If 2024 has taught me anything so far, it’s that a lot of people feel like you have to either love or hate a movie — there’s no middle ground anymore. Once again, that’s the case with “Imaginary,” a film that’s been labeled as terrible by many, which feels like a stretch.
“Imaginary” follows Jessica as she moves back into her childhood home with her family. When her youngest stepdaughter, Alice, discovers a stuffed bear named Chauncey, her behavior starts to shift in unsettling ways. It quickly becomes clear that Chauncey is more than just a toy.
The film opens by focusing heavily on character relationships, which takes up most of the first act. While I can appreciate the effort to build out these dynamics and make everyone feel somewhat grounded, it does lead to a sluggish start. The first 30 minutes are easily the weakest part of the movie, and some of that could’ve been trimmed down.
That said, some of that groundwork does pay off later. Once the second act kicks in, “Imaginary” starts to build tension and gradually reveal more about what’s going on. This is where the film is at its best; balancing mystery with just enough unease to keep things engaging.
The third act gets off to a bit of a rough start, leaning heavily into exposition to explain the lore behind Chauncey. It’s a little clunky at first, but it does recover. By the time it reaches its conclusion, it manages to deliver something that’s at least satisfying, even if it doesn’t fully stick the landing.
Where “Imaginary” stands out most is in its creativity, especially in the final stretch. The last 30 minutes highlight fun world-building elements, along with practical effects that add charm to the overall presentation.
I know the creature design has gotten some criticism, but it’s serviceable. It’s not meant to be outright terrifying — instead feeling like something pulled from a child’s imagination. In that sense, it works.
This isn’t a movie that’s going to deliver constant scares, and it’s clearly not trying to. Instead, it leans more into being an accessible, entry-level horror film.
“Imaginary” isn’t perfect (there are definitely some noticeable issues), but what PG-13 horror movie isn’t a little uneven? For younger audiences or anyone looking for an introduction to the genre, this is a solid option.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
