The Book of Henry (2017): movie summary

George Alvarez 03-10-2023
George Alvarez

O Henry's Book clumsily blends individual compelling elements, making for a shocking and confusing viewing experience, so check out more details of this amazing story below.

Synopsis Henry's Book

Susan Carpenter is a single mother who works as a waitress alongside her family friend Sheila. Henry, her oldest son, takes care of everything and everyone in his own way.

Protector of his brother and a tireless advocate for his often insecure mother, Henry shines through the days like a comet. When Susan discovers that the family next door is hiding a dark secret, she is surprised to learn that Henry has devised an incredible plan to help his daughter.

Protagonist Henry

Eleven-year-old Henry Carpenter (Jaeden Lieberher) is a developed boy genius, capable of doing everything. From managing his family's finances to building a highly elaborate club in the woods.

He even devises beneficial investments for him and his single mother Susan (Naomi Watts). In addition, he helps his younger brother Peter (Jacob Tremblay) so that they can live a quiet life in their small town.

However, there is one thing that Henry possibly cannot do and that is help Christina (Maddie Ziegler).She is a girl her age who lives next door to Henry, alone with her abusive stepfather who is a local police commissioner, Glenn Sickleman (Dean Norris).

Continued

After several failed attempts to protect Christina by conventional means, Henry hatches a very elaborate plan to rescue her and write everything down in his handy red notebook.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen complications that arise thereafter, Henry is unable to carry out this mission on his own, so it is up to Susan to save Christina, rather than follow the instructions that were written for her in "The Book of Henry".

Henry's Book movie summary

The fact that the young cast members are fully capable of carrying much of the emotional weight of this friendly, but totally manipulative story is a great relief. Moreover, it is often a source of joy to watch from the very beginning.

Henry, whose IQ off the charts is matched by his Mother Teresa levels of empathy and concern for others. A know-it-all with a big heart may seem too good to be true and more than a little boring.

However, humble Henry is grounded in the fact that he prefers to go to a regular school with ordinary children and doesn't have a bragging bone in his body. Not even when he is on the phone with a stockbroker while adjusting the family's wallet for maximum gains.

Reviews of the movie The Book of Henry

With the false appearance of being a family drama, Henry's book, turns into a perfect crime more out of control than usual. In that carefulness, there is also room for a good dose of inconsistencies and trickery.

However, the problem with the film, among many others, is the glorification of the hero, endowing the character with a non-existent goodness that only makes the protagonist more flattering. Also, it is true that the audience connects with him more quickly, but it denotes how little risk and originality the project has.

Understand about the book review

Starting from the premise that we believe a sweet teenager is capable of resolving all conflict violently, The Secret Book of Henry drags in its path is logical.

Even ignoring these data, of great weight, the film only finds balance in the eyes of those who prefer, or don't realize, to feel cheated. That is why it is preceded by a complete emotional blackmail, of course, through the childlike gaze.

The response from Henry's Book review

At Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a 22% approval rating based on 146 reviews, with an average rating of 4.10/10. In addition, the site's critical consensus says, "The Book of Henry deserves some points for ambition.

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However, his tonal juggling act and a greatly exaggerated twist may leave the audience awestruck in disbelief rather than choking back tears.

On the other hand, on Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 31 out of 100. This is based on 31 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews."

Henry's Book Launch

The Book of Henry was scheduled to be released on September 16, 2016; however, Focus has rescheduled the film's release for June 16, 2017.

The film premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival on June 14, 2017. In its opening weekend, the film grossed $1.4 million in 579 theaters (an average of $2,460 per theater).

Consequently, finishing 13th at the box office, and making it by far the biggest drop among new specialties opening that weekend. However, the film was featured at the July 2017 Ischia Film Festival, where Trevorrow was honored with the Breakout Director award for the film.

Details for the film The Book of Henry

Country : USA.

Genre : Drama / Thriller.

Duration : 101 min.

Music : Michael Giacchino.

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Photography : John Schwartzman.

Script : Gregg Hurwitz.

Director : Colin Trevorrow.

Cast : Sarah Silverman , Naomi Watts, Jacob Tremblay, Dean Norris, Lee Pace, Jaeden Lieberher.

Final thoughts about Henry's book

Henry's book is admirable in the way it aspires to take the audience on a roller coaster ride of emotions.

It could thus match (and perhaps exceed) the thrill ride experience of an average Hollywood summer mainstay focused on spectacle.

I hope you have enjoyed learning about Henry's book. So, we invite you to enroll in our online family constellation course, become a professional in this area and achieve big dreams in your life. So, don't miss this chance and enroll now!

George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.