Studio Ponoc’s The Imaginary, directed by Yoshiyuki Momose and produced by Yoshiaki Nishimura, follows the tale of Rudger, a boy known to adults as an Imaginary. His creator, Amanda, is always embarking on adventures, and they’ve always been there for each other since no one else can see Rudger. They’ve made a promise to each other: never disappear, protect each other, and never cry. However, after Amanda gets into an accident, Rudger is left alone and hunted by a strange man named Mr. Bunting. Now, Rudger must seek help from new friends to reach Amanda before it’s too late. The film was released in Japan on December 15, 2023, and on Netflix on July 5, 2024.

Step into the Realm of Imaginary Friends! 

The movie The Imaginary is based on the book of the same name by A.F. Harrold. In this enchanting story, ‘imaginaries’ are unique beings created by the imagination of children, who are often forgotten as they grow up. Rudger is one such Imaginary, brought to life by Amanda after she experienced a significant personal loss. They have been inseparable for exactly three months, three weeks, and three days—Rudger’s entire existence. But when Amanda disappears from an accident, Rudger finds himself alone and vulnerable. He soon stumbles upon a hidden world where other imaginaries, who are on the brink of being forgotten, reside. 

With the help of his newfound friends, Rudger embarks on a perilous adventure to save Amanda and secure his place in her life. The Imaginary beautifully captures the magic and melancholy of childhood imagination, blending heartwarming moments with thrilling adventure. This film is a touching exploration of friendship, loss, and the enduring power of imagination, making it a must-watch for audiences of all ages.

Studio Ponoc excels in depicting the profound role of imaginary friends in a child’s world, illustrating why these friends are created and how they fulfill emotional needs. Amanda’s creation of Rudger, for instance, serves as a coping mechanism for her grief. The film maintains a thoughtful pace, ensuring a thorough exploration of its narrative without rushing or dragging, which leaves no questions unanswered for viewers. The Imaginary also marks Studio Ponoc’s return to full-length animated films since their previous work, Mary and the Witch’s Flower.

Discover the Enchanting Cast and Characters! 

The movie features a plethora of fun and fascinating characters. Rudger, voiced by Louie Rudge-Buchanan in the English dub, is a young imaginary boy whose sole purpose is to be with his creator, Amanda. Rudger relies entirely on Amanda, seeking her guidance for everything from their next adventure to answering his questions. Initially timid and somewhat cowardly, he gradually gains the courage and strength to help those around him. There is a poignant scene where the audience might feel sympathy for Rudger due to Amanda’s harsh treatment, which leaves him upset and vulnerable. Despite the challenges he faces, Rudger’s devotion to Amanda remains unwavering, and he is willing to do anything to avoid being forgotten.

Amanda Shuffleup, voiced by Evie Kiszel in the English version of the movie, is a young girl who creates Rudger after experiencing a significant loss. Together, she and Rudger embark on wild and imaginative adventures, exploring fantastical realms and creating new stories. These adventures serve as a temporary escape from her grief, but Amanda’s emotional pain continues to linger, straining her relationship with her mother. Following her accident, Amanda remains unaware of the profound impact it has on those around her, including Rudger.