Daniel Radcliffe, for many, will forever be etched in memory as the boy wizard, Harry Potter. We witnessed his on-screen evolution from a child actor to a teenager across eight magical films. However, with the release of “What If,” audiences saw Radcliffe step into a decidedly more grown-up role, prompting the question: What If Daniel Radcliffe embraced romantic comedies? This film marked a significant shift, showcasing his potential beyond the wizarding world and into the realm of relatable, adult characters navigating love and life’s complexities.
For an actor so intrinsically linked to a single, iconic role, Radcliffe’s journey to carve out a distinct post-Potter career has been both intriguing and varied. While he may not embody the stereotypical image of a macho action star or a corporate titan, “What If” convincingly presented him as a mature, thoughtful man grappling with very real, grown-up issues. He effortlessly donned the mantle of an unassuming, charming romantic lead, proving it to be a surprisingly comfortable and natural fit.
Shedding the Cloak: Radcliffe’s Post-Potter Journey
It’s undeniable that Radcliffe has ventured into diverse and challenging roles since bidding farewell to Hogwarts. He demonstrated his range in the commercially successful horror film, “The Woman in Black,” set in the Edwardian era, and garnered critical praise for his portrayal of Allen Ginsberg in “Kill Your Darlings.” His forays onto the stage, notably in productions like “Equus” and “The Cripple of Inishmaan,” further solidified his commitment to serious acting. Despite these varied roles and accolades, Radcliffe’s career trajectory post-Potter felt somewhat undefined, lacking a clear direction. “What If,” released when he was just 24, served as a pivotal moment, offering compelling evidence that his true niche, or at least a very promising avenue, might lie in heart-warming romantic leads.
Wallace in “What If”: A Romantic Turn
“What If,” skillfully adapted for the screen by Elan Mastai from TJ Dawe and Mike Rinaldi’s play “Toothpaste and Cigars,” provided Radcliffe with the perfect vehicle to display his inherent charm and ability to portray a likeable, slightly melancholic, yet ultimately endearing character. He embodies Wallace, a former medical student grappling with heartbreak. The narrative unfolds as Wallace finds himself amidst the blossoming romance of his best friend Allan (played with boisterous energy by Adam Driver) and Nicole (Mackenzie Davis). This leaves Wallace feeling somewhat adrift until he connects with Allan’s cousin, Chantry (portrayed with captivating quirkiness by Zoe Kazan).
Their initial connection at a party leads to a deeper, albeit complicated, relationship. Chantry’s mixed signals, expressing interest while simultaneously mentioning her boyfriend, Ben, immediately place Wallace squarely in the dreaded “friend zone.” Despite initial hesitation and discarding her number, fate, in classic rom-com fashion, intervenes. A chance encounter at a repertory screening of “The Princess Bride” reignites their connection. Wallace, realizing the value of new friendships, embarks on a platonic relationship with Chantry, which, predictably, evolves into something far more profound.
The film gracefully navigates the familiar rom-com trope of “will they, won’t they?” without feeling tedious. “What If” is peppered with genuinely funny and endearing situations – misunderstandings involving Chantry’s boyfriend, frantic airport dashes, boisterous nights out, and even a memorably awkward yet tender scene set in a ladies’ dressing room. Throughout these scenarios, the undeniable chemistry between Radcliffe and Kazan draws the audience in, making it almost impossible not to root for their happiness.
Why Rom-Coms are a Perfect Fit for Radcliffe
The undeniable success of “What If” hinges significantly on its casting. Radcliffe and Kazan are individually captivating, and together they generate an irresistible on-screen dynamic, radiating vulnerability and sincerity. However, “What If” truly solidifies Radcliffe’s position as a leading man. Despite portraying a character riddled with insecurities and reliant on his friend Allan for pep talks, Radcliffe’s Wallace remains inherently admirable and relatable. He embodies the complexities of navigating one’s twenties with authenticity, conveying the weight of these experiences without resorting to whininess. This innate ability to evoke sympathy and understanding from the audience is a crucial, often intangible, quality for a successful actor, and Radcliffe possesses it abundantly.
Directed with a light touch by Canadian filmmaker Michael Dowse, known for the hockey comedy “Goon,” “What If” allows the city of Toronto to enhance the film’s charm without becoming overly intrusive. This understated approach extends to Mastai’s screenplay, which provides ample space for witty banter, philosophical musings, and organic progression of the romantic narrative. While the film occasionally veers into slightly crude humor, the overall tone leans towards a Woody Allen-esque sensibility, perhaps filtered through a Nora Ephron lens. Although “What If” may not reach the heights of those cinematic benchmarks, it certainly holds its own and avoids unfavorable comparisons.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of any romantic comedy rests on the audience’s investment in the central couple’s relationship. “What If” excels in this regard. The desire to see Wallace and Chantry find happiness is palpable, driving the film’s emotional core. Beyond simply wanting a happy ending for the characters, the film evokes a desire to see Daniel Radcliffe further explore this facet of his acting talent. The “Wallace” persona might not be a radical reinvention of the romantic lead, but Radcliffe’s embodiment of it feels remarkably fresh and compelling, marking a promising direction for his post-Potter career and answering the “what if daniel radcliffe” question with a resounding, and romantic, possibility.
