Director: Jeff Wadlow
Starring: DeWanda Wise, Tom Payne, Taegen Burns, Pyper Braun, Veronica Falcón, and Betty Buckley
In Imaginary, Jessica (played by DeWanda Wise) reluctantly returns to her childhood home with her family. The house holds memories both sweet and unsettling, and as she steps through the creaky front door, an eerie sense of déjà vu washes over her. The faded wallpaper, the old wooden staircase—everything feels frozen in time. But it’s not just nostalgia that awaits Jessica; it’s something far more sinister.
Among the dusty relics in the attic, Jessica discovers her old teddy bear, Chauncey. It’s a relic from her past, a comforting companion during lonely nights. But when her youngest stepdaughter, Alice (Pyper Braun), becomes inexplicably attached to Chauncey, Jessica’s unease grows. The bear’s button eyes seem to follow her, and it’s stitched smile hides secrets she can’t fathom.
Alice’s behavior takes a dark turn. She insists that Chauncey talks to her, whispers secrets only she can hear. The games they play become increasingly twisted, and Jessica wonders if her imagination is playing tricks on her. But as shadows lengthen and the walls seem to close in, she realizes that Chauncey is no ordinary stuffed bear. He’s an entity with malevolent intentions. Pyper Braun who plays Alice is an absolute standout for me, and a future star to look out for.
Tom Payne portrays Max, Jessica’s husband and Alice’s father. Max dismisses Jessica’s fears, attributing them to stress. But when Chauncey’s influence spreads beyond Alice, infiltrating their lives, Max can no longer ignore the signs. The once-innocent imaginary friend now manifests in chilling ways—objects move on their own, whispers echo through empty rooms, and the air grows colder.
Betty Buckley shines as Gloria, Jessica’s neighbor and former babysitter. Gloria remembers Jessica’s childhood vividly, and her cryptic warnings add to the film’s tension. “Some things should stay forgotten,” she murmurs, her eyes haunted. Gloria knows more than she lets on, and her connection to Chauncey becomes a pivotal revelation.
Verónica Falcón portrays Dr. Alana Soto, a therapist who delves into the depths of Jessica’s psyche. Dr. Soto’s sessions reveal hidden traumas, suppressed memories, and the blurred line between reality and imagination. As Jessica grapples with her past, she realizes that Chauncey’s origins are darker than she ever dared imagine.
Matthew Sato’s portrayal of Liam, Taylor’s friend and neighbor, adds a layer of mystery. Liam’s obsession with local legends leads him to ancient texts and forgotten rituals. Together, Jessica, Taylor, and Liam confront Chauncey in a heart-pounding climax. The attic becomes a battleground, and the bear’s malevolence threatens to consume them all.
Imaginary weaves a chilling narrative, blurring the boundaries between imagination and reality. Jeff Wadlow’s direction creates an oppressive atmosphere, and James McMillan’s cinematography captures the house’s decaying beauty. Imaginary is a descent into darkness, a reminder that our deepest fears often emerge from the corners of our minds. Whether Chauncey exists beyond the realm of imagination or merely within it, one thing is certain: he’ll haunt your dreams long after you leave the theater.
Imaginary is in cinemas now
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
