The film “What If” explores the messy, beautiful, and often agonizing dance between platonic friendship and romantic possibility, ultimately arguing that genuine connection and vulnerability are paramount, even if they don’t conform to traditional relationship expectations. It suggests that choosing honesty and risking heartbreak is preferable to suppressing feelings and living with regret, demonstrating that love, in its many forms, is worth fighting for.
Exploring the Gray Areas: Friendship vs. Romance in “What If”
“What If,” directed by Michael Dowse and starring Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan, cleverly navigates the complex terrain of romantic ambivalence. The film avoids predictable tropes, instead presenting a nuanced portrayal of two individuals grappling with potent feelings for each other while simultaneously attempting to maintain a platonic facade. Wallace, disillusioned with romance after a painful breakup, finds himself drawn to Chantry, an animator with a long-term boyfriend, Ben. Their immediate chemistry sparks an intimate and intellectually stimulating friendship, blurring the lines between what is and what could be.
The film’s brilliance lies in its realistic portrayal of the challenges of navigating unspoken desires. Both Wallace and Chantry are burdened by the potential consequences of pursuing their attraction. Wallace fears rejection and further heartbreak, while Chantry wrestles with her loyalty to Ben and the potential disruption of her comfortable life. Their anxieties, insecurities, and vulnerabilities are palpable, making their interactions both relatable and intensely engaging.
“What If” doesn’t shy away from depicting the frustrations inherent in being “just friends” when deeper feelings are present. The film underscores the emotional toll of suppressing romantic urges and the inherent jealousy that can arise when watching the object of your affection be with someone else. However, it also highlights the genuine value of their friendship, emphasizing the intellectual connection, shared humor, and deep understanding that exists between them. Ultimately, the film pushes viewers to consider whether rigidly defined relationship boundaries are truly necessary, or if love can exist in a less conventional, yet equally meaningful, form.
The Power of Vulnerability and Authentic Connection
A key theme explored in “What If” is the importance of vulnerability and authentic communication. Wallace and Chantry’s initial attempts to maintain a purely platonic relationship ultimately fail because they avoid addressing their true feelings. The film subtly suggests that honesty, even when difficult, is crucial for building genuine and lasting connections.
The turning point in the narrative occurs when both Wallace and Chantry begin to acknowledge their vulnerabilities and express their true desires. This honesty, while initially painful and destabilizing, ultimately allows them to build a stronger, more authentic relationship. The film implies that true love requires a willingness to be vulnerable and to risk potential heartbreak.
“What If” also challenges the notion that romantic love is the only valid form of connection. The film celebrates the deep and meaningful bond between Wallace and Chantry, even when their relationship isn’t explicitly romantic. Their friendship provides them with emotional support, intellectual stimulation, and a sense of belonging, highlighting the importance of platonic relationships in navigating the complexities of life. The film ultimately suggests that the quality of the connection is more important than its label.
The Ending and Its Implications
The film’s ending, while offering a sense of closure, remains somewhat ambiguous. Wallace and Chantry ultimately come together, but the film avoids portraying a fairytale ending. Instead, it suggests that their relationship will continue to evolve and face challenges. The ambiguous nature of the ending reflects the complexities of real-life relationships, reminding viewers that love is an ongoing journey, not a destination.
The ending underscores the film’s central message: that love, in all its forms, is worth pursuing. Wallace and Chantry’s willingness to risk heartbreak and embrace vulnerability allows them to build a fulfilling and meaningful relationship. The film suggests that choosing honesty and authenticity, even when difficult, is ultimately the most rewarding path to take.
Frequently Asked Questions about “What If”
Here are some frequently asked questions that address common inquiries and provide deeper insights into the themes and messages presented in “What If”:
H3 FAQ 1: Is “What If” a typical rom-com?
“What If” shares elements of a romantic comedy, such as charming leads and a will-they-won’t-they dynamic. However, it distinguishes itself through its realistic portrayal of relationships, avoiding overly sentimental or predictable storylines. The film emphasizes the complexities of navigating friendship and romance, offering a more nuanced perspective than traditional rom-coms.
H3 FAQ 2: What are the main themes of the film?
The main themes of “What If” include the complexities of friendship and romance, the importance of vulnerability, the challenges of navigating unspoken desires, the fear of rejection, and the value of authentic communication. The film also explores the idea that love can exist in various forms and that rigidly defined relationship boundaries may not always be necessary.
H3 FAQ 3: What makes Wallace and Chantry’s relationship so complicated?
Wallace and Chantry’s relationship is complicated by several factors. Chantry’s existing relationship with Ben creates an initial obstacle. Both Wallace and Chantry fear the potential consequences of pursuing their attraction, including jeopardizing their friendship and facing potential heartbreak. Their inability to openly communicate their feelings further complicates matters.
H3 FAQ 4: Does “What If” advocate for “friends with benefits”?
While “What If” explores the complexities of friendship and romance, it doesn’t explicitly advocate for “friends with benefits.” The film focuses on the emotional and intellectual connection between Wallace and Chantry, rather than simply a physical one. The characters grapple with genuine feelings, making it a much more complex dynamic than a casual hookup.
H3 FAQ 5: What is the significance of the title, “What If”?
The title “What If” encapsulates the central question explored in the film: what if Wallace and Chantry were more than friends? The film explores the potential outcomes of pursuing their attraction and the consequences of suppressing their feelings. The title also highlights the uncertainty and risk inherent in any romantic pursuit.
H3 FAQ 6: How does the film portray long-term relationships?
The film offers a mixed portrayal of long-term relationships. Chantry’s relationship with Ben is presented as comfortable and stable, but ultimately lacking in passion and intellectual connection. The film suggests that long-term relationships require ongoing effort, communication, and a willingness to adapt.
H3 FAQ 7: What are some of the comedic elements of the film?
“What If” incorporates humor through witty dialogue, awkward situations, and quirky supporting characters. The film’s dry wit and observational humor contribute to its overall charm and appeal. The comedic elements help to lighten the mood and make the film more relatable and enjoyable.
H3 FAQ 8: How does the film depict modern dating?
“What If” offers a somewhat cynical view of modern dating. Wallace’s initial experiences with online dating are portrayed as superficial and frustrating. The film suggests that genuine connection is more important than superficial attraction and that finding true love requires more than just swiping right.
H3 FAQ 9: Is “What If” a feminist film?
While not explicitly feminist, “What If” presents a complex and nuanced portrayal of its female character, Chantry. She is independent, intelligent, and capable of making her own decisions. The film avoids portraying her as simply a prize to be won, instead emphasizing her agency and autonomy.
H3 FAQ 10: What role does the setting of Toronto play in the film?
The setting of Toronto adds a layer of authenticity and charm to the film. The film showcases the city’s vibrant culture, diverse neighborhoods, and unique landmarks. The Toronto setting contributes to the film’s overall realism and relatability.
H3 FAQ 11: What is the overall message of “What If”?
The overall message of “What If” is that genuine connection and vulnerability are essential for building meaningful relationships, regardless of their form. The film encourages viewers to embrace honesty, risk heartbreak, and prioritize authentic communication in their pursuit of love.
H3 FAQ 12: Why is “What If” still relevant today?
“What If” remains relevant today because it tackles universal themes of love, friendship, and the complexities of human relationships. The film’s realistic portrayal of these themes resonates with audiences of all ages. Its message about the importance of vulnerability and authentic connection continues to be timely and impactful.