What If

What If

Year: 2014

Runtime: 98 min

Language: Hebrew

Director: Michael Dowse

DramaComedyRomance

Wallace, adrift in the challenges of single life, forges an unexpected and comforting friendship with Chantry, an animator content in her routine. As their bond deepens, they begin to wonder about a different path: what if the love they never acted upon had blossomed into something more? The film thoughtfully examines the nuances of friendship, unspoken desires, and the possibility of finding connection in unexpected places.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – What If (2014)

Explore the full timeline and setting of What If (2014). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary

The events of the film unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern relationships and challenges faced by young adults today. Themes of love, career pressures, and personal development are all prevalent during this time period, alongside the complexities of maintaining friendships and romantic entanglements.

Location

Toronto, Dublin, Taiwan

The movie primarily takes place in Toronto, a vibrant Canadian city known for its diverse culture and iconic skyline. Dublin, Ireland serves as a pivotal location where significant character developments unfold, including a major plot point involving work commitments. Lastly, Taiwan represents a new chapter in the characters' lives, symbolizing both personal growth and career advancement.

🌍 Locations 🏙️ Cities ✈️ Travel

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:47

Main Characters – What If (2014)

Meet the key characters of What If (2014), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe)

Wallace is a socially awkward young man who has retreated from his ambitions after a painful breakup. His character experiences significant growth as he navigates the complexities of love and friendship, ultimately discovering his own feelings for Chantry. Despite his initial hesitations, Wallace emerges as a genuine and caring individual.

💔 Heartbreak 🎓 Personal Growth 😅 Awkwardness

Chantry (Zoe Kazan)

Chantry is a creative and independent woman who finds herself in a complicated love triangle with her boyfriend and Wallace. She struggles with the pressures of her relationship while developing a deep connection with Wallace. Chantry's character embodies the theme of self-discovery as she learns to prioritize her happiness.

💑 Romance 🎨 Creativity 🌟 Independence

Allan (Adam Driver)

Allan is Wallace's charismatic and somewhat reckless friend who encourages him to step out of his comfort zone. His character serves as a catalyst for various events in the film, often pushing Wallace towards opportunities for growth and exploration of his feelings. Allan's light-hearted demeanor contrasts with the more serious undertones of the story.

🎉 Friendship 😄 Humor 🥳 Adventure

Ben (Rafe Spall)

Ben is Chantry's long-time boyfriend, characterized by his commitment to work and his unexpected accidents throughout the story. His presence raises the stakes for Wallace and Chantry, challenging their budding relationship. Ben's role illustrates the complications of loyalty and the impact of career demands on personal relationships.

👔 Career 💼 Commitment ⚠️ Conflict

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:47

Major Themes – What If (2014)

Explore the central themes of What If (2014), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love and Relationships

The movie explores the nuanced nature of love and relationships through the experiences of Wallace and Chantry, highlighting the tension between friendship and romantic feelings. Their journey illustrates the complexities that arise when one develops feelings for someone who is already in a committed relationship. Ultimately, the theme underscores the importance of honesty and communication in fostering genuine connections.

🎓 Personal Growth

Wallace's journey reflects significant personal growth as he transitions from a stagnant lifestyle in a miserable job towards pursuing his passion for medicine and building meaningful relationships. The challenges he faces, including conflicting feelings and setbacks, serve as catalysts for his development. This theme resonates with those grappling with their own life choices and aspirations.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:47

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Bittersweet Friends-to-Lovers Movies like What If

Quietly awkward stories about unspoken love and the risk of changing a friendship.If you enjoyed the tender, awkward tension of What If, you'll find more movies like it here. This collection features romantic comedies and dramas where deep friendships are complicated by unspoken feelings, leading to a bittersweet but ultimately hopeful journey.

romanticawkwardmelancholichopefultenderreflective

Narrative Summary

Stories typically follow a linear progression where two close friends grapple with growing romantic attraction. The central conflict is internal—the fear of confession and potential loss—leading to a period of emotional stagnation or separation before a climactic decision that often results in a happy, hard-won union.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared focus on the 'will-they-won't-they' dynamic within an established friendship. They balance heartfelt humor with melancholic longing, feature a steady, character-driven pace, and deliver a satisfying emotional payoff rooted in real vulnerability.

Movies about Life Transitions like What If

Thoughtful stories about finding your way during periods of personal stagnation and new beginnings.For viewers who liked the reflective, character-driven vibe of What If, this list features similar movies about people navigating life's uncertainties. These stories explore themes of friendship, stagnation, and hopeful new beginnings with a gentle, steady pace.

reflectivehopefulmelancholictendercontemplativeheartwarming

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a protagonist feeling adrift, often meeting someone who helps them see new possibilities. The plot is less about external events and more about internal realizations and small, significant choices that lead toward a more authentic and fulfilling path.

Why These Movies?

They share a medium emotional weight and a steady pacing that allows for character reflection. The core experience is one of empathetic observation, blending light humor with genuine sadness and a ultimately hopeful outlook on change and human connection.

Unlock the Full Story of What If

Don't stop at just watching — explore What If in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what What If is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

What If Summary

Read a complete plot summary of What If, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

What If Summary

What If Timeline

Track the full timeline of What If with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

What If Timeline

What If Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of What If that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

What If Spoiler-Free Summary

More About What If

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about What If: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About What If

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