‘The Imaginary’ Review: Studio Ponoc’s Horror-Tinged Animated Film Is a Visual Feast

Back in 2014, the future of Studio Ghibli was uncertain. Hayao Miyazaki had announced his latest retirement (which he’s broken twice since), and the acclaimed studio shut down all production for an indefinite break. This led a group of staffers, including producer Yoshiaki Nishimura, to leave and found Studio Ponoc. Their debut film, “Mary and the Witch’s Flower” felt like a continuation of the Ghibli style — visually and thematically. Now, many years later, the studio is finally back with a new film in “The Imaginary.” Adapted from the illustrated book by A.F. Harrold and Emily Gravett, this is a beautifully animated tale of imaginary friends, grief, and of running for your lives because you’re being chased by anime Pennywise and his J-horror ghost girl companion.