'IF' Ending Explained: Bea discovers Cal's real identity in tear-jerking climax

Directed by John Krasinski, the fantasy comedy film 'IF' boasts of a star-studded cast including Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, and Steve Carell
UPDATED MAY 18, 2024
In an emotional conclusion, Bae finally discovers the starting truth about Cal (@ParamountPictures)
In an emotional conclusion, Bae finally discovers the starting truth about Cal (@ParamountPictures)

Contains spoilers for 'IF'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Directed by John Krasinski, the latest release 'IF', immerses you into the realms of forgotten imaginary friends known as IFs.

The movie, which combines fantastical humor and live-action animation, is receiving love and appreciation from fans, thanks to its unique premise.

The plot of the movie revolves around Bea (Cailey Fleming), a young girl who gains the power to see IFs.

With her newfound power, Bae sets out on an exciting quest to reunite the IFs with their children, alongside her mysterious neighbor Cal (Ryan Reynolds), who shares the same ability.

Bae reunites Blue with his kid Jeremy in 'IF'

Cailey Fleming and Steve Carell in a still from 'IF' (@paramountpictures)
Cailey Fleming and Steve Carell in a still from 'IF' (@Paramountpictures)

In an attempt to reunite Blue (Steve Carell) with his child, Bea receives a tip about Blue's kid, Jeremy (Bobby Moynihan). Alongside Blue and Cal, Bea observes that Jeremy is struggling to launch his business and has completely forgotten about Blue.

After a failed attempt to remind Jeremy about Blue, Bea, and Cal eventually succeed as the adult man is reminded about his fictional friend. With a renewed sense of confidence, Jeremy delivers a spectacular presentation.

Later, all of the IFs rejoice in Blue's accomplishment, and Cal congratulates Bea on her ability to reunite Blue and his child.

Bae is shellshocked to discover IFs' disappearance

'IF' features iconic blend of live-animation with fantasy comedy (@Paramountpictures)
'IF' features iconic blend of live-animation with fantasy comedy (@Paramountpictures)

When Bae returns, she is shocked to learn that her father (John Krasinski) is sick. She rushes to Cal and tells him that she is unable to say goodbye to her father, especially after losing her mother.

Cal comforts her, and she gratefully embraces him. During a visit to her father, she expresses her desire to mature and her need for his support. To their surprise, her father wakes up, and they share an emotional embrace.

Bae's happiness, however, is short-lived as she discovers that her imaginary pals are nowhere to be seen, leaving her feeling perplexed.

She pays a visit to Cal but is surprised to learn from the landlady that the storage space has been unused for a long time, leaving Bae bewildered.

While packing her belongings into the car, Bea stumbles upon an old painting she created depicting herself, her parents, and a clown named Calvin. A startling realization dawns on her about Cal's true identity.

Cal was her imaginary friend, but after her mother's death, she forgot about him. Bae heads to the storage room, seeking out Cal to apologize for neglecting their bond.

She closes her eyes and remembers, and suddenly, she regains the ability to see Cal, Blue, and the other IFs once again.

The last minutes show all of the IFs reconnecting with their original children, including Bea's grandma (Fiona Shaw), her IF Blossom (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), and Keith (Brad Pitt), Bea's father's IF.

'IF' trailer



 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Directed by Michael Gracey and written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, the studio confirmed Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim’s casting on January 7
1 hour ago
Mark your calendars as Neon is set to release Cannes-winning Spanish film 'Sirat' on Feb. 6, featuring a story of a father-son duo in an endless rave
2 hours ago
Jay and Silent Bob are two prominent characters from the fictional "View Askewniverse" created by Kevin Smith
2 hours ago
 'The Wrecking Crew' arrives January 28 exclusively on Prime Video
14 hours ago
Wait for 'The Batman Part II' has been gruelling, but it may prove to be worth it as one of DC's most iconic villains will appear in the film
1 day ago
Also starring 'The Boys' actor Karl Urban, the upcoming action thriller is set to premiere on Prime Video in February
1 day ago
At the time of writing, there is no official release date though the film will premiere in 2026
1 day ago
The sci-fi blockbuster will now release on March 6 on Netflix
1 day ago
The latest features the Wakandans, the Talokanil, and, unexpectedly, one member of the Fantastic Four
1 day ago
The first two 'Doomsday' teasers spotlighted Captain America and Thor, but the third goes darker, opening on a ruined Xavier Mansion
1 day ago