“Imaginary” is a 2024 American supernatural horror film helmed and produced by Jeff Wadlow, with a screenplay co-written by Wadlow, Greg Erb, and Jason Oremland. Co-produced by Jason Blum under Blumhouse Productions and Tower of Babble, the movie features DeWanda Wise, Tom Payne, Taegen Burns, Pyper Braun, Matthew Sato, Veronica Falcon, and Betty Buckley. The story revolves around a woman who returns to her childhood home only to uncover that her stepdaughter’s imaginary companion is more sinister than it seems.
Released in the United States by Lionsgate on March 8, 2024, Imaginary garnered predominantly negative critiques from reviewers and has earned less than $39 million at the box office.”
CHARACTERS
- DeWanda Wise portrays Jessica, who is Max’s wife and the stepmother of Taylor and Alice.
- Tom Payne plays Max, Jessica’s husband, and the father of Taylor and Alice, who works as a musician.
- Taegen Burns stars as Taylor, Max’s older daughter and Jessica’s older stepdaughter, as well as Alice’s older sister.
- Pyper Braun portrays Alice, Max’s younger daughter and Jessica’s younger stepdaughter, who is also Taylor’s younger sister.
- Matthew Sato appears as Liam, who is Taylor’s friend and neighbor.
- Verónica Falcón takes on the role of Dr. Alana Soto, a therapist.
- Betty Buckley plays Gloria, Jessica’s neighbor, and former babysitter from her childhood.
- Dane DiLiegro portrays Chauncey Bear, Jessica and Alice’s imaginary friend.
STORYLINE
Children’s author Jessica is wed to widowed musician Max, who has two daughters: Alice and Taylor. Jessica wrestles with nightmares featuring her mentally unstable father Ben and her fictional character Simon the spider. Upon moving into Jessica’s childhood home, Alice forms a bond with a teddy bear named Chauncey, while elderly neighbor Gloria shares forgotten memories of Jessica’s youth.
Max departs for a tour, leaving Jessica troubled by Chauncey’s unsettling presence. When Taylor’s friend Liam is menaced by Chauncey, Jessica intervenes, preventing a dangerous accident. Concerned, she seeks help from child psychologist Dr. Soto, only to discover that only she and Alice can see the stuffed bear. Alice vanishes, leading to tension between Jessica and Taylor. Gloria reveals that Chauncey was Jessica’s own imaginary friend from childhood, and explains the sinister nature of such companions. As they uncover Jessica’s repressed memories, they confront the truth about Chauncey’s intentions and Gloria’s obsession with the Never Ever realm. After a harrowing confrontation, Jessica stops Chauncey’s rampage, but realizes she’s trapped in the Never Ever.
With Ben and Max’s aid, Jessica faces Chauncey’s wrath, ultimately defeating him with Alice’s help. The family escapes as their home burns, seeking refuge in a hotel. However, they encounter another unsettling encounter, prompting them to flee for safety.
