Henry Johnson

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Henry Johnson

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1h 25m

Crime

Drama

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61%

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36 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Written and Directed by Pulitzer Prize winner David Mamet, HENRY JOHNSON follows the title character (Evan Jonigkeit) as he navigates his search for a moral center, after an act of compassion upends his life. Looking to authority figures he encounters along the way -- including his eventual cellmate, Gene (Shia LaBeouf) -- Henry's journey leads him down a road of manipulation and ethical uncertainty. The film is an exploration of power, justice and the consequences of letting others choose your path for you.

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Critics Consensus

Henry Johnson exhibits David Mamet's penchant for memorable dialogue, delivering a string of terrifically-acted set pieces that can be as punishing for the audience as they are for Evan Jonigkeit's titular character.

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Tim Cogshell

FilmWeek (LAist)

Compassion breaks the backbone of the "real man". That's the theme here. Look, I love me a whole lot of David Mamet, but... there's a filter here, now. I can see what's going on.

May 19, 2025

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Ty Burr

Washington Post

The problem with “Henry Johnson” is that we’ve heard it all by now — in fact, we’re living it — and what once felt like a cruel breath of fresh air has acquired the stifling nature of a pose.

Rated: 2/4

May 9, 2025

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Glenn Kenny

RogerEbert.com

The text might not be vintage Mamet, but it’s a real meal.

Rated: 3/4

May 9, 2025

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Zach Lewis

In Review Online

For Mamet, hard-headed masculinity, a well poisoned long ago, contains another contradiction: it is inescapable, yet the attempt to escape is always worthy.

Jun 6, 2025

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Frank Swietek

One Guy's Opinion

Isn’t first-rate Mamet. But it retains a tinge of the power his work once reliably delivered, diluted perhaps but still distinctive.

Rated: B-

May 27, 2025

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James Kendrick

Q Network Film Desk

LaBeouf is potent, evincing an almost hypnotic power in his steely, bracing confidence, but the film feels contrived to the point of distraction

Rated: 2.5/4

May 24, 2025

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Max J

A great lesson in wisdom that is all the more potent in our present time, delivered through a four course meal of delicious Mamlish, as only he can. This will take time to digest.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/21/25

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Alfredo A

Great writing and acting, it was as if I went to a live play! Amazing performances, just absolutely awesome! I heard about this movie on the Bad Friends podcast and so happy I did, good stuff.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/09/25

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Laney B

This movie felt like it was haphazardly thrown together. It was difficult to follow at times and wasn't very good. It had a few good actors but even their skills weren't used well. It could have been well done but was more like a brief after thought.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

06/06/25

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D S

Mamet lost his edge a long time ago. This is just pathetic. The only shining part about this is LaBeouf, who is always great in everything he attempts. This is just the same ole same ole nonsense Mamet, no one talks that way, no one generalizes and emphasizes and pontificates like this in real life. Is it an art piece? A political statement? A supposed poet's dream? Give me a break. Mamet and Sorkin seem to plumb the same depths of yammering. I couldn't finish it.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

06/05/25

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Crystal W

Excellent movie. LeBoeuf's performance was outstanding. Highly recommend.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/30/25

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Dan R

It’s been too long since Mamet wrote and directed a film, and this is a solid come back! Classic Mamet dialogue and plot with top acting, especially from Shia LeBeouf.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/28/25

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David Mamet

Director

Shia LaBeouf

Actor

Chris Bauer

Actor

Evan Jonigkeit

Actor

Dominic Hoffman

Actor

David Mamet

Screenwriter

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Synopsis

Written and Directed by Pulitzer Prize winner David Mamet, HENRY JOHNSON follows the title character (Evan Jonigkeit) as he navigates his search for a moral center, after an act of compassion upends his life. Looking to authority figures he encounters along the way -- including his eventual cellmate, Gene (Shia LaBeouf) -- Henry's journey leads him down a road of manipulation and ethical uncertainty. The film is an exploration of power, justice and the consequences of letting others choose your path for you.

Director: David Mamet
Producer: Lije Sarki, Evan Jonigkeit
Screenwriter: David Mamet
Distributor: 1993
Production Co: 1993
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 9, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 9, 2025
Runtime: 1h 25m