Blu-ray Review: Imaginary

When Jessica moves back into her childhood home with her family, her youngest stepdaughter, Alice, finds a stuffed bear named Chauncey. As Alice’s behavior becomes more and more concerning, Jessica intervenes only to realize that Chauncey is much more than the stuffed toy bear she believed him to be.

What We Thought:

Right on the Blu-ray slipcover it says from Blumhouse, the producers of Five Nights at Freddy’s and M3GAN and after watching Imaginary, that’s the best way to compare the film. If you liked those movies you’ll probably enjoy this film. If you enjoy that brand of horror, it’s for you. I don’t love paranormal/supernatural horror so this isn’t 100% for me. I didn’t mind watching it and it held my attention, but I still prefer slashers and that type of horror.

Blumhouse seems to be the go to production team for possessed or creepy items. FNAF had murderous animatronics and M3GAN had a killer doll. Imaginary has a creepy imaginary friend in the form of a stuffed bear. Jessica is working on a new children’s book, but is struggling with its artwork and story. Her father is in the hospital so along with her new husband and her two new stepdaughters, she moves into her old family home. She has a sketchy family life as does her step family. The youngest daughter finds a stuffed bear in the basement behind a small door so you immediately know the bear is bad news. As the stepdaughter’s relationship with her imaginary friend grows, her behavior gets dark and Jessica’s childhood is brought into the light.

Even when I don’t necessarily love these Blumhouse films there are things in them I respect. Production design and value is always top notch. The home, the bear, the effects all work well. It’s a simple idea that has worked for decades (kid plus creepy thing = horror) so there’s no reason to rewrite the book. The acting is solid especially the actress playing Alice, the youngest stepdaughter. Creepy kid horror movies only work when the child actors are good and she does well here. DeWanda Wise is also solid as Jessica, the new stepmom trying to bond with her stepdaughters while their father is out on a gig. Add in Betty Buckley as the suspicious neighbor/former babysitter and the cast works well. Again, it’s nothing overly original, but sometimes you gotta go with tried and true. Blumhouse can pump these films out one right after another and the target audience will eat them up.

I also liked that they delved into the imaginary world. There’s more to Chauncey Bear and it develops somewhat its own mythology and folklore. I’m not sure how it did at the box office, but the film can definitely get a sequel with what was established with the folklore. You can have kids and families not associated with this family for any sequel because of the backstory they developed with imaginary friends and what it means.

Imaginary doesn’t do much we haven’t seen before, but there’s an audience out there for it. Blumhouse stans will like it and I at least enjoyed it enough for a watch. I don’t know if I’d watch it again especially anytime soon, but that’s fine. If you like these types of movies then for you it’s…

RECOMMENDED!

• Audio Commentary by Producer-Cowriter-Director Jeff Wadlow and Executive Producer-Actress DeWanda Wise
• Meet Your New Imaginary Friends
  Meet the cast of Imaginary as they discuss the meaning behind their characters and the terrifying creatures of the Never Ever. They also discuss the universal childhood experience of imaginary friends and how that plays such a crucial part in how they worked through this film.
• Frills and Thrills
  Costume designer Eulyn C. Hufkie uncovers the real-life inspirations behind her designs for the leading ladies of Imaginary. 
• Crafting the Beasts of Imaginary
  Meet Mark Viniello, Claire Flewin, Richard Landon, and Tim Huizing, the Spectral Motion team and puppeteers behind Chauncey the Bear and Bear Beast. Prepare to be amazed as they guide you through a captivating showcase, unveiling their remarkable creations. Immerse yourself in the behind-the-scenes and feature footage that reveals the magic behind each practical effect and how they breathe life into the world of Imaginary.
• Bringing Nightmares to Life
  Step into the realm of nightmares as you embark on the Never Ever created by production designer Meghan C. Rogers. We’re guided through the home’s terrifying rooms, each infused with an unsettling sense of dread. We unveil the builds, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that brings Jessica’s nightmares to life, from the writing on the walls to the haunting crawl space entrance into Never Ever. Here you’ll gain insight into the twisted world of Imaginary.