Trying to make a mostly two-hander drama with one primary location is much harder than it looks, and What If unfortunately doesn't succeed in taking on the challenge. It has a list of relationship issues that it wants to address (which, to be fair, come off as plausible sources of tension once they're finally brought up) and the performance from Alessandra de Rossi is reliably affecting. But a lack of chemistry between her and JM de Guzman—as well as a tedious first half that shows us their characters' blossoming relationship in the cheesiest ways—makes it very hard to care about them when the arguing eventually starts. Without a strong dramatic foundation, the conflict feels shallower than it should. And without a good use of setting, it all becomes tedious to watch.
Synopsis
When a pair of newlywed musicians get trapped in a storm on their island honeymoon, they must face difficult truths that could tear their marriage apart.
Storyline
A couple is forced to confront the long-simmering conflicts in their relationship when a storm strands them on an island getaway.
TLDR
A nostalgic throwback to the long-lost era of corny romantic dramas from like, five years ago.
What stands out
The fact that both protagonists here are musicians is pretty immaterial to the plot. But while a lot of other movies that have artists for characters typically aren't great at showing that they're good at what they do, What If (at the very least) knows how to use both de Rossi and de Guzman's voices. The one-hit wonder song that de Guzman's character is known for is as disposable and inoffensive as expected, but de Rossi's song that plays over the end credits is more thoughtfully made than these kinds of tracks tend to be in movie soundtracks.
