IF (2024)
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Family
Director: John Krasinski
Stars: Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Fiona Shaw, Steve Carell
Plot: A young girl who goes through a difficult experience begins to see everyone’s imaginary friends who have been left behind as their real-life friends have grown up.
* * *
[nostalgic music playing]
Hot, hot, hot, hot, hot.
Oh! [both laugh]
[narrator] I remember my mom always asked me to tell her a story.
And I never knew why.
Maybe it was just something to make her smile.
[laughing]
[narrator] To take her away from it all.
[Dad] Here she comes! Aah!
Salute.
[narrator] It wasn’t until much later that I realized that these stories she wanted me to tell had nothing to do with her at all.
When I realized that the most important stories we have to tell… are the ones we tell ourselves.
[blows]
Whoo!
Are you ready?
Whoa! [Mom laughs]
[speaking indistinctly]
Shh.
Boo! Oh, my God! That is so scary!
[Dad, child talking gibberish]
[imitating creature] Hey, Bear, I’m having a conversation here.
Abracadabra!
Whoa! Bea, that’s amazing!
Bye, Grandma. Bye. Love you.
[door opens]
[Grandmother] I don’t know if you saw him, honey. Come in.
He sometimes helps me park the car.
We were lucky to get a park, because often by the late afternoon…
Whew!
…there aren’t any. [chuckles]
And then I’ve got to go round and round the block… [pants] and I’m very lucky if I ever get one. Whew!
[grunts, pants]
Oh, my goodness.
[chuckles] Those stairs!
I mean… Oh. Right.
Well… here we are.
Well, come on in. Yeah, come on in.
I mean, nothing much has changed, I don’t think.
Except, um… was that couch here the last time?
I don’t think it was.
There we are.
Well, I don’t know why I’m asking you that, because you were just this high.
Right. Well, I did a bit of a shop, because, um…
Well, are you– are you– are you hungry at all?
I mean, if you…
Well, right. Well, you just tell me if you do– if you are hungry, because the kitchen is through here.
[Grandmother speaking indistinctly]
Right. Well…
[clicks tongue] And here… we have some fresh sheets and, of course, some, uh, fresh towels there on the chair.
And over here, you might remember something a little bit special.
I kept every painting you did that summer in here.
I mean, I-I could barely keep up with everything that went on in that little head of yours.
Oh, Grandma?
I’m twelve.
I don’t really do that anymore.
Of course.
Of course.
I’m– I am just going to put all of this in here.
Right.
Done. Done.
Right, we better get going,
’cause your dad’ll be expecting you.
And, uh, you probably want to eat with him.
You could have something here if you like. Can I get you something?
Where are my keys?
I left them somewhere.
Oh, keys, keys, keys.
I’ll be in in a minute.
[elevator dings]
[chattering]
[door opens]
[nurse] How are you feeling? [Dad] Feel good.
I’ll let the doctor know you’re here, and he’ll go over everything with you.
Yeah, let him know I’m here. We’ll go from there.
Whoa! How’d you even get in here?
Sorry about her. [chuckles]
I’m in no state to dance, that’s for sure.
But if we were to dance, we’re gonna do it for real, okay?
You want to?
All right, she wants to go. Let’s go. We’re gonna do it.
Two, three, four, five, six.
Yes, and you’ve got it.
Go. Yes. Yes. This is it. [nurse chuckles]
Oh, what?
Big finish, big finish! Come on, girl!
We’ve never rehearsed it.
Thank you, judges. Be kind. [nurse chuckles] Yes!
It’s the applause that keeps me young. Aw.
Bea, this is Janet. Janet, this is my daughter, Bea.
[Janet] It’s lovely to meet you, Bea.
Your father’s told me so much about you.
Nice to meet you, too.
What are they giving you? Oh, this?
[blows] Magic.
[chuckles] All right, I’ll let you two catch up.
Anything I could get for you, Bea?
[Dad] Do you want anything? I’m good, thanks.
Just a burger for me.
Extra cheese, bacon. Cholesterol, really.
Dad. Yeah?
Okay. She’s right. Broccoli.
Just all broccoli.
Great. And a water maybe. Sorry, she’s usually more fun.
[Janet chuckling]
So, how was the ride down?
I’m really sorry I couldn’t be there to pick you up.
It was Harriet’s only time she could rehearse, and she’s a bit of a diva. Dad.
You really don’t have to do this.
Do what?
Treat me like a kid.
Ah.
Sometimes life doesn’t always have to be fun, you know?
Well, that’s true.
Very true.
It doesn’t stop us from trying though.
[chuckles]
But you know what?
You’re right. [sighs]
Sometimes life isn’t fun.
Like coming back here.
Reminds us of Mom all over again, doesn’t it?
And maybe even makes you worry that that could happen again.
But the good news is…
I’m not Mom.
I’m not sick.
I’m just…
broken.
[chuckling]
And I can be fixed.
Look at me.
It’s a very simple surgery.
And I’m gonna be fine.
I promise.
Okay.
But you got to promise me something.
That you will not hang around here.
That you will get out there and have some fun.
I mean, you got to admit, one day it’s gonna make a hell of a story.
What?
Living in New York?
[chuckles]
Being a kid.
[chuckles]
[Veta, through TV] You and I may take a little ride later.
[Elwood, through TV] Oh, I’d like that.
