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The Book of Henry

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2:22

The Book of Henry

PG-13

Released Jun 16, 2017

1h 40m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

21%

Tomatometer

146 Reviews

63%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Single mother Susan Carpenter works as a waitress alongside her feisty family friend Sheila. Taking care of everyone and everything in his own way is Susan's older son Henry. Protective of his brother and a tireless supporter of his often self-doubting mother, Henry blazes through the days like a comet. When Susan discovers that the family next door harbors a dark secret, she's surprised to learn that Henry has devised a plan to help the young daughter.

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Critics Consensus

The Book of Henry deserves a few points for ambition, but its tonal juggling act -- and a deeply maudlin twist -- may leave viewers gaping in disbelief rather than choking back tears.

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

Watts throws herself into the project, much like a first responder to an emergency.

Apr 6, 2020

Full Review

Karen Han

The Daily Beast

A movie this crazy should be spellbinding, but as it is, The Book of Henry is just baffling. It's fun, but not fun; it's forgettable, but unforgettable.

Dec 28, 2017

Full Review

K. Austin Collins

The Ringer

Colin Trevorrow goes for the easy tears, which is too bad, in this case. Nothing about a story like this should feel easy.

Aug 9, 2017

Full Review

Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

Once The Book of Henry entertains the proposition of murder, everything changes and that pendulum begins to look like a scythe cutting wheat.

Rated: 2/5

Feb 16, 2024

Full Review

Damond Fudge

KCCI (Des Moines, IA)

I do agree that things could've been handled with a little more subtlety, grace or tact...but even so, the end result was satisfying to me.

Jul 17, 2020

Full Review

Steven Prokopy

Third Coast Review

The truth is, while I don't think I can quite recommend the film, I appreciated its attempt to try something slightly insane, to take turns that most mainstream movies don't dare.

May 7, 2020

Full Review

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Water M

I think I understand why some people are giving this movie negative reviews. My theory is this: some viewers may have gone into it expecting a typical feel-good kids' movie, which it sort of starts out as, but were surprised by the more serious themes it tackles, like child abuse (handled non-graphically) and the loss of a loved one. That shift in tone might be off-putting for parents expecting something lighter. Short version: I'd give the movie a solid B+. It holds your attention throughout and has a sweet, emotional core. That said, some plot developments feel a bit rushed or underdeveloped, like the film needed more time to breathe. But that’s often the challenge with fitting complex stories into a 90–100 minute runtime. Overall: it's a decent movie. But if you're sensitive to heavier topics or cautious about what your kids watch, you might want to pick something a bit lighter.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/15/25

Full Review

Santiago Castillo G

It was a great history, the acting of Jaeden Martell, Jacob and everyone was very good and awesome, it's sad that not too much people know about this movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/11/23

Full Review

Shelby Z

Incredible. I loved this movie. A tear jerker for sure. Laughed, cried, and laughed again. A must see!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/03/23

Full Review

Robert T

Short film with a clear tonal shift could be great but they mucked up the ending.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

07/31/23

Full Review

R C

A big twist that makes you root for the mom to go through with it. Until you don't. Overall, a deliberate worthwhile escape.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/30/23

Full Review

Thomas S

Unfairly underscored in my opinion. A good film, with twists but easy to follow

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/13/23

Full Review

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Colin Trevorrow

Director

Naomi Watts

Susan Carpenter

Jaeden Martell

Henry Carpenter

Jacob Tremblay

Peter Carpenter

Sarah Silverman

Sheila

Dean Norris

Glenn Sickleman

The Book of Henry: Official Clip - Believe in Magic

2:57

The Book of Henry: Official Clip - Henry Has a Tumor

2:26

The Book of Henry: Official Clip - Know Who You're Up Against

2:35

The Book of Henry: Official Clip - Henry's Big Plan

2:56

The Book of Henry: Official Clip - The Talent Show

2:43

The Book of Henry: Official Clip - The Best Part of Me

2:58

The Book of Henry: Official Clip - Christina's Dance

3:44

The Book of Henry: Official Clip - The Genius and the Nobody

2:41

The Book of Henry: Official Clip - Something's Wrong with Henry

2:49

The Book of Henry: Official Clip - Peter's Special Mission

2:54

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The Book of Henry: Trailer 1

2:22

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Synopsis

Single mother Susan Carpenter works as a waitress alongside her feisty family friend Sheila. Taking care of everyone and everything in his own way is Susan's older son Henry. Protective of his brother and a tireless supporter of his often self-doubting mother, Henry blazes through the days like a comet. When Susan discovers that the family next door harbors a dark secret, she's surprised to learn that Henry has devised a plan to help the young daughter.

Director: Colin Trevorrow
Producer: Sidney Kimmel, Jenette Kahn, Adam Richman, Carla Hacken
Screenwriter: Gregg Hurwitz
Distributor: Focus Features
Production Co: Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, Double Nickel Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Thematic Elements|Brief Strong Language)
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 16, 2017, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 10, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $4.2M
Runtime: 1h 40m
Sound Mix: Datasat, SDDS, Dolby Digital

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