Imaginary (2024)

What is it about?

Jessica (DeWanda Wise) and her family (husband and step-daughters) move into her childhood home, where youngest daughter Alice (Pyper Braun) finds a bear in a hidden room in the basement. His name is Chauncey, and he has a strange influence over Alice. Jessica becomes disturbed by the girl's behaviour, soon realising her own past harbours secrets of a childhood not so dissimilar, one that may hold the key to the mystery of the manipulative Chauncey.

Who's in it?

There are no big name actors in the movie but the cast is good. The young girl who plays Alice is especially entertaining to watch.

Why should I watch it?

The core concept of the film is intriguing and will hold your attention throughout. There are enough tense moments and jump scares that hold strong throughout the first half. There is a lot of intrigue to hold your attention right from the start. Jessica experiences nightmares, but seems to be unsure why. From the moment she and her family move, we're taunted by her past and the relevance it has on the main sequence of events. It's well executed and leaves you curious up until the right moments.

Why won't I like it?

The film takes a weird turn in the final third. Once we understand the danger and the antagonist's motivations, and our heroes are gearing up to get themselves out of the mess they've found themselves in, it's just bizarre. The concept the director goes for doesn't quite work, or it could have been executed in a way that didn't feel rushed or childish. The rest of the movie was so good, that the poor ending overshadows the quality of the movie. It just doesn't fit. What did you think of it?

It's the first movie we've watched since Pearl (2022) that has really captivated me and kept my attention for a long period of time. I didn't get bored watching it and really enjoyed the cast (except for the boyfriend. He didn't need to be in the movie at all. Take him out completely and the film is the same.) The young actors were great and there were small moments of subtle humour that I love to see in horror.

Should I give it a go?

Yes. Aside from the unremarkable ending, the rest of the film was brilliant and is worth watching at least once.