It’s certainly been a long time since we’ve been for a drive.
You’re very sweet and thoughtful, Veta.
[Veta] Don’t forget to wait for me, Elwood. I’ll be right back.
[Elwood] All right, well, make yourself comfortable, Harvey.
[loud thump]
[Elwood] There. All right?
Veta wants to talk to us.
[TV continues, indistinct]
[door creaks]
[hatch shuts]
[radio host] …skateboarded across Canada in 11 months, raising over $14 million to fight heart disease.
He covered over 5,000 miles…
Hello?
What? What? Can you–
Oh, God.
[butterfly] Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God.
[footsteps running]
[butterfly] Not good. Not good. Not good.
Oh, and she’s following, she’s following.
Hey!
[butterfly] Oh, God, no.
No, no, no. No. Stay, stay!
[Bea] Wait! [butterfly panting] Oh, God.
So many stairs. So… many… stairs.
[door opens, closes]
[butterfly] I think she followed me.
[man upstairs] What do you mean she followed you?
When? [butterfly] Just now.
[man upstairs] What do you mean, “now”?
Right now. Now now. Because I think she–
I think she saw me. [man upstairs] What do you mean?
[butterfly] Right in the eyes. Boom!
And then run, run, run. And then stairs, stairs, stairs.
But then she’s there, and she’s coming.
And she’s bigger, and she’s faster.
And I think she– [man upstairs] Shh, shh, shh.
[gasps]
Hello?
[man upstairs] Please go away.
I, um…
I was just trying to say hello to your little girl.
[man upstairs] No little girl here. Please go away, please!
Okay.
I just moved in downstairs… and I don’t really have anybody to talk to.
[door opens]
Who…
Who is that? I’m sorry, I was just–
[neighbor] Oh, it’s you.
You’d better get back downstairs.
It’s too late to be up here!
Yes, ma’am.
[Elwood, through TV] Harvey!
Harvey?
[patient] Hi!
Hi.
Those for me?
Uh, no, actually. They’re for my dad.
Just kidding.
Oh! Want to play chess?
TV’s busted.
I’m sorry?
It’s okay. It’s not your fault.
That’s why my mom got me chess.
Checkers.
What happened?
I fell.
I fall a lot.
This time I broke my leg and my…
coxxyx?
Cozzyx? No, uh, my cowzyx?
Cozmokyx?
You know, I just broke my butt.
[chuckles]
And your arm, too? What’d you fall from?
Oh, separate incidentses.
Got it.
I’m Benjamin, by the way.
I’m Bea. Cool!
What does B stand for?
Oh, nothing. My mom just used to call me Bea.
I like it. Just B.
Well, it was really nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you, too.
You know where to find me!
Oh, hello.
You have to stop.
Never.
[Bea singing along to “Better Be Good to Me” over camcorder]
[singing continues]
[loud thump]
[butterfly] Oh, God. So many stairs!
[footsteps running]
[butterfly] We’ve got to go. We’ve got to go right now.
[man upstairs] I’m not going anywhere. I just poured some–
[butterfly whispering] It’s him.
[man upstairs] Oh, God. [door closes]
[man upstairs] Honestly, this is the last time I’m doing this.
Never again.
[butterfly] I’m sorry, how is it my fault?
You leave the photos out, he’s gonna find them.
[man upstairs] I didn’t– I said it wasn’t your fault.
[butterfly] I’m not even gonna listen to this.
[man upstairs] I’m sorry– [butterfly] I would never have let him–
No, because, number one, he’s too big. He’s just generally too big.
And secondly, everything else!
[man upstairs] He’s gigantic. How did he get up there?
[butterfly] Beautiful house.
Oh! Imagine. One day. Second floor.
[chattering]
Okay, you go around there– All right.
Just go! You’re so rude.
[man upstairs straining]
[grunts]
[straining continues]
[thuds]
[panting]
[gasps]
[whispering] Blue!
Blue?
This is it.
I swear to God,
if you don’t answer me right now,
disappearing will be the least of– [toys squeaking]
Hi.
Well, lookee, lookee.
[chuckles] Okay, okay. I know how it looks.
But the truth is,
she loves me!
We are doing great!
Really? I heard she cried for an hour.
Oh, come on.
An hour seems like a little bit of an embellishment.
Do you know how hard it is to cry for an hour?
Grab your stuff. We’re leaving.
No, no, no!
You can’t take me away. This is the one.
She is the perfect fit. I promise.
Did you talk to her?
Well, no. It was hard to with all the crying.
Exactly. That’s not a good thing.
Did she even see you? She was about to.
She was about to? Absolutely!
I can almost guarantee it.
I think.
What happened?
Well, she was putting that creepy doll to sleep.
[shudders]
She stopped. She looked up.
She definitely felt something.
So I slowly walked over to her.
And as I got close, I…
[stifles sneeze]
Wait. I–
What are you doing? [stifles sneeze]
No, no, no. No, don’t do this.
Hey. Don’t do this, okay?
[wheezing] Blue. Hey, hey.
[gulps] I swear to God, I will never speak to you again
as long as I live if you do this. Please.
[sniffs, gasps] Do not do that.
Please. No. No. No. No!
No, no. No. No. No. No. No!
[sneezes] [man upstairs grunts]
[gasps]
[mechanical toys chittering]
[toy voice 1] Let’s play again! [toy voice 2] Great. Yeah!
