A friend from the past causes real problems in this spooky haunted house picture.

“Imaginary,” a film directed by Jeff Wadlow, falls within the horror, mystery and thriller genres, providing a thrilling cinematic experience. The film is rated PG-13, the film lasts for 1 45 minutes and 43 seconds. It promises suspense and excitement throughout its runtime.

The past and the present are fused within the film of Jeff Wadlow “Imaginary,” the latest film in the Blumhouse collection of consistently creepy horror films whose audiences generally expect well-crafted jump scares, thrilling plot twists, and even a creepy-looking monster. What they might not expect is the deep allegory “Imaginary” appears to be trying to play with, and is close to achieving — but then loses its swagger.

Perhaps it’s just my imagination going supernova along with the tiny Alice (a adorable Pyper Braun) as well as her stepmother, Jessica (DeWanda Wise) who is who is a creator as well as illustrator for children’s stories. When Jessica’s father is settling in a nursing home and she and her family members — including an impulsive teen (Taegen Burns) and a guitarist-playing wife (Tom Payne) who is a smart buzzer on tour when things become messy — relocate to her home from childhood.

Within minutes, Alice is conversing with an stuffed bear that she discovers in the basement. It’s an imaginary companion who’s increasingly sinister activities trigger memories Jessica had long ago buried away.

On one hand there’s a lightly enhanced haunted-house movie, that is performed mostly with puppets and other effects that are practical. Also, there’s the familiar ghostly neighbor (here played by the fantastic Betty Buckley) whose job is to benefit us comprehend the woo-woo logic of the story. What’s happening however, is the struggle of a stressed-out second wife, who’s Black and unable to communicate with the distant, and sometimes angry white stepdaughters, whose physically ill mother isn’t completely absent from the scene.

In this way the film’s devolution into, according to my estimation at most three possible endings suggest that the filmmakers are mulling about whether to provide the proper end to Jessica’s sacrificial path or to facilitate the transition into the possibility of a sequel. Which one is the most likely you’ll need to use your imagination.

Imaginary

Rated as PG-13 for weaponized scissors and an enormous spider. Time of play 1 hour and 44 minutes. In theaters.

Director Jeff Wadlow

Writers Greg Erb, Jason Oremland, Jeff Wadlow 

Stars DeWanda Wise, Taegen Burns, Pyper Braun, Betty Buckley, Tom Payne

Rating PG-13

Running Time 1h 44m

Genres Horror, Mystery, Thriller

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