“Imaginary,” the latest offering from Blumhouse under Jeff Wadlow’s direction, unfortunately comes across as just another forgettable entry in their catalogue. The storyline appears convoluted, yet it’s executed in a rather simplistic manner, accompanied by uninspiring dialogue, unimpressive visuals, and a concept that fails to fully develop.
The plot revolves around Jessica, a children’s book author, who moves into her childhood home with her husband Max and stepdaughters, Taylor and Alice. When Alice creates an imaginary friend named Chauncey, it triggers unsettling memories from Jessica’s past, leading to dangerous consequences.
Jessica, grappling with her role within her new family, finds refuge in her imagination and her work as a children’s book author. Meanwhile, her stepdaughter Alice, dealing with her mother’s mental health issues, conjures up an imaginary friend named Chauncey. However, as Alice’s bond with Chauncey strengthens, it deeply affects Jessica. Yet, the narrative becomes increasingly perplexing as it introduces new elements, resulting in a disjointed storyline.
The introduction of Jessica’s old neighbor Gloria marks a peculiar shift in the film from horror to a superficial form of science fiction. Instead of a possessed bear or spirit, there’s now a hidden door leading to an underground world populated by lost children and bug-eyed imaginary friends. However, the CGI landscape resembles that of “The Haunted Mansion” and “Thirteen Ghosts,” lacking their engaging atmosphere.
Rather than delivering genuine scares and thrills, “Imaginary” falls short of its potential, presenting a mishmash of tropes without any satisfying payoff. The slow pacing and lack of suspense contribute to constant disappointment, with anticipated moments of tension or violence turning into letdowns.
The film’s lackluster script and performances further diminish its impact. Every line feels forced, and the movie fails to explore its intriguing premise. While it had the potential to be a campy horror-comedy akin to “Ted” or “Child’s Play,” it ultimately lacks direction and fails to carve out its own identity. Despite ostensibly celebrating imagination, it ironically neglects its own ethos, resulting in a forgettable and uninspired viewing experience.
| Aspect | Review |
|---|---|
| Plot | Overly complex yet executed simplistically, with a half-baked concept that lacks development. |
| Characters | Characters like Jessica and Alice lack depth, and their interactions feel forced. |
| Visuals | Uninspired visuals with CGI landscapes reminiscent of other films but lacking their charm. |
| Tone | Shifts from horror to shallow science fiction, resulting in a disjointed narrative. |
| Horror Elements | Falls short in delivering scares and gore, relying too heavily on its concept without payoff. |
| Script | Lackluster script with dull dialogue and forced performances, failing to explore its potential. |
| Identity | Lacks a clear identity and direction, missing the opportunity to become a campy horror-comedy. |
| Overall Impact | Despite celebrating imagination, it neglects its own ethos and ends up forgettable and bland. |
