Sometimes you can watch a trailer or read a synopsis and know exactly where a movie is going to end up. In case of The Book of Henry, pretty much everyone will have an inkling where this last chapter will end up. Even so, it won’t make the story unfolding right before your eyes any less impactful.
Henry (Jaeden Lieberher) is unlike just about every other boy his age. Even at the young age of 11, calling this child prodigy wise beyond his years would be an injustice. It’s not just the fact that he is book smart. Henry sees the world, including the situations within it, with such clarity and wisdom that it would make King Solomon green with envy. Henry is the grounded rock that keeps the Carpenter home functioning like a well-oiled machine. His mature benevolence doesn’t stop there, Henry is also the voice of reason and inspiration to those that he interacts with in every day life. Henry sees the world differently than most and it was he sees going on with his next door neighbor that brings thrilling twists to this movie.
Colin Trevorrow is still very wet behind the ears from a directorial standpoint, but with what he’s done with his first two movies (Safety Not Guaranteed (2012) and Jurassic World (2015)) it seems that his future could be very promising. He’s proven that he can have success with a independent low budget movie as well as a big budget franchise flick. The Book of Henry falls somewhere in between but absolutely more towards the modest budget range.
With a project such as this one, you had better bring in some quality actors to sell your ideas. Naomi Watts does a good job as the frazzled mother who tends to not be as adult as she should be at times. Her character requires great emotional range and she pulls it off. The youngest son played by Jacob Tremblay is as adorable as the day is long. He kind of favors Jonathan Lipnicki (Jerry Maguire (1996)) with the instant charm that flows out of him. Jaeden Lieberher does a solid job as the lead character but having others break up the monotony his quirks was a smart move. Rounding out the cast are Maddie Ziegler, Dean Norris and Sarah Silverman.
The Book of Henry is both charming and chilling so don’t get too comfortable with your emotional state as you watch this. You will be all over the place with your feelings as the story unfolds. Even though it flattens out in several parts, the up and down bumpy road ride should keep audiences intrigued just enough to fully submit to this story. You can find out what’s inside The Book of Henry in theaters everywhere starting today.
