What/If (2019) User Reviews

Renee Zellweger is the only reason to watch this

[hnt_dnl · 7/10 · 27 May 2019]

I've noticed an amazing trend the last year with several offerings from streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon: popular 90s film actresses are re-inventing themselves on the small screen! There was Julia Roberts in Amazon's Homecoming and on Netflix, first there was Sandra Bullock in Birdbox, then Uma Thurman in Chambers and now Renee Zellweger in WHAT/IF. What's even more amazing is that I've never been the biggest fan of any of them, save for Thurman from Kill Bill 1, and that's the only thing I ever really liked her in. All of these actresses are now middle-aged and they seem like much better actors than I recall them being 20 years ago. Their experience is completely outclassing all the newbies that they are compelled to work with in these streaming shows. The disconnect between the vets and the rookies is astounding.

Zellweger just eats up the scenery as self-made billionaire Anne Montgomery in What/If to the point that she's the only thing that made it tolerable to sit through. Anne is reminiscent of the classic nighttime soap antagonists from shows like Dallas, Dynasty, Revenge. The "Indecent Proposal" subplot with Anne and the Donovans (played by Jane Levy and Blake Jenner) was THE ONLY ONE worth watching. The subplots involving the minor characters were completely uninteresting and disconnected from everything else. I couldn't care less about any of the stuff involving Lisa's brother or Sean's best friend and their romantic entanglements. They should have replaced that with more writing directly involving the inner workings of Lisa's biotech company. Also, I thought Levy was incredibly monotone as Lisa. Zellweger and even Jenner outacted her in their shared scenes. But that subplot involving the biotech as so intricate and intriguing, it managed to keep the season from completely drowning. Well, that and Zellweger's award-caliber performance. Who knew she could play an unapologetically malevolent witch so well? Someone give this lady an award!

Preposterous soap opera

[Piedradura · 5/10 · 27 May 2019]

This started out promisingly enough but went straight downhill around the third episode. Being the masochist I am I watched the entire season, but it got worse and more preposterous as it unfolded.

The writing and acting are awful. Jane Levy, who I remember fondly as the daughter in Suburgatory, is simply dreadful in the lead. The others are all similarly awful. That includes Renee Zellweger.

The writers also wove in way too many subplots. This hot mess was all over the place.

Everyone looked good and the locations were nice, but overall this was a miss. I still give it five stars for effort. What was Netflix thinking?

It has to be deliberate

[tiagokern17 · 5/10 · 26 May 2019]

It's one of those so-bad it's... enjoyable shows. The way it's shot, the dialogue... it's all so cringeworthy. Some characters are followed for no reason at all, and they all feel shallow and unreal. Still, if you watch this as a parody of bad soap-opera like television, it could be a load of fun.

Super cringeworthy!

[AmWeeds · 26 May 2019]

I don't know if it was intentional to be this corny but it was. Should have been aired on Lifetime Channel as that is what it felt like I was watching it on. Very cliche storylines, horrible acting and far fetched plots to move the story along. Renée, you can do better than this!!

Just Renee.

[chick_flick · 6/10 · 26 May 2019]

The only good thing about this is seeing Renee Zellweger in a role that is so unlike her and she pulls it off well. Until somewhere into the 4th or 5th episode they turn her into a caricature. Then it all goes downhill. The subplots had zero to add to the story. Coul've turned out better. Unfortunately it didn't. Worth watching while doing the laundry 'cause you have the TV on anyway. Not something to sit and watch and give it your full-on time and attention.

Don't get why so many people don't like this.

[goatboy-43868 · 7/10 · 2 August 2020]

I found this series pretty gripping with lots of twists and turns. People are complaining that there are three plots going on, why is that such a problem? All the plots and characters intertwine and form part of the whole. I usually prefer horror and science fiction, but this kept me interested until the end. I noticed that people who are criticising this say they kept fast forwarding through the bits they didn't like. Maybe people don't have the patience to watch complex plots anymore. Ok, some of it is a bit unbelievable at times, but aren't most things on tv nowadays. I enjoyed it anyway, not saying it's the best thing on tv or anything, but it certainly kept me wanting to watch the next episode. I fail to see why some people disliked it so much. For me, it was a pretty decent thriller.

