Rom-coms can backfire however, if the film fails both romantically and comically, which is where What If enters. In terms of rom and com elements, What If (released elsewhere as The F-Word) brings nothing new or unique to the format. Perhaps if the film was released in 1988 before Say Anything…, When Harry Met Sally… (1989 romances really loved ellipses), and…(I do as well) pretty much any other rom-com after 1989, I would have found it more interesting; but as it is, What If adds nothing to its predictable romance and trying-to-be-hip comedy. What If’s staleness isn’t the only issue, as its execution is particularly muddled. The film tries to mix several modern styles of romance, comedy and conversation without considering how unnatural they’d feel in one setting (as if combining the styles of Reiner, Linklater, Reitman and Boone into one large clusterf@#%). One moment the protagonist accidentally knocks out his competition in comedic, three-stooges fashion, while the next moment follows the female lead as her lengthy relationship begins to crumble (all while whimsical animated pictures fly about to a melancholy soundtrack).
To make matters worse are the incredibly annoying side characters (played by Adam Driver and Mackenzie Davis) who wouldn't be so awful if they didn't keep trying to manage the leads’ relationship (even during their wedding day)! They’re a frustratingly loathsome couple; a pair of unfunny, obnoxious jerks who appear apathetic to other’s feelings. Even when trying to help, they end up cruel and unthoughtful…YET the film continuously treats them as a lovable, rom-com side couple. What If’s mentionable grace is its lead actors (Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan) who both give entertainingly likable performances; yet even the captain can’t save a sinking ship, and while What If’s far from the worst rom-com made, its flaws and frustrations unquestionably outweigh its strengths.
