What If

What If is a charming and refreshing romantic comedy starring Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan, released in 2013, which explores the complex dynamics of friendship, love, and the blurred lines between the two. The movie is also known as The F Word in some international markets, which underscores the movie's central theme - the "friendship" conundrum, throwing the platonic and romantic relationship into high relief. Directed by Michael Dowse with the screenplay by Elan Mastai, the film boasts a cleverly written script that steers clear of the typical pair-up and plays accordingly with well-crafted dialogues, forming the crux of the narrative; thus, offering a fresh take on associated tropes.

Daniel Radcliffe plays the character of Wallace, a medical school dropout who’s somewhat worn out and disillusioned by past failed relationships. His endearing, nuanced performance sheds light on his character's complexities, a man struggling between cynicism and yearning for love, expressing the pain and exquisite joy of falling in love with equal precision. He meets the spirited and quirky animator, Chantry, portrayed by Zoe Kazan, at a party thrown by his best friend (Adam Driver). The meet-cute occurs over the sloppy mess of fridge magnets, which forms the basis of their budding friendship.

Wallace and Chantry share an undeniable chemistry and mutual interests that keep the viewers engaged. However, there’s a catch! Chantry has a long-term boyfriend, Ben, played by Rafe Spall, who is a successful United Nations lawyer. What follows is an exploration of friendship tied in the knot of unrequited romantic feelings. Wallace and Chantry's dynamic gives viewers a real and vivid outlook into the complexities of handling a friendship that could potentially turn into a romantic relationship, thereby complicating and potentially ruining everything.

What sets What If apart from other romantic comedies is its unique blend of charm, wit, and authenticity. It has a genuine, heartfelt plot that represents friendships and relationships in a raw, unfiltered light. The writing is smart and sassy, filled with comical and poignant dialogues that break away from cliché and perfunctory romantic exchanges. It effectively captures the awkwardness and angst associated with undefined relationships, thus, making it relatable for the audience.

Megan Park appears in the role of Dalia, Wallace’s sister, who proves to be a memorable character with her punchy oneliners and her complicated love life, functioning almost as a side plot. Adam Driver, known for his intense performances, adds another layer to the narrative as Allan, Wallace's wild and wisecracking best friend. His offbeat, unfiltered humor, and unpredictability keep the plot from skewing too serious, offering viewers moments of comic relief.

The film displays an array of attractive cinematography underlined with a beautiful blend of the urban landscape and charming animations - sometimes poignant, sometimes whimsical - corresponding to Kazan's character's creative occupation. The background score and aptly selected songs further contribute to the tone and vibe of the film, making it a perfect watch for a cozy night in.

What If might come across as another addition to the rom-com genre; however, its effortlessly cool and quirky take on modern love keeps viewers hooked throughout its screen time. The result yields an introspective, heartwarming film that leaves you pondering the complicated, yet beautiful intricacies of love and friendship. It's a film about taking risks, staying true to one’s feelings, exploring the "what ifs" in life, and learning that sometimes, the most significant relationships in our lives grow from friendships.

Featuring terrific performances from the cast, What If is an endearing love story wrapped in layers of friendship and romantic anxieties that resonate strongly among the audience. It's genuinely one of the more refreshing and engaging romantic comedies that extend beyond the ordinary, offering a thoughtful and authentic representation of modern-day love. In conclusion, What If delivers romance with a lot of heart and humor. It is an exceptional romantic comedy that deserves a spot on your watch list if you're a fan of unsullied, deep, and real depictions of love and relationships.