Love, Love Renee Zellweger

[lisacarlson50 · 6/10 · 30 May 2019]

Ok. This is not Netflix's best turn but you have got to give props to Zellweger for taking some time off and coming back to something completely different. Great hair, great clothes, great attitude and she's looking better than ever; she's delicious in this role and looks like she's having fun. The other storylines pal in comparison to when she's on the screen. I'll hang on just to watch her!

Feels like you're watching three different shows, 2 of which are VERY bad.

[catsgarden · 3/10 · 26 May 2019]

Normally, subplots weave in and out of a tapestry, coming all together to form ONE big picture in the end. In this case, the subplots are so far removed from the main story, that it feels like you're constantly changing the channel and watching three (sometimes four) distinct tv shows. They barely--and I mean BARELY--connect by the thinnest thread, resulting in a very annoying experience. Especially when two of those three separate 'tv shows' you have zero interest in. By episode 3 I started fast-forwarding through the 'brother' show, and by episode 5, the 'friend' show. The main plot was often plain stupid. It tried to be 'Damages' with Glenn Close, but miserably failed. Zelwegger's role tried to be Stella Gibson from 'The Fall' but also failed. There was a nugget of premise that kept me watching through to the end, but I don't recommend wasting your time on it. They definitely missed the mark on this one.

I can't stop watching this "exquisite binge-worthy trash"!!!

[whitneyfwalker · 10/10 · 25 May 2019]

Quote from Indie Wire above. The only reason this doesn't have 10 stars is because only Melrose Place deserves that. It's f ing perfect! Everyone is a train wreck, have secrets, are emotional nightmares...but are somehow connected. It IS a 2019 Melrose Place, now that I think about it. Cheesy dialogue, improbable situations, over the top everything. It's JUICY. Oh and the Basic Instinct soundtrack (all the music actually) in the most perfect moments-you'll see what I mean-nice touch! Netflix please a second season! PS Renee you give us a polished nuanced Amanda Woodward. That is the highest compliment I can give you :) just changed this to 10 stars.

Renée Zellweger is amazing in this role

[chloegalley · 7/10 · 19 July 2020]

What if is American thriller web television mini series. A very good storyline that will keep you hooked throughout with plenty of twist and turns. A good cast and Renée Zellweger is absolutely brilliant in playing the role no doubt. Was little slow to start with then it just gets better and better and it certainly kept me on the edge of my seat. Worth the watch

So bad so so so bad....

[poganova · 3/10 · 25 May 2019]

This was awful. I guess i kept watching because of Renee, but it just gotten worse nd worse and worse. Very cliche, predictable, boring script...absolutely bizarre unconnected story lines.. terrible acting, like really bad, especially the female lead. the whole thing made no sense! please do not waste your time. Renee.... what has happened to you? :((

Stream it, but only if you're a fan of pulpy, steamy shows like Revenge.

[punch87 · 8/10 · 14 October 2019]

When Zellweger's not on screen, What/If is a mostly empty, broad strokes neo-noir soap, frothy and forgettable. When she appears, it's still all of those things-- but dear lord, please pass the popcorn.

Terrific Soap

[ronterry55 · 7/10 · 7 June 2019]

I am only halfway through the series, but am enjoying the whole thing. I don't know what all the hate reviewers are watching, but I like Renee Zelwegger playing the evil role; I like the leads and the subplots, especially the gay storyline. Other reviewers are holding their noses and watching, but get over it, folks; the LGBT community is part of life, and their stories are as vital as any. The subterfuge and twists remind me of Revenge, which I loved. So, don't think too much about it. Just relax, and enjoy the pure soapiness playing out.

