Studio Ponoc’s “The Imaginary” is a captivating film adaptation of A.F. Harrold’s book of the same title. The story follows the enchanting tale of a girl named Amanda and her imaginary friend Rudger, as they embark on magical journeys together. The bond between the two characters is incredible and heartwarming. The film is directed by Yoshiyuki Momose and written by Yoshiaki Nishimura, both are former Studio Ghibli alumni, and “The Imaginary” showcases a similar hand-drawn style and storytelling reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s iconic films like Ponyo and The Secret World of Arrietty (one of my daughter’s favorite films). “The Imaginary” is a beautiful and poetic story that transports viewers into a fantastical world, much like the works of Studio Ghibli.
The movie starts with Rudger narrating that he is exactly 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days old, which is how long it had been since Amanda first imagined him. This charming start introduces this imaginary friend and sets the tone of the film. From there, on a rainy day, we meet Amanda who is speaking with her friend Julia. Julia mentions how adults often forget important things like birthdays, sparking a theme of distracted parenting in the story; It seems like many stories these days show parents who are neglecting their kids due to life stresses or distractions. Amanda rushes home past her mother, Lizzie, who owns the struggling Sheuffleup Bookshop. Seeking comfort with Rudger, Amanda embarks on a magical adventure with giant yetis and Christmas trees. However, their fun is cut short by Amanda’s mom, who doesn’t believe in Rudger and is focused on her own challenges as a single mom preparing for a job interview.
The film’s antagonist Mr. Bunting bears a strong resemblance to a character from the Beatles’ film Yellow Submarine. Mr. Bunting’s bulbous nose and demeanor reminds me of a Blue Meanie. Mr. Bunting is accompanied by a mysterious and dangerous imaginary sidekick reminiscent of Wednesday Addams and the girl from The Ring. This duo is seriously up to no good. Mr. Bunting sustains himself on the souls of Imaginaries and he attempts to consume Rudger on numerous occasions. I do warn that parents should watch the film with their children as there are some dark moments in the film especially when it comes to Mr. Bunting. The eerie nature of Mr. Bunting and his sidekick may be unsettling to younger viewers.
Unfortunately, Amanda gets hurt during one of the encounters with Mr. Buting and Rudger is left to fend for himself against Mr. Bunting’s pursuit. Rudger encounters a peculiar alley cat named Zinzan, voiced by Kal Penn, who informs Rudger of his inevitable disappearance due to being forgotten by Amanda. Zinzan then guides Rudger to the Town of Imaginaries, where he meets a young girl named Emily, a pink Hippo named Snowflake, and Cruncher of the Bones. These Imaginaries have fulfilled their roles as Imaginaries and now reside in the library which is brimming with endless imagination.
The emotional narrative unfolds as Mr. Bunting continues to be a threat to not only Rudger but also his new companions. Rudger sets out to reunite with Amanda, and we see his unwavering determination as well as his deep love for Amanda. The story delves into the trauma Amanda has endured, shedding light on the purpose of imaginary friends as companions that often fill voids or serve as coping mechanisms for individuals who have faced adversity or abuse.
The evolving adventure of The Imaginary is marked by poignant themes and offers a blend of captivating landscapes and intriguing characters that are visually stunning. While some imagery may be unsettling or confusing for young viewers, such as Mr. Bunting’s menacing behavior towards Rudger, the film’s hand-drawn 2D animation and enchanting scenes, including riding a sled pulled by a gigantic Musk Ox named Green Lager, provide an enchanting escape for children. Studio Ponoc’s dedication to preserving the art of hand-drawn animation shines through in this labor of love, crafting a beautiful tale of loss, childhood innocence, resilience, and the limitless power of imagination.
The Imaginary will air exclusively on Netflix July 5th.
