MOVIE REVIEW: IMAGINARY

MOVIE REVIEW: IMAGINARY
Directed by Jeff Wadlow
Starring DeWanda Wise, Taegan Burns, Pyper Braun
Reviewed by Tia Pinnegar
60%

Imaginary is a 2024 Blumhouse horror movie about a stepmum who moves her new family into her childhood home, only to find that her stepdaughter has found the imaginary friend – in the shape of a seemingly harmless teddy bear named Chauncey – that she left behind when she left the house.

Did you have an imaginary friend growing up? What if it came back with a grudge for having been left behind?

This film very cleverly plays on the idea with a paranormal aspect. DeWanda Wise stars as the stepmum Jessica, with her two stepdaughters Taylor, 15 (Taegan Burns), and Alice, 10 (a great debut in this film by Pyper Braun).

Director Jeff Waldow (known for Kickass and Truth Or Dare) hides lots of little easter eggs throughout the movie which refer to the beginning or a plot line we haven’t yet seen, all of which proves adept at alluding to a striking ending. When we get there his denouement ties up pretty much all loose ends, leaving the viewer in shock and disbelief afterwards.

With many intriguing plot lines and twists, Imaginary’s cast have undeniable chemistry, but its adherence to well-worn stereotypes lets it down some.

 

Category: Movie & Theatre Reviews