5 Reasons You Should Go See "What If"

By Alexandra Brown on September 2, 2014

image via http://www.indiewire.com

Michael Dowse’s new indie/hipster-esque rom-com “What If” is not just another shallow, unbearably common attempt at the genre that is usually known for having such a reputation.

It is most likely safe to say that the genre has not produced something so whimsical and quirky since “500 Days of Summer,” which will undoubtedly forever be a favorite among rom-com lovers.

What makes this movie so appealing and a must-see of the summer, above all else, is its originality. Romantic comedies so often portray unrealistically beautiful male and female leads who find each other in some idealistically magical way, fall in love, endure some tragic conflict, and end up living happily ever after. Not the case here (for the most part).

Wallace, the male lead played by Daniel Radcliffe, and Chantry, the female lead played by Zoe Kazan each share different, uncommonly used names. They would also not, by most cultural standards, be considered traditionally beautiful people, like most leads in romantic comedies tend to be. This factor alone makes the movie even more relatable.

Another notable aspect of the movie adding to its originality is the setting, which is not, miraculously, New York City, but Toronto, which took me a little too long to figure out. The amount of romantic comedies that take place in New York City is way too substantial and needs to decline.

Although the movie exhibits the classic “When Harry Met Sally“ story line of two friends eventually becoming something more, it does so in its own unorthodox way.

Wallace and Chantry meet in the kitchen of her cousin’s apartment, where they immediately connect over poetic refrigerator magnets. Not only is the manner in which they meet wonderfully unique, it’s refreshing because it hasn’t been used in every other romantic comedy.

The cast and its acting is the second reason this movie is a summer must-see. The chemistry between Kazan and Radcliffe, two actors who have never before worked together, was surprisingly terrific and made the movie that much more appealing.

The audience was left constantly wanting more for their relationship, which does not end up happening until they least expect it.

Adam Driver of HBO’s “Girls” plays Chantry’s cousin, Allan. Driver is all around entertaining, whether he’s giving Wallace questionable relationship advice, participating in a surprise wedding, or enjoying a large plate of nachos after certain physical activities (and then yelling about it).

It was initially difficult to picture Driver in a role that wasn’t Adam from “Girls,” but as the movie progressed, it could eventually be concluded that Driver is in fact playing himself in everything he stars in on screen.

It was also hard to take Daniel Radcliffe seriously as a male lead in a romantic comedy after growing up seeing him as “the boy who lived,” never having seen him in any other role on screen, and never having noticed just how small he really is compared to other human beings.

Nonetheless, he was a stellar Wallace and worked very well opposite Kazan to make the movie all the more enjoyable.

Another reason to see this movie is because you loved “500 Days of Summer“ so much, which you undeniably did. Although the soundtrack does not come close to competing with that of the 2009 motion picture, “What If“ is similar in the style of its main characters, clever editing strategies and overall quirky feel.

The male and female leads of both movies are each unique and unusual, straying from the norm of the characters in most romantic comedies, making them more relatable.

The 2009 flick featured a male narrator’s fairy tale-like voice throughout, adding in a whimsical feel. A similar feeling is evident in “What If” whenever the animated butterfly, supposedly representing Chantry, flies by in the otherwise nonfictional scenes.

An essential element of any quality movie that “What If” certainly encompasses is good writing, which serves as the fourth reason to go see it. The characters of Wallace and Chantry often have completely sarcastic conversations about things that they make up as they go along, which is something special that only they share, and which was only successful and entertaining as a result of great writing.

The final reason this movie was so enjoyable was because of its humor. Wallace’s reputation with Chantry’s boyfriend becomes even more defective early on when he unintentionally injures Ben severely, in a hilarious manner that I will not give away. This scene serves as reason alone to see this movie.

In another comical scene, Allan is responsible for a hilariously awkward, yet telling prank pulled on Chantry and Wallace involving a beach, loose branches and nudity.

Its originality, talented cast, well-executed humor, and thoughtful writing definitely make “What If“ a must-see among this summer’s romantic comedies.

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