"The Book of Henry" (2017) - Review, Story Summary, and Recommendation

 "The Book of Henry" (2017) 

- Review, Story Summary, and Recommendation

Story Summary:

"The Book of Henry" centers around the Carpenter family—single mother Susan (Naomi Watts), her genius 11-year-old son Henry (Jaeden Martell), and her younger son Peter (Jacob Tremblay). Henry is a brilliant, compassionate boy who essentially runs the household, managing finances and helping with his brother's upbringing. Susan, a waitress and aspiring children's book author, relies heavily on Henry's guidance.

The plot takes a dark turn when Henry discovers that his neighbor and classmate Christina (Maddie Ziegler) is being abused by her stepfather, Glenn (Dean Norris), who is also the town's respected police commissioner. Frustrated by the lack of intervention from authorities due to Glenn's influence, Henry devises a meticulous plan to save Christina, documenting everything in a notebook.

However, Henry becomes gravely ill with a brain tumor and dies, leaving Susan devastated. After his death, Susan finds Henry's notebook, which contains detailed instructions on how to carry out his plan to kill Glenn and save Christina. Torn between her morality and her late son's wishes, Susan wrestles with the decision. Ultimately, she confronts Glenn, but the situation resolves unexpectedly, with Susan finding a different way to help Christina without resorting to violence.

Review:

"The Book of Henry" is a film that blends various genres, moving from a family drama to a thriller with elements of dark comedy and suspense. This genre-shifting narrative is one of the film's most polarizing aspects.

**Pros:**

- Strong Performances: Jaeden Martell shines as Henry, delivering a performance that captures both the brilliance and vulnerability of his character. Naomi Watts brings depth to her role as a struggling single mother who grapples with an unimaginable moral dilemma.

- Ambitious Storytelling: The movie tackles complex themes like abuse, morality, and the lengths one will go to protect others. Its ambition is commendable, even if it doesn't always hit the mark.

Cons:

- Tonally Inconsistent: The film's shift from a heartfelt family drama to a suspenseful thriller can be jarring for viewers. Some critics found the transition between tones to be clumsy and disorienting.

- Unconventional Plot: The plot's twists and turns, especially the moral question of whether Susan should carry out Henry's plan, may come off as implausible or uncomfortable for some audiences. The story walks a fine line between being thought-provoking and far-fetched.

Recommendation:

"The Book of Henry" is not for everyone. If you're drawn to films that experiment with genre and aren't afraid to tackle dark, difficult themes, you might find it intriguing. The performances, particularly by the young actors, are worth watching, and the film's ambitious approach to storytelling will appeal to those who enjoy unconventional narratives.

However, if you prefer movies with a consistent tone and a more straightforward plot, this film might be a challenging watch. Its blend of sentimentality and thriller elements doesn't always cohere, making it a divisive experience.

In summary: "The Book of Henry" is a bold but flawed film that will evoke strong reactions, positive or negative, depending on your taste in storytelling.