What If
Performance & Direction: What If Review
Last updated: February 18, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is What If (2013) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and What If features a noteworthy lineup led by Daniel Radcliffe . Supported by the likes of Zoe Kazan and Megan Park , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: What If
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2013, What If is a Drama, Comedy, Romance film directed by Michael Dowse. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Daniel Radcliffe.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Medical-school dropout Wallace has been repeatedly burned by bad relationships. So while everyone around him, including his roommate Allan, seems to be finding the perfect partner, Wallace decides to put his love life on hold. It is then that he meets Chantry, an animator who lives with her longtime boyfriend Ben. Wallace and Chantry form an instant connection, striking up a close friendship. Still, there is no denying the chemistry between them, leading the pair to wonder, what if the love of your life is actually your best friend? The screenplay takes time to develop Daniel Radcliffe's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Daniel Radcliffe's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: What If
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Michael Dowse, What If concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Daniel Radcliffe, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of What If reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch What If?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Daniel Radcliffe or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: What If
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $11.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $8.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
What If Budget
The estimated production budget for What If is $11.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: What If
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Where to Watch What If Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeWhat If Parents Guide & Age Rating
2013 AdvisoryWondering about What If age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of What If is 98 minutes (1h 38m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, What If is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2013 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What If worth watching?
What If is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find What If parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for What If identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of What If?
The total duration of What If is 98 minutes, which is approximately 1h 38m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
