The Imaginary (film)

The Imaginary (屋根裏のラジャー) is a 2023 Japanese animated fantasy film directed by Yoshiyuki Momose from a screenplay written by Yoshiaki Nishimura, who also produced the film, and animated by Studio Ponoc. Based on A.F. Harrold's 2014 novel of the same name, it is Studio Ponoc's first full-length animated film since Mary and the Witch's Flower (2017). The Japanese voice cast includes Kokoro Terada, Rio Suzuki, Sakura Ando, Riisa Naka, Takayuki Yamada, Atsuko Takahata and Issey Ogata. The narrative focuses on Rudger, a boy who is one of the invisible entities known as Imaginaries, created by a girl named Amanda who is coping with emotional loss.

The Imaginary is produced with hand-drawn animation. It was originally scheduled to be released between June and August 2022, but it was postponed due to production delays. It was theatrically released in Japan on December 15, 2023, and was released worldwide by Netflix on July 5, 2024. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised its animation, themes, screenplay and visuals.

Synopsis
In a world where imaginations can live, Rudger, an Imaginary boy, can be seen by no one but his creator, a young girl named Amanda. Their shared existence is confined to the attic of Amanda's residence, where they delve into her vibrant imagination. However, Imaginaries are subject to an inexorable fate: dissolution with human forgetfulness. Baffled by this eventuality, Rudger clings to a glimmer of hope, embarking on an inconspicuous odyssey after Mr. Bunting, who hunts and eats Imaginaries, arrives at Amanda's doorstep. His journey leads him to the enclave referred to as "the town of Imaginaries", a sanctuary for forgotten Imaginaries. This encounter initiates a monumental voyage that steers the course of familial bonds and cherished connections, shaping their forthcoming trajectories.

Box office
The film grossed 68,169,730 yen (about US$478,300) in its first three days.

Japan
The film was released on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD on May 15, 2024, by Walt Disney Japan.

Overseas
On January 25, 2024, Netflix announced that they had acquired worldwide streaming rights to the film, which was being added to the platform later in the year. The deal also included global streaming rights to the studio's future feature projects. In April, Netflix announced that the film will premiere on July 5 on the platform. The film received a limited theatrical run on June 28, 2024.

Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, 91% of 76 critics gave the film a positive review, with an average rating of 7.4/10. The consensus on the website states, "A visually splendid and emotionally resonant anime film that appeals to the child in everyone, The Imaginary is a flight of fancy that audiences won't mind getting swept up in." Based on 18 critics on Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 66 out of 100, indicating that it received generally positive reviews.