Imaginary review: M3GAN, take the wheel

If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise… especially if you run into Chauncey the teddy bear. Imaginary, the latest micro-budget horror from Blumhouse, offers up a unique spin on the killer kids’ toy subgenre. I just wish it was more fun.

There’s no denying the parallels between Imaginary and M3GAN. Hell, there could very well be a crossover on the cards in the future. But where M3GAN shines with its irreverent humor that pokes fun at itself, Imaginary takes itself a little too seriously. 

Not every film can enjoy TikTok virality, of course. But when the plot centers on a supernatural stuffed bear, we expect a few laughs along the way. Despite its unique premise, the film lacks the comedic elements that could have made it a modern-day sensation. 

Although Chauncey doesn’t live up to his potential, it’s not all bad, with some great visuals and effective jumpscares. If only the film had more of the two key components – humor and horror – this review might look a little different. 

Imaginary feels AI-generated

The opening sequence to Imaginary, directed by Truth or Dare and Fantasy Island helmer Jeff Wadlow, is promising. Jessica, portrayed by DeWanda Wise, frantically paces through a home, with children’s scrawlings all over the walls. She apologizes to an unseen threat, finds a freshly pulled-out tooth, and searches through a surreal hallway of bedroom doors. 

But in one of the many rugpulls of Imaginary, it turns out this was all a dream. What follows are scenes that feel as if they’re ripped straight out of a Lifetime movie. Tom Payne plays Max, Jessica’s husband whose career as a rock star appears to be one of the movie’s many MacGuffins. The only time it’s addressed is when he goes on tour, allowing Jessica to be alone with his two daughters – angsty teen Taylor (Taegen Burns) and innocent child Alice (Pyper Braun).

All four move into Jessica’s childhood home for a “fresh start.” But old traumas are dragged up, as are new ones when Alice discovers a beaten-up teddy bear in the basement named Chauncey. In the scenes that follow, Jessica must intervene when Alice’s games with her new imaginary friend become sinister. As the plot develops, things take a turn for the downright daft. 

Though I loathe to say it, there are moments when it feels as if the script – written by Wadlow, alongside Greg Erb, and Jason Oremland – has been AI-generated. This isn’t the first time the filmmaker has drawn such comparisons; his input on the 2020 Vin Diesel flop Bloodshot and the 2018 horror Truth or Dare earned similar feedback. 

The wasted potential of Chauncey the Bear 

The problem with Imaginary’s storytelling is it spends far too much time focusing on the trauma of its characters rather than the issue at hand: you know, the scary teddy bear? Whereas films like M3GAN and Chucky place their tongue-in-cheek antagonists front and center, Chauncey feels more like an afterthought, with not enough horror or comedy to carry him through. 

It should be highlighted that the stuffed bear isn’t the only threat of Imaginary, but rather the physical manifestation of something much larger. But the concept feels half-baked, resulting in a confusing third act. 

Lionsgate

The performances are a mixed bag. Wise is captivating to watch, showing range even when the script doesn’t serve her well. Similarly, Braun is outstanding as Alice, navigating an array of emotions as we learn more about her troubled background. Carrie alum Betty Buckley suffers the same fate as her character in M. Night Shyamalan’s The Happening, rendering her the odd old lady whose purpose is to move the plot forward. But she does what she can. 

Imaginary is visually impressive

Despite its flaws, Imaginary is not without its merits. Dodgy CGI aside, the film’s strengths lie in its visual representation. The slick cinematography and the surreal landscapes of Jessica’s nightmares are commendable. The use of color, in particular, adds depth and atmosphere, making it, at times, a visual feast for the eyes. 

This becomes even more impressive with the knowledge that the film fits into Blumhouse’s famous micro-budget template. Imaginary has a production budget of $10 million – pocket change in today’s blockbuster landscape. There’s also a few decent jump scares, one of which is reminiscent of the big moment in Rob Savage’s Stephen King adaptation, The Boogeyman. 

Imaginary’s PG-13 rating may be a good or a bad thing, depending on how you look at it. For the most part, there’s enough in the film to make it a decent entry-level horror for tweens. But had it targeted more mature audiences, it could have benefitted with scarier elements or outlandish gore.

The payoff is passable enough, but while it does set up a potential sequel, it’s difficult to envision there being a huge demand – unless Chauncey and M3GAN were to cross paths (she could certainly teach him a thing or two). 

Imaginary review score: 2/5

When I heard about Imaginary, I was excited about the concept of a supernatural stuffed bear, expecting a killer caper with satire thrown in the mix. While the concept itself holds great promise, the execution lacks the playful spirit and or creepy horror that could have made it a truly memorable entry to the Blumhouse library.