[window squeaks]
Hi.
[body thuds] Oh, God.
[“‘Deed I Do” playing on phonograph]
Ooh, I wouldn’t do that. [gasps]
[man upstairs] What was that?
Just changing the record!
[scoffs] He just gets so cranky when people touch his stuff.
[man upstairs] Don’t touch anything!
[chuckles] See?
Who are you?
[chuckles] What do you mean? I’m– I’m Blue!
But you’re purple.
Oh! Yeah, well, he was color-blind, so…
Who was?
Well, my kid! Remember?
What?
[butterfly] Oh, for God’s sake, Blue!
Of course she doesn’t remember.
She thinks you’re gonna eat her.
[sighs] Apologies about him.
He’s the most adorable train wreck,
but a train wreck nonetheless.
Thank you!
You’re welcome.
Now would you mind picking our guest up off the floor, please?
That’s it. Big finger.
Lovely. Well done, Blue.
Now, let’s start over, shall we? How do you like your tea?
I don’t drink tea.
[man upstairs] What kind of girl doesn’t drink tea?
Not helping! [chuckles]
I’m Blossom, and you’ve clearly met Blue.
Me again.
And that is– She knows who I am.
We’ve, uh–
We’ve met before.
Been a while since you–
since you been up here.
Yeah, last time I saw you, you were, uh…
smaller.
What is going on?
Yeah, well, that’s a perfectly understandable question,
given, um…
and, uh… Hey!
“Hey”? Yeah, hey.
What, we’re gonna explain it all right here,
in a neat little pink package?
[Blossom] We’re supposed to try.
Excuse me.
Will you stop poking her?
Sorry. Sorry. This is just so exciting!
What is? That you’re back!
Blue! That’s enough. I mean…
What is that?
What part of “don’t touch my stuff” do you not understand?
Come on! This was all in alphabetical order!
Did you say your…
[man upstairs] And color coordinated.
…kid? Oh, yeah. His name is Jeremy.
God! Get to hear more about Jeremy!
So that house we were at tonight,
that was Jeremy’s?
Oh, no. That was different. That was a potential match.
And one that could’ve been successful,
if it wasn’t for you know who.
All right, you know what? Do it yourself.
Okay? I don’t need this.
I don’t need any of this.
Whew! [chuckles] Okay.
This has been quite a day for him.
But you…
I’m sure you have questions.
So, are there more of you?
[man upstairs] Say no!
Yes. Oh, yeah! Lots more!
[chuckles] I mean, almost every kid has one. Had one.
Had what?
A friend.
An imaginary friend?
IF. We say “IF.”
[chuckles] Get it? Imaginary. Friend.
But also like what IF? Like, anything’s possible!
Ooh! Ouch! Okay, let’s– let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.
Her eyes look like they might melt out of her head.
So…
what was happening tonight?
Oh, that was a placement attempt with a new kid.
We’ve started a fledgling little operation.
[man upstairs] Ugh! “We”?
He. What kind of operation?
Sort of a matchmaking agency. To help IFs find new kids.
New kids?
But what happened to your kid?
Oh. He grew up.
He doesn’t need me anymore. [Bea] He doesn’t?
That’s so sad.
Eh, more like terrifying. [laughs]
Woo. [chuckles] Oh, no.
Because if he doesn’t need me…
Blue. …he can’t see me.
Blue, over here.
And if he can’t see me… Look at me.
…then all that’s left is
to disappear!
[Blossom] Blue. [crying]
Happy place! Happy place!
[sobbing] Coffee and croissants.
Coffee and croissants.
Good, good. [Blue] Coffee and croissants.
Coffee and croissants. [Blossom] Okay.
Coffee and croissants. This has all been a lot.
Yes! Yes, it is…
a lot.
For everyone. I think we should call it a night.
I think she’s doing quite well actually.
Thank you. [Blossom] You’re welcome.
Well, I think it’s all too much. Not to mention too late.
And I don’t think any of us
want to be on the wrong side of that door
when that creepy witch comes out.
You should go.
Aw, come on, Cal, she’s just a kid.
I’m not a kid.
Well, that’s that.
Good night.
Good night.
[gasps]
Oh! Oh, gosh, you gave me a fright. [chuckles]
Good morning. Good morning.
Ah, you’re off.
I made pancakes.
Oh, God. They seem to be stuck to the pan.
Um, I have some cereal or some grapefruit.
I’m not that hungry.
Well, you’ll let me know if you need anything.
I will. Good.
Oh, God.
[sighs]
[chattering]
Is there any food?
Of course.
What do you feel like? Real food?
Or junk food? Yeah.
There’s a vending machine down the hall and to the right.
Oh!
[bell dings]
[elevator door opens]
[muffled sneeze]
Oh! Fancy seeing you here.
[whispering] What are you doing? Get out of there!
I would love to, but I cannot feel my legs.
Oh, my God.
Okay, give me your hand. [Blue giggles]
Give me your hand. Your hand. Give me your hand.
Come on. Okay, come on.
[grunts] Come on. [laughs] No, don’t.
Come on, stand up. Okay, wait, wait. Ow, ow, ow!
Okay.
You are strong!
Whoa!
[Blue shouts]
[grunts]
[wheezes, laughs]
Can we do it again? Okay, get up.
