What If (2013)

Wallace, who is burned out from a string of failed relationships, forms an instant bond with Chantry, who lives with her longtime boyfriend. Together, they puzzle out what it means if your best friend is also the love of your life.

Director:

Michael Dowse

Writers:

Elan Mastai, T.J. Dawe (play)

Stars:

Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan, Megan Park

2 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Daniel Radcliffe	...	Wallace
Zoe Kazan	...	Chantry
Megan Park	...	Dalia
Adam Driver	...	Allan
Mackenzie Davis	...	Nicole
Rafe Spall	...	Ben
Lucius Hoyos	...	Felix
Jemima Rooper	...	Ellie
Tommie-Amber Pirie	...	Gretchen
Meghan Heffern	...	Tabby
Jonathan Cherry	...	Josh
Rebecca Northan	...	Holly
Jordan Hayes	...	Becky
Oona Chaplin	...	Julianne
Adam Fergus	...	Rolf

Storyline

WHAT IF is the story of medical school dropout Wallace, who's 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?

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Plot Keywords:

friendship | love | friend | animator | refrigerator magnet | 

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Taglines:

Good friends... Bad idea?

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for sexual content, including references throughout, partial nudity and language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

Ireland Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 August 2014 (USA)

Also Known As:

If You're Lucky

Filming Locations:

Cinespace Film Studios, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$11,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$133,898, 8 August 2014, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$3,452,117, 12 September 2014

Company Credits

Production Co:

No Trace Camping, Caramel Film, Fastnet Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the opening scene, Wallace deletes the voicemail message from his ex-girlfriend after saving it for 379 days. This is exactly one year and two weeks.

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Goofs

Chantry and Wallace meet at a party at Allan's place. At Chantry's going-away party near the end of the movie, much of the wallpaper looks the same as earlier, so it appears to also be at Allan's apartment. But both the color and pattern of the wallpaper behind the refrigerator are different between the two parties.

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Quotes

Chantry: I think I messed it up really bad. I called him a liar. And I think I might be the liar.
Dalia: No.
Chantry: Yes. I mean, I think it might count as lying if you lie to yourself.

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Crazy Credits

The beginning of the closing credits are done with Chantry's animations telling some of the story of the movie as well as some of the back story.

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Connections

Features The Princess Bride (1987)

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Soundtracks

H.OS.H. Woohoo (ft OST & KJEX)
Performed by Pete Tong
Written by Holger Behn
Courtesy of Diynamic Music

User Reviews

A smart and charming romantic comedy.

The summer of 2014 hasn't seen as many strong independent films like last year. However, in the final days of the summer movie season comes Michael Dowse's "What If", a smart and charming romantic comedy. It's a well written film about Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe) who becomes friends with Chantry (Zoe Kazan) who is with her long time boyfriend Ben (Rafe Spall). Wallace and Chantry develop feelings for each other and struggle with what to do. It sounds cheesy and boring, but don't miss this film.

Elan Mastai's script is sharp and never over extends it hand. It combines several kinds of humor, from slapstick to witty. Mastai's screenplay balances all these humors well while also getting to the heart of the situation. The film has depth and mature conversations about romance and what to do when stuck in a love triangle.

The film is also well cast. Radcliffe feels very natural in the role. It's nice to see him play an everyday man instead of some epic famous character. Radcliffe is good at both and this film proves it. He also has good chemistry with Kazan. Radcliffe and Kazan are balanced well with Adam Driver's Allan and Mackenzie Davis' Nicole. Driver is hilarious and steals the scenes. All of them fit their parts very well and give the film its charm.

The story can be predictable and maybe a bit forced at times, but its heart warming and grows on you. It uses artistic and visual motifs well and feels well rounded and complete. The film also has a nice indie rock soundtrack that fits right in. "What If" seems like a nice blend between " (500) Days of Summer" and "When Harry Met Sally...".

The romantic comedy genre seems to be criticized a lot. There are plenty of junk films in it, but "What If" is a gem. It's well written and acted and is able to balance many kinds of humors to please many people. "What If" is a romantic comedy done right. It is a nice little treat at the end of a blockbuster filled summer.