Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- None
- witty
- warm
- self aware
- date night
- lazy sunday
What critics said
Critics generally found the familiar romantic-comedy structure elevated by sharp dialogue and the effervescent chemistry between Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan, though some considered it bland or overly neat.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Wallace and Chantry build a close friendship while acknowledging their chemistry and Chantry's existing relationship with Ben.
Critics specifically describe the film as a smart, self-aware riff on romantic-comedy conventions with sharp dialogue.
Chantry lives with longtime boyfriend Ben while her connection with Wallace raises questions about whether friendship conceals a deeper match.
The story is associated with Toronto, and its urban Canadian setting is a defining part of its cultural texture.
Films like What If, and why
When Harry Met Sally...
Shared romantic comedy framework, best friends becoming potential partners, witty dialogue, and bittersweet emotional hesitation.
500 Days of Summer
Shared self-aware romantic comedy conventions, youthful relationship uncertainty, and an indie-leaning emotional tone.
Friends with Benefits
Shared friends-to-lovers premise, conversational humor, ensemble chemistry, and sincere exploration of romantic timing.
Movie Details
- Director
- Michael Dowse
- Release Date
- 2013-09-07
- Runtime
- 98 min
- Rating
- 6.7 / 10 (2117)
Cast
- Daniel Radcliffe
- Zoe Kazan
- Megan Park
- Adam Driver
- Mackenzie Davis
- Rafe Spall
- Lucius Hoyos
- Jemima Rooper
- Tommie-Amber Pirie
- Meghan Heffern
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is What If about?
- A wary medical school dropout and an animator test the limits of friendship when undeniable chemistry collides with her longtime relationship.
- What is What If like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of What If as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.
- Is What If violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in What If.
- What did critics think of What If?
- Critics generally found the familiar romantic-comedy structure elevated by sharp dialogue and the effervescent chemistry between Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan, though some considered it bland or overly neat.
- Which films are like What If?
- Films with a similar feel include When Harry Met Sally..., 500 Days of Summer, and Friends with Benefits.
- How long is What If?
- What If runs 98 minutes.
- Where can I watch What If?
- In United States, What If is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
