What If

In the poignant comedy-drama "What If," British actor Daniel Radcliffe stars as Wallace, a lovable but slightly eccentric medical-school dropout who has had more than his fair share of heartbreak. The film's opening scene showcases Wallace's latest breakup, leaving him feeling dejected and questioning his ability to find the love of his life. As he wallows in self-pity, his roommate Allan (Rizwan Manji) reminds him that he's not alone in the dating world, and that many of their friends are finding significant others. However, Wallace's outlook is not entirely optimistic, and he comes to the conclusion that it's better to put his love life on hold for the time being. As he navigates the complexities of modern dating, Wallace becomes increasingly withdrawn, leading to a series of wacky misadventures that only serve to make him feel more isolated. It's against this backdrop that he meets Chantry (Zoe Kazan), an animator who lives with her longtime boyfriend Ben (Adam Driver). Wallace and Chantry's initial encounter is a chance one, but they quickly form a strong bond based on their shared sense of humor and quick-witted banter. As they spend more time together, they discover a deepening connection that transcends mere friendship, and Wallace is drawn to the possibility of more. Yet, there's a catch: Chantry is already in a committed relationship with Ben, and Wallace fears that pursuing a romantic relationship with her would lead to the destruction of their friendship. Ben, for his part, seems like the perfect partner for Chantry - he's charming, supportive, and genuinely loves her. But as the story unfolds, subtle cracks begin to appear in their relationship, revealing a more complex dynamic at play. Meanwhile, Wallace and Chantry's friendship grows in intensity, and they find themselves constantly wondering what could have been if they had taken a different path. The central theme of the film - that of missed opportunities and what-ifs - is a universal one that resonates deeply with audiences. Who hasn't found themselves asking "what if" about a past relationship or a decision that they wish they had taken? Director Michael Dowse masterfully captures this sense of longing and nostalgia, often using a mix of humor and pathos to bring the drama to the forefront. The cast is uniformly excellent, with Radcliffe and Kazan displaying a natural chemistry that makes their characters' friendship feel authentic and true-to-life. Adam Driver brings a charismatic presence to the role of Ben, even as his character's imperfections begin to reveal themselves. Rizwan Manji and Megan Park (playing Allan's girlfriend) add additional comedic relief, with Manji delivering some particularly memorable one-liners that help to offset the film's more serious moments. One of the standout features of "What If" is its thoughtful exploration of the complexities of relationships. While the film ultimately takes a hopeful tone, it never shies away from the messy realities of love and heartbreak. Dowse and writer Elan Mastai (who wrote the film based on Mastai's own stage play) take a refreshingly honest approach to the subject, tackling issues like emotional vulnerability, communication, and the blurred lines between friendship and romance. As the story reaches its climax, Wallace and Chantry are faced with a daunting decision: should they follow their hearts, or play it safe and maintain the status quo. Their answer, much like the rest of the film, is bittersweet and nuanced, acknowledging the uncertainty and unpredictability of life's big choices. Whether or not the titular question is definitively answered is beside the point, however - the real value of "What If" lies in its thoughtful exploration of the human experience, and the ways in which we navigate the ups and downs of love and friendship.