I Loved Revenge But Did Not Like This Show

[stephiekrunner · 2/10 · 27 May 2019]

I loved the show Revenge and Renée Zellweger, so I figured why not give it a try?

The show was bad and not the good kind of bad. The plot was all over the place and so badly written that I didn't care about any of the characters. There was one plot line (ok maybe 2) that were dumb and really of no point other than trying to make the show "bingeable". Or maybe the writing is just THAT bad??! If I hadn't been home with a cold I would have never finished it, but I regret to say I did. I did cheat toward the end and fast forward for part of the last 3 shows, I just wanted to be done with it.

If you're on the fence, save yourself the time and regret....and skip it.

Different version of "Revenge"

[cheer88 · 7/10 · 26 May 2019]

It's a refine version of soap operas. From the start, I was somewhat lost in its story was about. The scandal of Elizabeth Holmes' Theranos is still fresh in news just recently. Hence, I thought this might be related to it. However, besides both main characters were founders of the bio tech companies, there was nothing in similarities.

Wicked, violent and cruel human behaviors are portrayed in thrillers with some degrees of distortions. This one is no surprise. The twists and turns seemly slowly caught up with audience's wondering attentions. I did wish Ann and Lisa's relationship would have been revealed earlier. So writers of the show could be able to enhance it with more jaw dropping dramas. The slow simmering truth to the end did not carry enough momentum to make a grand exit. Nevertheless, it's decent enough and not be bored by.

Ren'ee Zellweger gave quite a performance which made it worth watching. Others' performances were adequate also. I almost wish it could have been more dramatic and unrealistically coincidental from earlier on so there would be enough momentum to carry through the end. It reminded me of another TV show, "Revenge". If you enjoyed "Revenge" and you will not be disappointed by this one.

Don't get all the hate

[kittybuttons · 7/10 · 26 May 2019]

I thought it was pretty good. Not the best tv show ever but watchable and enjoyable. Just binged the whole thing.

I also don't understand why people are complaining about the story arcs of the brother and best friends too. They were fine. Plus it's nice that each character had a story rather than being one dimensional characters solely there to serve the main plot.

Really not as bad as everyone is making it out to be. Don't get all the hate for it.

7/10

Gail Platt

[donnadavis-98210 · 7/10 · 31 December 2019]

Not really a relevant comment but every time I see Renée in this all I actually see is Gail Platt from Coronation Street - Thought I would share my opinion

Netflix Gets a Great Big Gooseegg for This Drivel

[bshaef · 3/10 · 25 May 2019]

Bad acting, slow, unbelievable story and after i watched for what seemed all day long, I saw I was only on Episode 6. Couldn't bear the thought of wasting 5 more hours of my limited lifespan so I turned it off and moved on. On the bright side, I was able to cook dinner and clean up the kitchen without missing a lick of the plot.

Love this show

[lisajonesey · 8/10 · 25 May 2019]

I love the intrigue in this show and Renee Zellweger plays a brilliant part. She definitely carries the show and is magentic on screen. I dont take any notice of reviews and like to form my own opinions. The only thing that irks me is that the storylines for the gay relationship and the residents affair etc dont seem to be relevant to the story and the main story would still continue without these characters. On episode 6 and Im waiting for it to come together some how. Despite that its worth watching to see Renee in a different roll than weve seen her play and she plays powerful tortured, lonely, cruel and intriguing very well indeed.

Zellweger resurrects Joan Crawford

[davidgee · 6/10 · 29 January 2020]

This is a mishmash of recycled ingredients and like most maxi- and mini-series it could have been done in half the time - or a quarter. But the pace fairly gallops apart from one turgid episode where Anne and Lisa buddy up in motel during a rainstorm. Zellweger's look combines - why wouldn't it? - Bridget Jones and Judy Garland. Facial tics and brisk high-heeled walks highlight her nervy portrayal and I often felt she was channeling Joan Crawford, who would have sunk her teeth into this role with some relish.

