Quirky, yet perfect
Romantic comedies often stumble when they try too hard to be clever, but What If finds its charm in sharp dialogue and grounded chemistry. Daniel Radcliffe stars as Wallace, a medical school dropout stuck in a rut, who meets Chantry (Zoe Kazan), an animator with a boyfriend. What follows is a familiar âwill they, wonât theyâ story, but itâs executed with such wit and sincerity that it stands out.
Radcliffe proves he can do more than wizardry, playing Wallace as awkward but endearing. Personally, I resonated with himâhis slightly offbeat nature mirrors my own. Kazanâs Chantry is quirky without becoming a caricature, and together they create a believable friendship that constantly flirts with something more. Their conversations are fast, witty, and sometimes wonderfully strange. Lesser writing might have sunk the film, but here the sharpness of the script makes these moments the heart of the story, pulling you in even when the plot treads familiar ground.
The supporting cast also adds dimension, with Adam Driver stealing nearly every scene heâs in. His chaotic energy provides the perfect counterbalance to Wallaceâs introspection and keeps the pacing lively.
No, this movie doesnât reinvent the rom-com formulaâbut in my view, the formula doesnât need reinvention when itâs done this well. The Toronto setting offers a refreshing backdrop compared to the usual New York or LA romances, and the humor feels fresh rather than manufactured.
What If is breezy, funny, and quietly heartfelt. Itâs a story about timing, choice, and the fragile line between friendship and love. While it may look like just another rom-com on paper, itâs the kind of film that sneaks up on you, leaving you smiling and maybe even a little thoughtful.
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