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.
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?Written by
CBS Films
When Chantry and Wallace first meet at the party the song "Best of Friends" by English rock band Palma Violets can be heard. The chorus of this song includes the line "I wanna be your best friend I don't want you to be mine." See more »
Goofs
When Ben is in the ambulance his neck-brace isn't placed correctly. It should be under his chin. See more »
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. See more »
Alternate Versions
Original/TIFF cut is appx 101 minutes, US cut is appx 98 minutes, and TIFF cut (PAL DVD) is appx 97 minutes (obviously due to PAL speedup differences). Comparing Australian PAL DVD (original/TIFF cut) to US Bluray (US cut), changes begin from AU version at appx 65:00, equivalent to US version at appx 65:13 :
"Lawn Bowls" reordered scene: AU @ 65:00-66:26 --> US @ 67:48
"Tearing list" scene: AU @ 66:54-67:00 --> deleted from US
"Chantry wandering around Dublin" scene: AU @ 67:04-67:15 --> deleted from US
"We're Just Friends" scene: AU @ 67:28-68:13 --> deleted from US (found as an extra on the retail disc)
"3 points" scene: US @ 69:33-69:38 --> deleted from AU
"Where is Chantry" reordered scene: AU @ 68:13-69:45 --> US @ 69:38-71:08
"Wallace going to Dublin" scene: AU @ 69:45-69:56 --> deleted from US
"Wallace landing in Dublin" reordered scene: AU @ 72:10-72:13 --> US @ 71:08-71:10
"Wallace waking up in Dublin on plane" scene: AU @ 72:13-72:24 --> deleted from US
"Wallace found unconscious" scene: AU @ 73:06-73:32 --> deleted from US
"Chantry's voicemail message to Wallace" alternate/reordered scene (shorter on US): US @ 72:00-72:10 --> uses AU @ 7427-7440 footage
"Chantry's voicemail message to Wallace" alternate & Wallace's voicemail message to Chantry" scenes: AU @ 73:32-74:08--> deleted from US
"Wallace leaving Ben's" same scene: AU @ 74:08-74:18 --> US @ 72:10-72:18
"Wallace departing Dublin" scenes: AU @ 74:15-74:27 and 74:40-75:00 --> deleted from US
"Landing at Toronto" same scene: AU @ 75:00-75:04 --> US @ 72:18-72:22
"Rushing to restaurant" scene: AU @ 75:04-75:15 --> deleted from US
"Outside restaurant" scene: AU @ 75:15 extended by appx 1 second
"New US ending" scene: US @ 87:05-90:40 --> not on AU (found as an extra on the retail disc). Scene is out of narrative order when compared to animated end credits, and should have been placed after animated credits.
Animated end credits are also somewhat different, and run at different speeds (outside PAL speedup): AU @ 90:00-94:37 --> US @ 90:40-93:19
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.
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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.