Get up, get up. [Blue giggling]
Is this a hotel?
What are you doing here? What are you doing here?
I’m visiting my dad!
Oh, yeah! Your dad has a broken heart?
That must be scary.
What? No, it’s not.
What are you doing here? I cannot be seen talking to you.
Ooh, why not?
Because there’s real people here. I’m gonna look crazy!
[chuckles] Come on. You’re just a kid.
[Benjamin] Hi!
Who are you talking to?
Okay… Oh… Whew! [groans]
Open up! All right.
Open up! I have your…
thing.
What are you anyway? An IF.
I know that. But what?
I don’t know.
Finally! Oh. It’s you.
Hello! I want it to stop.
Oh, that’s awful! I’ll make tea.
I think she was pretty clear she doesn’t–
Whatever.
Make what stop?
All of it. I don’t need this.
Well, I don’t know what to tell you,
but that’s not how this works.
That’s not how what works? What is happening to me?
You are the chosen one. Nope! Nope.
Let’s not give her a complex.
She’s already enough of a spark plug as it is.
Chosen for what?
This whole thing is a curse. Now you’re getting it.
No, no, no! You could do so much good.
You could save all of us!
All of who?
And don’t say IFs.
[squeaking]
Um…
You should probably let him say it
or I think his head may actually explode.
[choking] Fine.
I-I-I-I-I-I-F-F-F-F-Fs.
Thank you.
How can I help them?
You can’t. Of course she can.
Look, there’s nothing we want more
than to be with our own kids.
But our kids…
they’ve forgotten about us.
So we need new ones.
You can help us find them.
Like I always say:
“Better to have a new kid
than not to– not to have a– one– a kid.”
He’s never said that.
[Blue sighs] Well, thought it.
So, I help you place them with new kids,
and that’s it?
Everything goes back to normal?
Careful what you wish for.
Then I want to meet them. Who?
All the IFs you’ve been trying to match with them.
That’s impossible.
Why? Because… [laughs]
…I can’t be seen to take you to–
Where?
Nowhere.
You need help.
You have no idea how true that statement is.
But not in the way that you’re thinking.
After last night, you clearly don’t know
how to make this whole placement thing work.
[groans] Really?
I can help you.
How?
‘Cause I’m a kid.
Well…
that’s that.
[Bea] Where are we going?
To get help. From who?
From somebody more qualified.
‘Cause this is way above my pay grade.
I think it’s really nice of you, by the way.
What is?
That you’re helping them all like this.
Oh, I don’t have a choice, actually.
They never leave.
How long have you been able to see them?
Oh, as long as I can remember.
Where do they live?
Well, “live,” I think that’s a relative term,
but normally anywhere kids are, or have been.
Is it…
magical?
Hmm? What? Where we’re going.
Used to be.
This is us.
Wait, I’ve been here before.
Really?
Yeah, my mom took me here once.
All coming back to you, is it?
Wait.
IFs live here?
Hope so.
But it’s locked.
I’m gonna give you a minute to think about that one.
Stay here. I’m gonna slip around back, grab us a key.
You’re leaving me alone?
You’re never really alone!
Thought that was obvious by now.
[groans]
You sure you want to do this?
Yeah.
Because there’s no telling who’s behind that door today.
Are any of them scary?
Worse.
Desperate.
Ah, Vicki. How are you?
Is that a new perfume? It smells, um–
Okay. Boundaries, of course.
Here to see Il Capitano. Yeah, the ol’ spirit bear.
Okay. [knocks]
Look alive.
[Judge Judy, through TV] Was your daughter living in her mother’s house?
That’s loud.
[Judge Judy] And you were using her utilities accounts.
Your husband says that your daughter was not living in–
[news program intro on TV]
[through TV] I’m Kurt Loder with an MTV news brief.
[Cal] Hey!
Let’s go! Come on.
[crashes] [Cal] Oh!
Why is this here?
Hi, Todd!
[squeaks]
[therapist] Okay. Let’s start like we always do.
Big breath in. [inhales]
And out.
[exhales]
And in. [inhales]
And out. [exhales]
Beautiful.
Who’d like to start?
[sobbing] I’ve been…
Last week I was feeling pretty good,
and then this week, I don’t know what happened!
It’s okay. I just started falling apart!
Oh, here we go.
[chuckles] I mean, cue the violins. Am I right, Terry?
Oh, come on. Ted, you know she’s a viola!
Well, that’s not nice. That doesn’t make anyone feel good.
Guys, guys.
We have to move through this narrative
that our kids choose to forget about us.
They all go through something that makes them forget.
[sobbing] Oh, I wish I could see him one more time.
I wish I could just tell him I’m right here!
I’ve always been right here!
Hey, hey, hey, whoa! Not the cape.
That is toxic.
It’s okay. We’ll get someone to clean that up.
Listen, Doc. I’m payin’ good cash,
and this slime ball’s takin’ up all the time.
[IF] Doc, I got a question.
Is it possible that kids are just the worst?
Oh, my God. Is that a kid?
What’s that? Oh, my God!
Uh, what does the skin look like?
What does it feel like?
Is there light reflecting off the skin?
Psst! Or is there none? Yeah.
[whispering] Hey. Uh, Judith, you can cover up.
Let’s take five, everybody.
Hey, Cal. You still owe me twenty bucks
from that foam party. That’s right, yeah.
