Imaginary is real creepy

IMAGINARY is the new PG-13 rated horror film from our friends at Blumhouse and Lionsgate. I mean, I guess we can still be friends after this. I may have to come back and haunt them though. Plenty of jump scares and enough creep factor to make it palatable. Will it fair better once streaming? Absolutely.

I had the opportunity to see this film in a completely empty theater. Literally there was no one else there. I am not sure if that added to the eerie feeling, or if it would had been better feeding off the nerves and jumps of fellow patrons. There were a few times I slowly looked over my shoulder just to make sure no one was there. So it did get in my head a little.

The premise and story line were solid. Few things are as terrifying as kids and stuffed toys. Especially when they talk to each other. Sadly, they never talk of world peace or where to find that missing necklace. It is always far more sinister. In this one, a woman returns to her childhood home to discover that the imaginary friend she left behind is very real and unhappy that she abandoned him. – Synopsis.

Imaginary adds a layer of mystery and suspense over the horror elements. Yes, you will be smart enough to understand what is going on but there are still some reveals that you didn’t expect. Though the premise was promising sadly much of the writing is not. Too much takes place with this blended family to be able to flesh out completely. Most of their side dialogue and relationships are just a means to an end. They can’t bond over trauma unless there is a lot of angst to get us there.

The acting is good, led by DeWanda Wise as Jessica, the woman who had the nerve to leave childhood behind. I liked Wise in Jurassic World Dominion and she delivers in this one. I was also impressed by young Pyper Braun who plays Alice. Alice is preyed upon by the not so imaginary friend. Braun was believable and brought the creepy when needed. The film also stars the amazing Betty Buckley as Jessica’s former babysitter and neighbor. Buckley has the ability to always take what some would consider minor parts and turn them into something powerful.

This film is getting a lot of flack, which I understand and can’t argue against. Blumhouse has an expectancy from audiences. Plus when you drop names like FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S and M3GAN on your poster, you better deliver. This one does not come close to those, yet it has enough fur on the bones to be a pretty creepy streamer when the time comes.

IMAGINARY is rated PG-13 for some violent content, drug material and language. I think sticking to the 13 age level is smart. FREDDY and M3GAN had eough camp to dip a little younger. Not the case with this one. Though not a great film it is still dark and scary. Blumhouse always gets that part right.

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