What Is What If About?
The premise of What If in 269 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a muted, contemporary city where routine often feels like a quiet chorus, Wallace drifts through a series of unremarkable days, his life marked by a modest job, an over‑filled apartment, and the lingering echo of a love that slipped away. The film paints his world in soft, slightly muted tones, allowing the everyday details—late‑night fridge magnets, the hum of an unfamiliar street—to hint at a deeper yearning for connection and purpose. His introspective nature is balanced by a dry, observant humor that keeps the mood from sinking into melancholy.
A chance encounter at a low‑key gathering introduces Chantry, an animator whose life follows a comfortable, predictable rhythm. She carries an easy confidence, a creative spark that contrasts with Wallace’s cautious detachment, yet both share a subtle loneliness beneath their façades. Their early conversations, laced with witty banter and shared quirks, blossom into a friendship that feels both unexpected and profoundly soothing. The chemistry between them is rendered with a gentle, almost tactile quality, inviting the audience to wonder what might emerge from their growing closeness.
Surrounding them is a small circle of friends—most notably Allan, a charismatic presence who nudges Wallace out of his shell—who provide both comic relief and a mirror for the protagonists’ insecurities. The tone remains tender and reflective, exploring how ordinary moments can become the foundation for something more meaningful. As the story unfolds, the audience is left lingering on the question of “what if” the unspoken feelings that linger between Wallace and Chantry were to take a step beyond friendship, setting the stage for a quietly resonant journey of self‑discovery and hopeful possibility.
What Happens in What If?
The complete story of What If, from the first scene to the last, in 557 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Wallace, portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe, finds himself in a stagnant life, dissatisfied with his dead-end job and living with his sister, Ellie, played by Jemima Rooper, and her son, Felix, whose character is brought to life by Lucius Hoyos. After a painful breakup that saw him drop out of medical school—prompted by the realization that his girlfriend was cheating on him with his anatomy teacher—Wallace has become a recluse, avoiding social interactions for the last couple of years.
His friend Allan, acted by Adam Driver, finally drags him to a party where boredom quickly sets in. In an attempt to amuse himself, Wallace starts arranging fridge magnets into whimsical phrases. During this amusing distraction, he encounters Chantry, portrayed by Zoe Kazan, and they strike up a conversation. Meanwhile, Allan begins flirting with Nicole, played by Mackenzie Davis.
After the party, Wallace walks Chantry home, only to discover that she is already in a relationship. Despite this, she gives him her phone number, but he hesitates to pursue anything further. His indecision fades after they unexpectedly meet again at a movie theater, leading to dinner together. As their friendship deepens, Wallace is introduced to Chantry’s long-term boyfriend, Ben, played by Rafe Spall, who works for the United Nations.
Their first encounter at Ben and Chantry’s home takes a chaotic turn when Wallace accidentally runs into his ex-girlfriend, which coincides with Ben’s hospitalization following a series of mishaps. As life unfolds, Ben is required to relocate to Dublin, leaving Chantry and Wallace to explore their growing connection on their own. During this period, Chantry’s sister, Dalia, attempts to come onto Wallace, but he refrains, fearing it could jeopardize his chance with Chantry. Unfortunately, Dalia only exacerbates tension between the two by speaking ill of Wallace to Chantry.
In a twist of fate, Allan marries Nicole, and they invite Wallace and Chantry to a night walk on the beach that culminates in mischief. They find themselves skinny dipping, only to have Allan and Nicole steal their clothes, forcing them to share a sleeping bag on the beach. Feeling awkward about the situation, they leave the beach in frustration the next day.
Chantry receives a job offer that requires her to travel to Taiwan, but the pressure of her faltering relationship with Ben leads her to visit him in Dublin. There, she realizes that his job demands will keep him away often, prompting the two to break up. Wallace, unable to suppress his feelings, decides to follow her there. However, upon his arrival, he faces Ben’s wrath and a surprise punch that sends him tumbling down the stairs. After checking his voicemail, Wallace learns that Chantry has returned to Toronto.
Their reunion is bittersweet, with Chantry reacting poorly upon discovering the extent of Wallace’s feelings and the reason for his journey. In contemplating a return to medical school and seeking closure in his life, Wallace attends Chantry’s farewell party where emotions come to a head during a heartbreaking goodbye. They finally confess their mutual feelings while sharing a Fool’s Gold Sandwich, a lighthearted topic they previously bonded over.
The film concludes 18 months later, as Wallace and Chantry begin a new chapter together in Taiwan, where they plan to nurture both their relationship and Wallace’s medical training. The story wraps up with their return to Toronto, culminating in a joyful marriage.
What If Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Wallace's Dismal Life” to “Return to Toronto”. 12 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Wallace's Dismal Life
Wallace is depicted as a man stuck in a miserable job, living with his sister Ellie and nephew Felix. His life took a downturn after dropping out of medical school due to his girlfriend's infidelity with his Anatomy teacher.
Where:Toronto
- 2
Coerced to Attend a Party
Wallace is persuaded by his friend Allan to attend a party, which he initially dreads. At the party, he finds himself bored and starts playing with fridge magnets, arranging them into phrases.
Where:Allan's party
- 3
Meeting Chantry
During his time at the party, Wallace meets Chantry, who joins him in his wordplay. They engage in a delightful conversation and develop an instant connection, although she reveals she has a boyfriend.
Where:Allan's party
- 4
Dinner Date
After a chance encounter at a movie theater, Wallace and Chantry decide to have dinner together. This marks the beginning of their growing friendship as they bond over shared experiences.
Where:Movie theater
- 5
Wallace Meets Ben
Wallace is invited to meet Chantry's long-term boyfriend, Ben, who works for the United Nations. The meeting takes a turn when Ben unexpectedly ends up in the hospital due to an accident during Wallace's visit.