We said we were never gonna talk about that with words.
Listen, I need to find somebody,
but I need to do it on the quiet, okay?
Oh, hi. Hi.
Hi.
Is that… No.
Yes. Oh, boy.
I need to see Lewis. Where is Lewis?
Yeah, sure. I think I saw him heading down towards the pool.
The pool, okay. Go, go, go.
Yeah, yeah, sure. No worries. Good luck! [chuckles]
Aw, come on, guys. We’ve been through this before.
It’s not snacks. It’s art.
How’s that feel?
Regret starting to burble up in your throat?
Hey, Cal! Good God, Cos!
Who’s the girl? What is wrong with you?
Hey, Tater Tot. She’s a friend!
What kind of friend? Hey!
You’re stronger than you look. Hey!
You know I’ll find out. Yeah?
[chuckles]
Whatever, man. Whoa!
Cloak-and-dagger!
[scoffs] Starting to see why I live alone.
Keith!
What kind of a kid creates an invisible IF?
Was he laying down? Who knows?
[instructor] Down and up, and down and up, and down and up,
and down and up, and down.
Really bend those knees, ladies!
[Gummy Bear] Am I looking red? Yes.
Oh, thank God!
Come on.
[birds singing]
Lewis? I have someone I’d like you to meet.
Hello, Elizabeth.
It’s very nice to meet you.
Thank you.
So, did he give you the grand tour?
Kind of.
And what’d you think?
Not quite what I expected.
Uh-huh.
She wants to help with the placements.
Uh-huh.
Lewis here is 93. He started this place.
He can teach you everything you need to know.
Isn’t that right, Lewis? [Lewis] Calvin.
[chuckles] You know, he wasn’t always like this.
Oh, no? Nah.
Old Calvin here used to be a clown. He tell you that?
No.
[Lewis chuckles] That’s right.
Before all this, his only job in life was to make you smile.
Well, not anymore.
All right. [claps]
You guys seem to have this under control.
He’ll show you the ropes.
Probably have you wax a car or something.
You know, if he’s not gonna give you the grand tour,
why don’t you give it to him?
I’m sorry, what?
This place can be anything you want it to be.
All you need is a little imagination.
No. No.
No, no, no. Don’t do this.
Show us how it looked in that head of yours.
[rumbling] [grunts]
[“Better Be Good to Me” playing]
[chuckles] That’s it.
No.
[panting]
What happened?
Nothing, Matt. Let’s just get you back inside here.
There you go. [Blue giggles]
What are you doing, Sneezy? Help me out here.
Something’s happening!
Nothing is happening!
[Blue giggles]
Yeah!
Get inside. No, no, no! I want to see!
No, I want to see, I want to see!
[Cal grunting] Get in! [laughing]
Oh, wow! [bell dings]
[sniffs] Mmm.
[laughs]
Whoo-hoo! Wow. Wow!
[grunting]
Oh, my gosh! It looks like a dream!
[screams]
[sighs, gasps]
[grunts]
[roars]
[giggling]
Woo hoo!
Oh, my gosh! Is this the pool?
Oh, wow, nice. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
[gasping, panting]
Sorry.
[panting, grunting]
Cal?
Cal?
Whoa! Are you all right?
Whoa! Hey, where’d you come from?
No, no, no, not the fruit!
[rewinds]
A walking palette approaches. Steady. Steady.
Good God, you fool! Damn your eyes!
[“Better Be Good to Me” playing]
[crowd cheering]
Where have you been? You were supposed to be here five minutes ago!
You’re on! What do you mean?
Come on, get out there!
Oh, let’s go!
Let’s go!
[giggles]
Thanks.
And here we go.
[grunts]
[grunts]
Watch it!
Oh!
[exclaims]
[exclaims]
Well, look who’s back.
Ooh! You’re back. Is he all right?
Oh, that was fun! [panting]
You look a mess. Your tush okay, hon?
Did you say G-4? I have bingo!
Well, that was the weirdest job interview
I’ve ever been a part of.
[snickers]
Oh, good! Glad you’re having fun.
So does this make us partners?
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, shall we?
Ooh!
Keith! [chuckles]
See you tomorrow.
[seagulls cawing]
[dings]
You know what no one tells you about hospitals?
There is nothing good to read.
How’s your story coming?
Oh, I don’t have time for that.
I got a job.
Okay.
I assume I’m allowed to ask no questions.
Nope. [Dad] As you were.
[door closes] See?
We still have a chance.
[blowing]
Hi!
Whoa.
You got supersonic hearing or something?
Nope. I was just waiting for you.
Oh.
TV’s still busted.
They should really get that fixed.
Honestly? I think my mom has something to do with it.
Your mom? Yeah.
She says that screens turn my brain into mush.
What if she broke it?
Guess what. I got a job.
Wow. Like, at an ice cream store?
More like a matchmaking agency.
Well, whatever it is, I’m sure you’re great at it. Good luck!
Thank you.
Hey. Yeah?
Have you ever had an imaginary friend?
Nope.
Want one?
Sure!
Well, he’s about eight or nine, so I think we prioritize by hobby.
Oh, boy. See if anybody has any experience
in magic or fantasy. Good luck, guys.
Hmm, fantasy’s a bit of a Pandora’s box.
Maybe their person liked superheroes.
Yeah. He does.
