The Book of Henry

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TheMovieSearch R @TheMovieSearch 3d The Book of Henry is one of those films whose low critic and audience scores genuinely surprise me, because this story delivers far more heart, sincerity, and emotional depth than it has ever been given credit for. It’s a film that blends sentiment, mystery, and family drama with a level of earnestness that keeps you emotionally invested from the opening scene to the last. Despite its divisive reputation, I personally find it to be an underrated gem with a strong cast and a message that resonates far more deeply than many viewers expected. At the center of the film is Henry Carpenter, played by Jaeden Martell, and his performance elevates everything around him. Martell captures a rare balance of intelligence and vulnerability, grounding Henry in a way that feels authentic rather than precocious. His scenes with Naomi Watts, who plays his mother, are among the film’s strongest. They share a believable, lived-in bond that carries genuine emotional weight. You feel the closeness of this family, which makes the film’s twists and emotional turns all the more impactful. Jacob Tremblay, portraying Peter Carpenter, adds another meaningful layer to the film. Tremblay has a natural ability to bring innocence, sincerity, and emotional honesty to every role he takes on, and this one is no exception. Even though he isn’t the central focus, the film uses him wisely, allowing his presence to deepen Henry’s character and create a stronger emotional foundation for the story. His performance supports the narrative without ever getting lost in it. The supporting cast works extremely well within the tone the film is trying to establish. Naomi Watts brings a grounded, heartfelt quality to a role that could easily have felt melodramatic, and her chemistry with both Martell and Tremblay feels genuine. The family dynamics are handled with a sensitivity that enhances the film’s emotional core rather than overpowering it. Even in its quietest moments, the performances carry enough authenticity to keep the viewer invested. Much of the praise here goes to the writing and direction, which balance sentiment, suspense, and moral complexity in a way that may not work for everyone but absolutely worked for me. The film takes risks, shifting tones in a way that some critics labeled inconsistent, yet I found those shifts purposeful and engaging. Rather than feeling disjointed, the storytelling feels ambitious and emotionally driven, offering something more meaningful than a traditional drama. Ultimately, The Book of Henry stands out to me as a beautifully crafted and deeply affecting film. Its emotional sincerity, strong performances, and willingness to tell a story that doesn’t fit neatly into a single genre make it memorable in ways many modern dramas aren’t. For all its mixed reception, this is a movie I return to because of how much I connected with it, and it remains one of my personal favorites for its heart, its storytelling, and its remarkable cast. See more Water M May 15 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. See more Robert T 07/31/2023 Short film with a clear tonal shift could be great but they mucked up the ending. See more R C @originalsalt 06/30/2023 A big twist that makes you root for the mom to go through with it. Until you don't. Overall, a deliberate worthwhile escape. See more Thomas S 06/13/2023 Unfairly underscored in my opinion. A good film, with twists but easy to follow See more isla s 09/03/2022 This was an interesting film - I liked seeing things from the childs perspective. Certainly at the start of the film there's no real clue as to the darker tone it'll take. It did feel like there were a few plots, or sub-plots, present in the one film and I did find myself a little unsure about when certain things had happened, which were clearly implied but then I admit I was a little distracted while watching it. It felt, to me, like a somewhat/relatively original watch (not entirely original but somewhat original), given the form and viewpoint that its taken from. I enjoyed watching the brothers get along together and I thought the cast did well. I suppose I'd have liked to have seen a bit more in terms of what Henry saw the apparently suspicious neighbour doing. I couldn't not feel empathy towards Henry's mother, given the circumstances and I certainly felt frustrated at how she treated her sons suspicions at first. Its an interesting, somewhat thought provoking watch, not one suitable for young children given the themes, although it does appear to be a family film at first, with the children of the family seeming relatively innocent and childlike, except for the clearly mature intelligence of the titular character Henry but the tone becomes decidedly darker after a while. I'd recommend this film on the proviso that its an emotional and potentially upsetting watch at times, as it deals with abuse. See more Read all reviews

The Book of Henry

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