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Henry Johnson

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1:12

Henry Johnson

Released May 9

1h 25m

Crime

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

60%

Tomatometer

35 Reviews

Popcornmeter

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.

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Glenn Kenny

RogerEbert.com

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

Rated: 3/4

May 9, 2025

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Sean Burns

North Shore Movies

LaBeouf's best work in ages. Maybe ever.

May 22, 2025

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Crystal W

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/30/25

Full Review

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

Full Review

cryptospor c

The film gently takes you by the hand and shows you a story that winds like a river with jaw-droping surprises at each major turn. The ending left me shocked and speechless. If there's one movie you have to rent for this year it's this one.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/28/25

Full Review

Jennifer G

I was lucky to see this film at the Aero Theatre. It’s a tight psychological thriller, really entertaining. The talented cast give career performances. Highly recommended

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/12/25

Full Review

Ludo C

Saw this outstanding film version of the play at the Aero last night. 4 acts with surprising conclusions at each. Dialogue is pure David Mamet poetry. Great cast with superb Shia Labeouf. Highly recommended

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/10/25

Full Review

Kevin J

Saw it at the aero in LA, great performances.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/13/25

Full Review

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David Mamet

Director

Shia LaBeouf

Actor

Chris Bauer

Actor

Evan Jonigkeit

Actor

Dominic Hoffman

Actor

David Mamet

Screenwriter

Henry Johnson: Trailer 1

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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