Or art. Yup. Love art.
Or TV. I’m not gonna ask you again.
Put some pants on. You’re freaking everyone out.
[chuckling] Pants.
How are we feeling? [Bea] I feel good.
You feel good? Yeah.
As good as can be expected. It’s your show. Here we go.
You can send them in.
Okay, so I just–
just put myself right here? Got it right, okay.
Perfect. Hi. [all] Hi.
[giggling] Oh, hi! My gosh!
This is just so exciting!
So, what’s your name?
[chuckles] My name is Ally.
Sunny.
Andromedus the Third, son of–
Steven.
Pop.
Because, well, sometimes, when I get nervous I–
Oh, dear God.
[chuckles]
Nothing to be nervous about. You’re doing great.
[gasps] She’s so sweet.
My little girl’s name was Tabitha.
Uh, she named me Uni, because– because… [laughs]
…because I’m a unicorn!
[laughing] Sorry. Oh, I’m so nervous!
And where are you from?
Originally? Philadelphia.
DeKalb. Illinois.
Spokane.
New Jersey. Save your comments, please.
Uh, mostly RadioShack.
Let’s see, we moved in ’83.
Oh, no! ’84? Yeah, that was rough.
I mean, rough.
Poughkeepsie? Come on, Dad.
[chuckles] Might as well have moved us to the moon, am I right?
[laughing] [chuckles]
It’s not funny.
[mouthing words]
[triumphant music playing]
Are you ready?
For what?
Anything.
We used to put on shows every day.
Sometimes multiple shows! Look–
They kept building me and–
and rebuilding me. You know what I mean?
But we never got lasers to shoot out of my eyes!
I’m not gonna lie and say the schedule wasn’t brutal,
because it was.
But at the end of the day,
to hear the roar of that crowd. God!
The uncles… [chuckles]
…the uncles were the best.
Okay, I got a whole bunch of friends here.
You just let me know which one you can see.
Sure.
[chuckles]
All right, can you see this guy?
[scatting]
Ta-da!
Nope.
Nothin’?
No problem. Who is this kid?
Nothin’?
You know, the hardest part for me was maybe bedtime.
Look, Mom just didn’t get it. I mean…
Okay, let me tell you something about the dark, okay?
All kids are scared of the dark. All of them!
Even if they don’t admit it. And why?
‘Cause those night-lights don’t do anything! That’s why.
That’s why.
Like, sure, Mom, you got a job to do. You’re doing great. But let me ask you something.
You put this kid to bed,
who’s gonna watch over Poughkeepsie?
Can you see this guy?
Okay. Here we go!
Nope. What’s that?
[chuckling] Ask him again.
Ask him again.
Really?
Nope. That’s it. I got this.
Whoa! No, I got this!
And Mom said too much candy isn’t good for your tummy,
but I said–
[flatulence] Oh, my God.
Wow. My eyes can taste it.
I’m so sorry.
You don’t taste that in your eyeballs?
I can find anyone.
Anywhere! [screams]
Don’t, don’t! Okay, okay, okay.
But where are you from?
[chuckling] Like I would ever tell you that.
Like he would ever tell you that.
[Cal] All right, thank you very much, sir.
Pretty but dim. Uh, he’s in my–
He got in my mouth.
Look, you seem like a nice kid,
so I’m just gonna shoot straight.
In the beginning, I thought,
what if he created me as some kind of metaphor?
I mean, it’s possible that he could be
like a legit genius, right? Wrong.
It was Arizona, and he was just thirsty. And here we are!
[whispering] Don’t, uh, don’t look him in the eye.
Which one? You know damn well which one.
And I just want to say, thanks for doing this.
It really means a whole lot to everybody! Oh!
[retches]
[Lewis chuckles] [gags]
Nope.
I don’t think he knows what he wants.
What the hell do you want?
Who’s next?
[thuds]
[Cal] Keith!
No. I agree.
Yeah, that one’s just confusing.
Keith’s the worst.
Mmm. His favorite snack was croissants.
Which was kind of cheating.
Because his parents owned a bakery right downstairs.
[chuckling] So that was convenient!
So we had a lot of croissants.
And bread. Carbs. Lotta carbs.
Not pasta. Which is interesting.
But everything else they did make
was a delicious smell-fest.
Hey! Whoa, whoa, whoa! No, no, no!
Hey, hey, hey!
Okay, you saw– Okay, you saw this! You see this!
Because this is my life in a nutshell, okay?
Nope.
[sneezes]
[crashing]
Any more?
No.
It didn’t work.
I’m sorry.
That’s okay. I still have you!
[seagulls squawking]
Being excited is exhausting!
Okay, let’s get you to bed.
So, how’d it go?
It didn’t work.
[chuckles] Well,
maybe it just wasn’t meant to.
All this time spent trying to find new kids,
they stopped looking for their old ones.
But their kids have grown up.
They don’t need them anymore.
[chuckles] All kids need their imaginary friends.
Especially when they grow up.
But they’ve forgotten.
Nothing you love
can ever be forgotten.
You can always go back.
How?
Memories.
They live forever. Right there in your heart.
Sometimes you just need to find a way to invite them out.
For me, it’s the smell of the sea breeze.
Or the sound of footsteps tapping on the boardwalk.
After that,
you just close your eyes,
and it all comes rushing back.
