), who are now married with a child. The ending is not overly dramatic or filled with grand gestures, but rather a quiet affirmation of their connection and a promise of a future together.
The ambiguity lies in the how of their relationship moving forward. We don’t see their future together beyond that moment, leaving the audience to imagine the everyday realities of their romance. This allows for a more realistic and relatable conclusion, reinforcing the film’s themes of authenticity and the messy, unpredictable nature of love.
Answering Your Burning Questions: “What If” FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the ending and other key aspects of the film, designed to provide a deeper understanding of the story and its underlying themes.
H3: Understanding Chantry’s Choice
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Why did Chantry initially choose Ben over Wallace? Chantry’s initial choice stemmed from a sense of loyalty to Ben, whom she had been with for a significant amount of time. There was a comfort and familiarity in their relationship, even if it lacked the spark and connection she felt with Wallace. She likely also feared the potential disruption to their established dynamic and the risk of jeopardizing her friendship with Wallace by pursuing a romantic relationship.
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What triggered Chantry’s eventual breakup with Ben? While Chantry initially clung to the stability of her relationship with Ben, the growing awareness of her unresolved feelings for Wallace became increasingly difficult to ignore. She realized that staying with Ben would mean suppressing her true desires and settling for a life that didn’t fulfill her emotionally. The film subtly hints at Ben’s immaturity and self-centeredness contributing to the relationship’s downfall. Ultimately, the realization that she couldn’t give Ben her whole heart led to the breakup.
H3: Wallace’s Journey and Growth
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How did Wallace’s year away impact him? The year away was instrumental in Wallace’s healing process. He needed time to distance himself from the emotional turmoil and to re-evaluate his priorities. The separation allowed him to gain perspective on his feelings for Chantry and to recognize that forcing a relationship wasn’t the answer. It also provided him with the space to become more confident and independent.
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Did Wallace give up on finding love after his previous heartbreak? While Wallace was initially cynical about love due to his past experiences, the film suggests that he never truly gave up on the possibility of finding happiness. He simply approached relationships with a heightened sense of caution and vulnerability. His willingness to form a close friendship with Chantry, despite the inherent risks, demonstrates his enduring belief in connection.
H3: Exploring the Themes of the Film
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Is “What If” truly a “friend zone” movie? “What If” is more nuanced than a typical “friend zone” narrative. It explores the complexities of genuine friendship versus unrequited love, challenging the simplistic notion that men and women cannot be friends without romantic intentions. The film acknowledges the potential for romantic feelings to develop within a friendship but also emphasizes the value of platonic connections.
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What is the significance of the artwork and animation in the film? The animation and artwork in “What If” are integral to understanding Chantry’s character and her emotional landscape. Her illustrations often reflect her inner thoughts and feelings, providing a visual representation of her internal conflicts and desires. The scenes featuring her animation showcase her creative spirit and her ability to express herself through art.
H3: Deeper into the Characters
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How do Allan and Nicole contribute to the overall story? Allan and Nicole serve as a foil to Wallace and Chantry’s complicated relationship. Their relationship, though often portrayed with comedic absurdity, demonstrates the possibility of finding a passionate and fulfilling love life. They provide a contrasting perspective on love and commitment, highlighting the importance of communication and shared values.
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Was Ben truly a “bad guy” in the movie? Ben isn’t portrayed as a villain, but rather as a contrast to Wallace’s emotional availability. He is often shown being oblivious to Chantry’s needs and desires, demonstrating a level of immaturity and self-absorption that ultimately contributed to the demise of their relationship. He represents the comfort of the familiar, versus the exciting uncertainty of Wallace.
H3: Analyzing the Ending’s Ambiguity
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Why is the ending left somewhat ambiguous? The ambiguous ending serves to reflect the complexities of real-life relationships. The film acknowledges that starting a relationship is only the beginning of a journey, and that challenges and uncertainties will inevitably arise. By not presenting a perfectly resolved ending, the film encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences with love and relationships.
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Does the movie suggest that all friendships between men and women have romantic potential? The film doesn’t make a blanket statement about all friendships between men and women. Instead, it focuses on the specific dynamic between Wallace and Chantry, highlighting the unique circumstances that led to their romantic connection. The film acknowledges that while romantic potential may exist in some friendships, it is not a universal truth.
H3: Behind-the-Scenes Insights
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Was the movie based on a book or play? Yes, “What If” is based on the play Toothpaste and Cigarettes by T.J. Dawe and Michael Rinaldi. The play served as the inspiration for the screenplay, which was adapted by Elan Mastai.
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What makes “What If” stand out from other romantic comedies? “What If” distinguishes itself through its authentic portrayal of characters and relationships. The film avoids many of the clichés and tropes that are common in romantic comedies, opting for a more grounded and relatable approach. The film also celebrates the awkwardness and vulnerability of human connection, making it a uniquely charming and endearing experience. The dialogue is witty and sharp, and the performances are nuanced and heartfelt, elevating it beyond a typical romantic comedy.