What If (2013)
Film · Drama, Comedy, Romance
Stream itif you enjoy clever, fast-paced dialogue and a grounded approach to the 'best friends' romantic trope.
A witty and grounded take on the "just friends" dilemma that benefits from sharp dialogue and genuine chemistry between the leads. It feels real and relatable rather than overly sentimental, making it a great pick for a dryly humorous date night.
What it is about
Medical-school dropout Wallace has 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?
Trailer
What What If is like, and who it is for
What it is like to watch
Watching this film feels like observing a genuine, slightly awkward conversation between two highly articulate people. The pace is brisk, driven by overlapping banter and dry wit rather than physical comedy. While it operates within the framework of a traditional romantic comedy, the tone remains grounded, favouring observational humour and lived-in moments over grand, cinematic gestures. It captures the specific, slightly claustrophobic intimacy of a new friendship that threatens to become something more.
Who it is for, and who should skip it
This is for those who appreciate the 'mumblecore' aesthetic but want a more polished script and a recognisable structure. It will appeal to viewers who like their romance served with a side of cynicism and sharp irony. However, those seeking a high-stakes drama or a purely escapist fantasy might find the central dilemma—the 'friend zone'—a bit slight or repetitive. The film’s greatest strength is its supporting cast, though their heightened energy occasionally highlights how quiet the leads are.
The right evening for it
It is ideal for a low-key evening when you want something smart and comforting that doesn't feel sugary. It pairs well with a quiet night in and a bottle of wine, offering enough intellectual stimulation to remain engaging throughout.
Written by our AI from the facts on this page. It has opinions; it has not watched it.
How What If leaves you
One line on the mood it ends on, with no plot. Some people count that as a spoiler, so it stays hidden until you ask.
It leaves you with a warm, thoughtful glow and a lingering appreciation for the messy, complicated nature of modern platonic and romantic connections.
Stills
Images from TMDB.
If you like this, try
When Harry Met Sally... (1989)
the definitive exploration of whether men and women can just be friends
500 Days of Summer (2009)
a similarly modern, slightly cynical take on romantic expectations
Sleeping with Other People (2015)
sharp, adult dialogue and chemistry-heavy lead performances
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What If soundtrack
Music by A.C. Newman
Questions people ask
- Is What If a romantic film?
- Yes. On Watchlist Boosted it is tagged Romantic, with a funny streak. A witty and grounded take on the "just friends" dilemma that benefits from sharp dialogue and genuine chemistry between the leads. It feels real and relatable rather than overly sentimental, making it a great pick for a dryly humorous date night.
- How long is What If?
- What If runs 98 min and was released in 2013.
- Where can I watch What If in Australia?
- In Australia, What If is included with Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel.
- Who composed the music for What If?
- The music for What If is by A.C. Newman.
- Is What If worth watching?
- Stream it: if you enjoy clever, fast-paced dialogue and a grounded approach to the 'best friends' romantic trope. IMDb users rate it 6.8 out of 10 from 84,950 votes, Rotten Tomatoes gives it 73%, Metacritic 59 and TMDB users 6.7.
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