[“L-O-V-E” playing]
Shall we?
Thought you’d never ask.
[Uni giggling] Wait for me! Wait for me!
[song continues playing]
[chuckles] Hey!
Pretty good, huh?
[gasps] I love it.
Look at this. Oh, my gosh!
Wow, is that a flower? It’s so cute.
[chuckles, snorts]
Ooh! Ooh, mine! Mine! I want to try!
[Blue] Thank you, my good sir.
Look at this!
[chuckles] Oh, those look great.
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
[laughs] The best night of my life!
Oh, wow! Look at me! [laughing]
Onward, dear friends!
[Matt laughing] Fantastic! Can I have one lick?
[song ends]
Lights out.
You should get some rest. You got a big day tomorrow.
Why, what’s happening tomorrow?
[chuckles] You got to stop.
Never.
[chuckles]
[Grandmother] Because there I was having my final swim
before getting to the airport.
Now, normally you just go up like that, don’t you?
You just go “Whump!” and legs up.
I could not do that, because I had a broken leg.
[Bea giggles]
Now, do you want some more of this?
Because I didn’t know what flavor you like.
So I just got everything. No, it was great.
You did great.
Good.
Right.
Grandma?
Can I ask you a question?
Of course. Anything.
What did you want to be
when you were a kid?
Well!
[both chuckling]
What? Gosh.
Well, that is a good question.
Yeah, um, well, I, um–
[both laughing]
I always dreamt of being a dancer.
Really?
Excuse me, don’t look so surprised.
Your grandfather thought I was quite fetching.
So, he saw you dance?
Of course!
I’ve got something here.
Oh, yeah. Oh, my goodness.
Oh.
[sighs] That’s your grandmother.
You’re beautiful.
Yeah, well, he thought so.
[chuckles]
Actually, I was shaking in my boots that day.
Or in my slippers.
You were? Yeah.
I mean, it was the most important day of my life
because they only had–
I think six schools were chosen to perform
across the river in just this beautiful little theater.
And I still remember
the sound of the wood on the floor creaking.
And the music just tumbled from the orchestra,
just like a wave.
And how the dust caught the light as it fell.
And it made me feel like
I was in a dream.
[chuckles]
[sighs]
So what happened?
Oh, my dear girl, I grew up.
Too tall.
Too awkward.
And too old.
I mean, let’s be honest,
who wants to see an old woman dance?
Now,
can I get you some dessert?
I have some ice cream. Well, I think I have some ice cream.
If it doesn’t have ice on top.
Why does ice form on the top of ice cream?
[“Dream a Little Dream of Me” playing on phonograph]
Ooh! Miss us already?
Is she here?
Who? Blossom.
Oh, hi! I only made enough for two.
I’ll make more.
You’re hers.
Ooh, is this a riddle? I love riddles.
My grandmother. You’re her IF.
Well, of course I am. [chuckles]
Devilish style, adorable accent.
I’m surprised it wasn’t obvious, to be honest.
Then let’s go!
She’s right downstairs. She won’t believe it.
Bea, it’s not for lack of trying.
I’ve been down there with her every day.
I read with her, I watch TV with her,
I even went through her Pilates phase with her.
She couldn’t see me.
There’s nothing you can do if they can’t remember.
[“Dream A Little Dream of Me” continues playing]
Then we have to help her.
[song ends]
[whispering] Elizabeth.
Bea! Shh!
What are you doing?
[“Spartacus” playing]
What are we doing? This is ridiculous!
What on earth are you up to?
Bea?
Bea?
Huh.
[sighs]
[Bea] Oh, my God. Where have you been?
This your room? I like it. Old school.
I found him. Works in the city.
Told you I could find anyone, anywhere! [laughs]
Good luck, Short Stack. It’s all up to you.
Cloak-and-dagger!
Hope this works.
It says we should be on the next block.
We got to hurry.
Okay, so– Okay, so let’s recap this.
So we’re actually going to see him?
Yes! Oh, okay.
Wow. Like, see him right now!
Not if you can help it. Okay, but, you know,
how do we even know it’s him? It’s all in the dossier.
[Blue] Yep, that’s him.
Ooh, boy.
[chuckles]
Wow. I am not ready for this. I think I’m gonna be sick. Oh!
[Blue] What, you see him? He’s on the move. Come on!
[Blue] Where? [Cal] Let’s go, go, go. Double-time.
Oh, I should’ve worn a suit!
[mumbling]
[barista] Next!
[glass squeaks]
[Blue sighs]
Oh, boy.
He looks…
great! [laughs]
Wow! Look at him!
So fit!
He used to look, well, more like me.
Oh!
Looks like he’s done something to his hair.
I think that’s sweat.
I am so emotional!
Now’s our chance.
[elevator music plays]
Okay. Got to go in there.
Wait, what?
I can’t go in there alone.
Then you go with him.
Oh, no, I’m afraid that’s not on the menu.
Um, I wouldn’t say that public bathrooms are my worst nightmare…
Oh, please!
…but they’re definitely up there in the top one.
And she’s breached. Get on in there, come on.
[toilet flushes]
[sighs]
“20% of the third quarter next year–
20% of the third quarter next year.
How is that possible, you say.
How is that possible, you may ask.”
Come on, man, get it together.
“In the third quarter”… Go!
…”of next year.” This is it.