Where:Chantry's house
- 6
Ben Moves to Dublin
Ben's job requires him to move to Dublin, leaving Chantry and Wallace to explore their burgeoning feelings for one another. This separation presents an opportunity for Wallace and Chantry to grow closer.
Where:Dublin, Ireland
- 7
Dalia's Advances
Chantry's sister, Dalia, tries to come onto Wallace, but he refrains due to his feelings for Chantry. Following this, Dalia begins to speak negatively about Wallace to Chantry, straining their dynamic.
- 8
Skinny Dipping Incident
While on a beach walk with Allan and Nicole, Wallace and Chantry are coaxed into skinny dipping. After they swim, Allan and Nicole prank them by stealing their clothes, forcing the pair to share a sleeping bag under awkward circumstances.
Where:Beach
- 9
Chantry's Career Moves
Chantry is presented with a job opportunity to direct a project in Taiwan. Pressured by her relationship with Ben, she travels to Dublin but ultimately decides to break up with him due to his excessive work commitments.
Where:Taiwan
- 10
Wallace Follows Chantry
Determined to be with Chantry, Wallace travels to Dublin but ends up getting punched by Ben upon arrival. After this altercation, he discovers Chantry is back in Toronto, prompting him to return.
Where:Dublin
Show the other 3 events of What If Hide the last 3 events
- 11
The Tearful Goodbye
At Chantry’s farewell party in Toronto, Wallace and Chantry have a heartfelt and tearful goodbye. They finally confess their feelings for each other while reminiscing about a shared favorite meal, the Fool's Gold Sandwich.
Where:Toronto
- 12
Time Jump
The story jumps ahead 18 months, revealing that Wallace has moved to Taiwan with Chantry. They are now in a relationship and Wallace is completing his medical training overseas.
Where:Taiwan
- 13
Return to Toronto
Wallace and Chantry eventually return to Toronto, where they celebrate their new life together. Their relationship culminates in a marriage, signifying a new beginning for both of them.
Where:Toronto
Who Are the Main Characters in What If?
4 characters, among them Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe), Chantry (Zoe Kazan) and Allan (Adam Driver): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe)
Played by Daniel Radcliffe
Wallace is a socially awkward young man who has retreated from his ambitions after a painful breakup. His character experiences significant growth as he navigates the complexities of love and friendship, ultimately discovering his own feelings for Chantry. Despite his initial hesitations, Wallace emerges as a genuine and caring individual.
- 💔 Heartbreak
- 🎓 Personal Growth
- 😅 Awkwardness
-
Chantry (Zoe Kazan)
Played by Zoe Kazan
Chantry is a creative and independent woman who finds herself in a complicated love triangle with her boyfriend and Wallace. She struggles with the pressures of her relationship while developing a deep connection with Wallace. Chantry's character embodies the theme of self-discovery as she learns to prioritize her happiness.
- 💑 Romance
- 🎨 Creativity
- 🌟 Independence
-
Allan (Adam Driver)
Played by Adam Driver
Allan is Wallace's charismatic and somewhat reckless friend who encourages him to step out of his comfort zone. His character serves as a catalyst for various events in the film, often pushing Wallace towards opportunities for growth and exploration of his feelings. Allan's light-hearted demeanor contrasts with the more serious undertones of the story.
- 🎉 Friendship
- 😄 Humor
- 🥳 Adventure
-
Ben (Rafe Spall)
Played by Rafe Spall
Ben is Chantry's long-time boyfriend, characterized by his commitment to work and his unexpected accidents throughout the story. His presence raises the stakes for Wallace and Chantry, challenging their budding relationship. Ben's role illustrates the complications of loyalty and the impact of career demands on personal relationships.
- 👔 Career
- 💼 Commitment
- ⚠️ Conflict
Where and When Is What If Set?
What If is set in Toronto, Dublin and Taiwan (Contemporary). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Contemporary
The events of the film unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern relationships and challenges faced by young adults today. Themes of love, career pressures, and personal development are all prevalent during this time period, alongside the complexities of maintaining friendships and romantic entanglements.
Where
Toronto, Dublin, Taiwan
The movie primarily takes place in Toronto, a vibrant Canadian city known for its diverse culture and iconic skyline. Dublin, Ireland serves as a pivotal location where significant character developments unfold, including a major plot point involving work commitments. Lastly, Taiwan represents a new chapter in the characters' lives, symbolizing both personal growth and career advancement.
- 🌍 Locations
- 🏙️ Cities
- ✈️ Travel
What Are the Themes of What If?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love and Relationships and Personal Growth.
-
01
Love and Relationships
The movie explores the nuanced nature of love and relationships through the experiences of Wallace and Chantry, highlighting the tension between friendship and romantic feelings. Their journey illustrates the complexities that arise when one develops feelings for someone who is already in a committed relationship. Ultimately, the theme underscores the importance of honesty and communication in fostering genuine connections.
-
02
Personal Growth
Wallace's journey reflects significant personal growth as he transitions from a stagnant lifestyle in a miserable job towards pursuing his passion for medicine and building meaningful relationships. The challenges he faces, including conflicting feelings and setbacks, serve as catalysts for his development. This theme resonates with those grappling with their own life choices and aspirations.
What Kind of Film Is What If?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A bittersweet and tender romantic comedy that explores the awkward, hopeful tension of a deep friendship where unspoken feelings create a melancholic yet ultimately uplifting journey of self-discovery.
- romantic
- melancholic
- hopeful
- awkward
- reflective
- tender
- unrequited love
- friendship
- life stagnation
- new beginnings
Quiz
How well do you remember What If? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch What If
Stream it on Hoopla and Kanopy, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 3
Hoopla 
Kanopy 
YouTube Free 
Streaming availability in the US, powered by 
