In Studio Ponoc’s The Imaginary, a little girl named Amanda and her imaginary friend Rudger—a person she imagines to accompany her on exciting pretend adventures—showcase the depths of imagination and compassion. But Rudger encounters an enigmatic menace when he finds himself all alone and travels to The Town of Imaginaries, a place where forgotten Imaginaries reside and find employment. The Imaginary, which was directed by the well-known animator Yoshiyuki Momose (Spirited Away), is a moving tale of love, grief, and the restorative power of imagination. The Imaginary’s breakthrough hand-drawn animation is enhanced by innovative light and shadow effects.

The Imaginary is based on the beloved and award-winning novel of the same name by A.F. Harrold and illustrated by Emily Gravett (Bloomsbury Publishing). The Imaginary debuts on Netflix on July 5, 2024.