[Jeremy] “20% in the third quarter of next year.
How do I know that’s possible?”
[mockingly] “How do I know that’s possible?”
You got this.
Okay? You’re fine.
[breathing heavily]
Don’t you cry.
Please don’t you cry.
Come on. Look at me!
Don’t cry.
Come on.
Ah. Ah. Ah! Come on, come on, come on.
[sneezes] [metal creaks]
Oh, God.
How’d it go? Oh! Oh, my God!
Come on!
[sighs] I blew it.
Gross. Come on.
Oh, God, is this it?
Cal, am I disappearing?
Pretty sure that’s not how this works.
Oh, boy! I think I need to throw up.
Well…
gave it our best shot.
It didn’t work.
I don’t understand. They were standing right next to each other.
Okay, yeah. I need to throw up.
Or I need a snack. It’s one of the two.
Maybe the mood wasn’t right.
In fairness, the music was terrible.
Yeah, I definitely need to eat something.
I’m starving.
That’s it.
What’s it?
Don’t lose him.
Can I help you?
Yes.
I’m here for a delivery.
[crunches]
[sniffs]
[breathes deeply]
[mumbling]
Wow.
[receptionist] Mr. Griffith.
They’ll see you now.
[exhales shakily]
[sniffles]
[gasps]
You’re okay.
Okay.
Hey, everyone. Thanks for seeing me today.
I’m really excited to be here.
I think it’s gonna be a good one.
[beeps]
Wow.
I mean, that was just–
I mean, that was just so–
[IFs cheering]
Oh. [chuckles]
[cheering]
[chuckles]
[Cal laughs]
Congratulations.
You did it.
We did it.
I think we make a pretty good team, don’t we?
Yes, we do.
[Cal, Bea chattering]
Okay!
Did you do the bracelets?
Yes, of course! My whole arm was covered in them.
Oh!
[gasps]
[gasps] Thank you very much.
Oh, where have you been?
Uh, sorry, I was just out with some friends.
Come inside. Come on, come inside.
It’s okay, Grandma.
I’m okay, I promise.
Not you.
Your father. I’m sure he’s okay.
Just get whatever you need, and we can talk in the car.
Keys, keys, where are my keys?
[knocking]
I can’t do it.
I just can’t do it.
It’s okay.
You’re okay.
I need you to help me.
Hey, I’m right here. [inhales shakily]
I just can’t do it again.
You can’t do what?
Say goodbye.
Then don’t.
I don’t know what to say.
What do I tell him?
You just tell him a story.
[sniffles, sobs]
Thank you.
If you could just wait here a moment.
Oh. I see. Thank you.
Bea.
Hey, your dad had a long day.
He just needs some rest.
[door closes]
Hi.
So…
I’ve been working on that story.
And I’m ready to tell you now.
It’s a story about…
a little girl.
A little girl who was so sad
and so scared
that she did everything she could to block the world out…
so she’d never have to feel anything again.
But she couldn’t.
She couldn’t because she has this person…
this magical person…
that, no matter how hard she tried to push away…
no matter how hard she tried to grow up…
he wouldn’t let her.
[crying] He would just keep holding on to her
tighter and tighter.
[sniffling]
And the funny thing is…
that’s the only place she truly feels safe.
It’s the only place she ever wants to be.
[crying]
So you can’t go anywhere.
I’m just a kid.
Please, Daddy, please.
Please.
[sobbing]
[whispering] That’s a really good story.
What happens next?
I love you.
He’s awake! He’s awake.
Oh!
Hey.
Open the door.
Hello?
Who’s there?
Open the door.
[chuckles]
Are you trying to get in there?
Uh, yeah. My friend lives here.
Your friend?
He helped me, so I just wanted to tell him thank you.
Oh, I’m so sorry.
[chuckling] There’s no one in there.
All right.
I think that’s everything.
Hey, we can always come back.
Got everything? Mm-hmm.
All right, I’ll be right back.
Oh, I was just coming to say goodbye.
It was you.
It was always you.
And I’m so sorry that I didn’t remember sooner.
You’re probably thinking that…
I don’t need you anymore.
That I’ve grown up.
So…
I just had to come tell you
that I’ll always need you.
Especially when I grow up.
All I have to do
is close my eyes
and it all comes rushing back.
[grunts]
[both] Gross.
[“Ooh La La” playing]
[Bea] When I was little,
I remember telling a story.
And as I get older, I often find myself looking back,
questioning certain details.
But every time that happens, I always remind myself
to take a breath…
and simply ask myself…
[sighs]
…”What IF?”
They’ll be fine.
She’ll be fine.
So…
shall we go in?
Oh, God.
[song continues]
Danny, I’m back!
You look great. Love the beard. How old are you?
[screams] Cloak-and-dagger!
[crashing]
Whatever.
Come on, let’s go. [song continues playing]
You got this.
[gasps]
[chuckling] Let’s go, come on.
[chimes]
[song continues playing]
[chattering]
[Dragon grunting]
Hi. [grunts]
[Dad] Can I admit something to you?
I’m not sure I even know what a pizza roll is.
I should’ve admitted it earlier, but–
Hey, is that heavy? A little bit.
Oh, it is? Okay, great. Don’t worry, I got the rest of it.
Okay? Okay.
[squeaks] [thuds]
[sighs] Hey, Keith.
One, two, three, four!