WHAT/IF is tosh/hokum, elevated to top-drawer dosh by its star lead - and overall fairly watchable. A second series is promised, which, obviously, will give us more of the same, possibly more than we need. They always do

WTF did I just watch?

[ineedaname · 5/10 · 3 June 2019]

I wanted to like this but unfortunately I've wasted nearly 10 hours of my life. As someone else wrote, you feel like you're watching three different shows and none of them were worth watching. This show should have focused on the biotech story rather than branching off into tangents thinly held together by minor actors.

Think of all the amazing things you could do with 10 hours, and then do those things instead.

Another hit for Netflix

[philvj · 10/10 · 24 May 2019]

I loved Revenge and was excited to see what this show would look like. It's so good - binged all episodes in one day. Rennee Zellweger is brilliant in this role. The story is compelling, the acting is great and it gets more interesting with each new episode. Don't mind the critic reviews and see for yourself how good the show actually is.

Little bit of light watching

[imlindaheart · 7/10 · 29 May 2019]

Three stories, lots of beautiful people, easy to follow plots, a little bit of mystery. Just what you need for some light entertainment to keep your mind off your real life and own problems. Nothing too thought provoking or deep, but still a pretty good watch.

Terrible !!

[urvashi-jain · 4/10 · 24 March 2020]

The whole show makes no sense with a terrible storyline. Renee has the same 3 expressions throughout!

If you are still looking for a reason to watch the show, it can easily become a guilty pleasure.

[Screenthoughts · 7/10 · 25 November 2020]

Netflix's new show What/If starts with a blunt suggestion made by Anne Montgomery (Renée Zellweger), portrayed as a ruthless venture capitalist. She will invest 80 million dollars to save Lisa Donovan's (Jane Levy) medical start-up from bankruptcy under one condition: a night alone with her young husband, Sean Donovan (Blake Jenner), no questions asked. If it feels like you have seen it before, it is because you probably have. The show's premise is so openly a gender flip of the 1993 film Indecent Proposal, starring Demi Moore and Robert Redford, that Lisa's response involves a reference to "a bad '90s movie."

But it is the 21st century, and the questionable ethics and morals of Anne Montgomery go well beyond those of the billionaire John Gage, played by Robert Redford. She is an unapologetically ambitious financier who openly argues that, to be successful, one must free himself or herself from "lesser people's moral agendas."

The night alone with Sean is just the beginning of Anne's twisted plot. As she moves on with her plan, the viewer wonders if her obsession is with the handsome, former baseball player Sean or with his brilliant wife, who has dedicated her career to finding a more efficient way to deliver treatment to cancer patients - a medical revolution that would arrive too late to save the life of Lisa's sister, who died in childhood, but that could give her loss a meaning. Anne Montgomery proves that female characters don't need to be always heroic or inspiring to be great. They can be as calculating, power-hungry, and unscrupulous as the worse - or best - male villains. Although this looks to me like a step in the right direction, we know that we still have a long way to go when we note that female villains almost invariably need to be "explained" by some kind of trauma.

In Anne Montgomery's case, it is not enough that she had a childhood defined by violence and neglect. She needs a second, even more obvious experience (I will stop here to avoid spoilers) to justify her evil genius. And, in case you still didn't understand it, the show overstates its points by having Anne's sidekick Foster tell her that "the worse kind of victim is the one that chooses to create another."

To be fair, it is not only in explaining Anne that What/If goes overboard. The show has way too many parallels, competing subplots, and an overwhelming amount of twists and turns. (There are only so many revelations that can be packed into ten episodes before it gets too much...)

But if you are still looking for a reason to watch the show, which - I admit - can easily become a guilty pleasure, I have one: Renée Zellweger. Anne Montgomery is clearly not her typical kind of role. And yet, Zellweger has found the right mix of cynicism, strength and just enough fragility to make the noir-style femme fatale Anne almost believable and, why not, entertaining.