Movie Analysis: Human Development and Relationships in 'What If'

This assignment delves into an analysis of the movie 'What If,' exploring the intricate dynamics between love and friendship as experienced by the lead characters, Wallace and Chantry. It examines how Wallace grapples with his feelings for Chantry, who is already in a relationship, leading to confusion about whether their connection is purely platonic or something more profound. The analysis incorporates the triangular theory of love, highlighting the interplay of intimacy, passion, and commitment in their relationship. It also discusses the concept of companionate love arising from deep friendship and how shared interests and psychological needs influence their bond. The study further touches upon Wallace's emotional state, marked by past relationship stress and professional struggles, and how his interactions with Chantry provide relief and satisfaction. The analysis considers the challenges they face in maintaining a platonic friendship, including jealousy and the eventual realization that their connection transcends mere friendship, culminating in their acknowledgment of deeper feelings for each other. Desklib provides a platform for students to access this and similar solved assignments for academic assistance.

Running head: HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Human Development and Family studies
Nam of the Student:
Name of the Organization:
Author’s Note:

2HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
The movie What If talks about the common confusion that one faces between friendship
and love. The same happened with the two lead characters that are with Wallace and Chantry.
Wallace fell for her and started having confusion on whether he was having a normal liking or
serious love relationship for that. Wallace was a dropout from a medical school and he was
trying to get over with a cheating ex. He met with Chantry at the house party of his roommate
Allan. Chantry already has a life in relationship with her boyfriend Ben. Chantry and Wallace
both have many characteristics common among one another but this makes Chantry think that
they can have a proper pure platonic friendship. The triangular theory of love says that people
are often confused between the three-Intimacy, Passion and Commitment (WHAT IF (2013).
2013).
The same happened with Wallace and Chantry. Though she convinced Wallace to have a
platonic and pure friendship with her Wallace perhaps was having a feeling of passion and love.
Both Wallace and Chantry were going through the same phase. Wallace was perhaps having a
companionate love that is actually the result of the deep friendship that had developed between
them. There are actually many different aspects of friendship like respect, trust, responsiveness
and many others. This helps in understanding the kinds of feelings that is existing between the
two. Wallace and Chantry had the lots of things in common. Many of their likings were also
same and perhaps Wallace was getting a proper psychological need satisfaction from the
chemistry that he had with Chantry. He was having a very stressful time. He dropped out from
school, lived in the attics of the house of his parents and was still struggling with the stress from
an agony of a past relationship. So, speaking and meeting with Chantry gave him a feeling of
relief. They were trying to follow the simple rules of friendship, like not being jealous of the
partners of each other, supporting each other at all ups and downs.

3HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
However, Wallace had a mixed feeling after meeting Ben. Perhaps he was the bit jealous
of knowing that Chantry was having a boyfriend. In one part of the movie, Wallace even said
that he is matured enough to be with a girl rather than having a sexual relationship with her. He
thought that her interaction with Chantry is very pure and is devoid of any lust or any other
lustful intention. Their lifespan was in the intimate mutual sharing part where they belonged
from the middle school and had then the intimacy emerged among them slowly. Being friends,
they considered that dating would be a very good decision for them as they saw that they have
many things in common. They finally realized that they have something more than only platonic
friendship. Though they were shy in the beginning Wallace could not really restrain his feelings
towards Chantry. His emotional isolation also acted as a catalyst here and they finally felt for
each other.

4HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
References
WHAT IF (2013). (2013). [film] Toronto: Brave New Hollywood.