IF Ending Explained; What Happens To The IFs After Bea Leaves New York?

As a dedicated follower of heartwarming films that tug at the heartstrings, I found “IF” to be a truly enchanting cinematic journey. Having navigated my fair share of challenges and hardships in life, this movie resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the power of imagination, friendship, and self-discovery.


In a world where my heart skips a beat, I found myself captivated by the enchanting tale of “IF”. This movie is all about Bea, an extraordinary girl who possesses the unique gift of seeing Imaginary Friends (or IFs). With her father’s health hanging in the balance as he prepares for surgery, Bea teams up with Cal, a fellow neighbor who also shares this peculiar ability. Together, they embark on a heartwarming journey to find new homes and children for these magical beings.

In the beginning, the movie “IF” concentrates on discovering fresh environments for its vibrant characters beyond a retirement home created by an elderly IF. Yet, it subtly conveys a profound message revolving around self-realization and happiness. The film delves into the significance of creativity during challenging times and even conceals its most significant surprise. Ultimately, the emotionally charged and thought-provoking conclusion hints at a possible sequel.

Bea’s final interaction with Cal

As I bid adieu to New York City with my dear companion, Cal, and my father, we embarked on an unexpected journey. My dad bravely faced a surgical procedure that, surprisingly, turned out to be a success, albeit with a moment of apprehension. Our departure was swift, but during the transition into our vehicle, a cherished sketch I had drawn – featuring myself, my parents, and my imaginary friend Calvin (portrayed by the talented Ryan Reynolds in the movie) – went missing. The loss of this drawing left an empty space, symbolizing the absence of Cal in our real-life adventure.

After finally understanding their bond, Bea hurries back upstairs and recalls enough memories to see Cal once more. Now attired in vibrant garb reminiscent of a jester, Cal welcomes Bea with a balloon bouquet, marking the end of the movie with a touching hug that encapsulates the film’s main ideas and sheds light on various details about Cal’s character. It’s a truly heartwarming scene that beautifully summarizes the film’s overall message.

The movie separates Bea and Cal, yet its underlying messages imply that imaginary friends (IFs) remain significant even in adulthood. During tough or anxious periods, IFs can provide comfort, as Calvin might reappear to aid Bea. Bea’s grandmother residing in the city underscores the significance of imaginary friends during stressful times.

Visiting Bea’s family might involve a stop at Calvin’s apartment, given that he is an Invisible Friend (IF). This revelation sheds light on many of Cal’s behaviors in the film and why others couldn’t perceive him. By the end of IF, both Bea and Cal appear emotionally revitalized, suggesting a potential reunion for them at some point in the future. Even Bea’s father appears to accept the concept of Invisible Friends, as the movie’s ending implies that the Invisible Keith has been his own IF and has returned home.

What happens to the IFs after Bea leaves New York?

Through Bea’s actions, several Inner Fighters (IFs) have experienced a beneficial change, resulting in some of them reconnecting with their original communities. Notably, Bea’s grandmother has found connection with Blossom, and even minor characters like Unicorn and Ally have managed to reunite with their own people. This demonstrates the far-reaching, positive effects of Bea’s impact on the Inner Fighters.

1. The movie concludes with an implication that decommissioned IFs (Integrated Facilities) will reconnect with their original families, instead of being assigned to new children. It turns out that Benjamin, who had never encountered any other IFs before, possesses his own dragon-like IF. The ending implies that the IFs experience tranquility by reuniting with their biological kids, even if it’s just for a brief period, as demonstrated by Blue’s happiness in boosting Jeremy’s self-esteem.

IF’s ending sets up a sequel

The conclusion of IF leaves things unresolved, as Bea, Calvin, and other characters’ emotional stories come to a close. Bea might choose to revisit New York City to spend time with her grandmother and reunite with Calvin and other friends at the retirement home. Nevertheless, certain aspects about the world of IF remain intriguing, making a follow-up enticing. For instance, there is the mystery surrounding the aging of IFs and their ultimate fate, as Blue worries about being overlooked by others.

Calvin’s idea that Imaginary Friends (IFs) don’t age or perish stirs debate about their reality. A subsequent storyline delving into IF mortality might touch upon the demise of Louis Gossett Jr.’s character, Lewis. Bea’s interactions with IFs could provide an opportunity for her to assist them in high school, deepening our understanding of IFs’ emphasis on maintaining imagination as they mature. This scenario would offer a rich backdrop for delving deeper into IF themes.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d like to share my thoughts on the profound impact of the film IF. In this heartfelt narrative, it underscores the transformative power of creativity and optimism amid life’s challenges. The protagonist, Bea, encounters a difficult phase with her parents’ deteriorating health, causing her to feel sidelined. However, she is reconnected by Calvin and fellow IFs who inspire her to recognize that imagination remains potent even as we grow older. Losing one’s childlike spirit doesn’t diminish its power; instead, it can serve as a beacon of hope during trying times.

Only when the movie reunites Bea’s Grandmother with Blossom, and momentarily brings Blue together with Jeremy, does it become evident that the enduring essence of IF and the bonds between people are what truly matter. The lesson from IF’s conclusion is that we should never discard or outgrow the childlike imagination responsible for creating IFs in the first place. As adults, we still require such imaginative escapes at times. The message to preserve these connections makes IF carry a poignant and impactful core.

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2024-08-21 14:27