Imaginary: A Forgettable and Directionless Film that Fails to Harness the Power of Imagination

Blumhouse Productions’ film ‘Imaginary’ disappoints with its convoluted plot, simplistic execution, and lackluster performances. Lacking scares and gore, the film fails to fully explore its potential as a horror-comedy. Ultimately, ‘Imaginary’ is a forgettable and directionless film that falls short of leaving a lasting impression.

Imaginary: A Disappointing Film that Fails to Harness the Power of Imagination

Blumhouse Productions’ film ‘Imaginary’ falls short of expectations with its convoluted plot, simplistic execution, and lackluster performances. Despite its potential as a horror-comedy, the film fails to deliver scares and gore, leaving viewers wanting more.

( Credit to: Rogerebert )

Directed by Jeff Wadlow, known for his work on ‘Truth or Dare,’ ‘Imaginary’ suffers from a lack of depth in its storytelling. The flat expositional dialogue and underdeveloped creative concept contribute to its lackluster execution.

The story revolves around Jessica, a children’s book author and illustrator, who is trying to connect with her stepdaughters, Taylor and Alice. As Alice develops an imaginary friend named Chauncey, what starts as an innocent childhood rite of passage takes a sinister turn. Chauncey demands increasingly alarming actions from Alice before taking her on a mysterious ‘trip’.

A Directionless Plot Hindered by Confusing Elements

Beneath the surface of the domestic drama lies a secondary plotline that hints at childhood traumas and a strained relationship between Jessica and her father. While the psychic connection between Alice and Jessica becomes clearer throughout the film, the story veers off into confusing territory, introducing new laws, worldbuilding, and histories that overshadow the initial narrative.

The introduction of Gloria, an old neighbor and Jessica’s childhood babysitter, takes the film into shallow waters of mythic science fiction. The film introduces a ‘Coraline’-style hidden door that leads to an imaginative underworld inhabited by lost children and bug-eyed imaginary friends. However, the CG landscape fails to capture the levity or fun of similar films like ‘The Haunted Mansion’ or ‘Thirteen Ghosts’.

Lacking Scares and Gore, Failing to Fully Explore Its Potential

Despite its aspirations to be a horror film, ‘Imaginary’ lacks the necessary scares and gore to deliver a truly captivating experience. The film falls into a monotonous pace, teasing bloodshed and tension without delivering on its promises. The script, penned by Jeff Wadlow, Jason Oremland, and Greg Erb, feels plain and fails to fully explore the facets of its potential.

‘Imaginary’ could have been a campy, blood-soaked version of ‘Ted’ or an absurd, self-aware horror-comedy like ‘M3gan’ or ‘Child’s Play.’ However, the film ends up floating aimlessly, detached from any sense of intention or thoughtfulness. Ironically, for a film that celebrates the power of imagination, ‘Imaginary’ neglects to harness its own ethos.

A Forgettable and Lackluster Film

In the end, ‘Imaginary’ is a forgettable film that fails to leave a lasting impression. Its bland execution and lack of identity prevent it from standing out among its peers. Despite its concept’s potential, the film falls short in delivering a captivating and memorable experience.

Blumhouse Productions has had its fair share of hit-or-miss films, and unfortunately, ‘Imaginary’ falls into the category of filler films. With its convoluted plot, simplistic execution, and lackluster performances, the film fails to live up to its potential as a captivating horror-comedy.

Peyton Robinson, a freelance film writer based in Chicago, IL, provides this honest and critical review of ‘Imaginary.’ With a passion for storytelling, Peyton brings a unique perspective to his writing, connecting with readers on an emotional level.