Whenever I need a pick-me-up, I always have a list of films to cheer me up (In some regions, it's titled “The F Word”) is right up there at the top of the list So you can imagine my delight when I found the 2014 romantic comedy on Amazon Prime Video's list of additions this month (September 23)

Its appearance on one of the best streaming services is a chance for an entire new audience to experience this delightful charming comedy, and it also gives me the perfect excuse to explain exactly why it's such a special little film (talk about a win-win) Starring Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan, the film doesn't break any new ground in the genre, but when the leads are so likable and the story so well told, it doesn't matter if it's a little predictable

If you're looking for a movie that will leave you feeling heartwarming and with a big smile on your face, here's why Prime Video's “What If” needs to be on your watch list

“What If” begins with Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe) and Chantry (Zoe Kazan) meeting at a house party; the two hit it off immediately and engage in spontaneous conversation Wallace walks Chantry home and asks her for her phone number, which she gives him It sounds like the start of a perfect love story, but there is a bit of a hiccup

Some time later, a chance reunion at a movie theater leads to a friendship and the two quickly grow close Chantry lives with his longtime partner Ben (Rafe Spall) and is very happy, but there is no denying that there is an unreasonable chemistry between them And as Wallace's unrequited love begins to develop into deeper feelings, he begins to wonder if the two are destined to become something more than just friends

The idea of two close friends having secret romantic feelings for each other is not exactly a novel premise for a romantic comedy However, this is not a deal-breaker Yes, the ultimate destination may be fairly obvious, but the journey to get there is a lot of fun

The reason “What If” succeeds despite its rather unconventional storyline is mainly due to the strength of its two leads Radcliffe, who had just finished the “Harry Potter” series when the film was released, is a terrific lead actor and has proven more than capable of anchoring the beloved romantic comedy

Wallace is outwardly cynical, struggling to overcome past romantic failures and convinced that “love is merely a universal excuse for selfish behavior” His encounter with Chantry is the catalyst that opens him up to the possibility of becoming vulnerable again, and Radcliffe does a surprisingly good job of portraying his shift in thinking Radcliffe plays his change of mindset surprisingly well

Kazan is equally likeable as Chantry Besides her relationship with Wallace and her boyfriend Ben, the film does a good job of portraying her character and includes a short subplot about deciding whether to accept a promotion at work that requires her to move from Toronto to Taiwan

Radcliffe and Kazan play off each other perfectly and have a playful dynamic This chemistry makes the two easy to buy into as friends and potential love interests In addition, they are a very good-looking couple, which is not necessarily necessary in a rom-com, but it doesn't hurt either [19] [20] “What If” has more to offer than its two very attractive leads, and the supporting cast is strong Adam Driver and Mackenzie Davis add comedy to the mix in supporting roles as Wallace's friends

In addition, Megan Park and Rafe Spall provide supporting performances, the latter of whom is refreshingly likable (never portrayed as a villain) despite being a hindrance to the budding romance between Wallace and Shantry

If strong performances and a sharp script are not enough, “What If” also has an indie-worthy soundtrack that adds to the emotional intensity at just the right moment It also adds a cute animated element, a nod to Shantry's work as an animator These small touches elevate “What If” beyond the generic core narrative [The film just celebrated its 10th anniversary last month, and is a film I still return to surprisingly often, even 10 years after I first saw it in theaters If you like charming, easy-to-watch romantic comedies, I highly recommend seeing it the next time you need a pick-me-up

And if you watch the movie yourself, be sure to watch the extended version of the ending (of course, don't watch it before streaming the movie) The original theatrical cut ends on a semi-cliffhanger, but this new scene rounds out the story

“What If” is just one of the new movies added to the popular streaming service this month; check out the full list of new movies and shows coming to Prime Video in September 2024 to make sure you don't miss out And if you need more movie recommendations, we have a guide to the most highly rated new releases

Watch What If on Prime Video now