The Book of Henry

Rating – 1/4

*SPOILERS*

Tonally imbalanced, comedically inept, underdeveloped, and lacking drama, The Book of Henry is a film that has potential, but wastes its premise on a ridiculous plot and execution. Directed by Colin Trevorrow and with an all-star cast of Jaeden Martell (then credited as Jaeden Lieberher), Naomi Watts, Jacob Tremblay, Maddie Ziegler, Dean Norris, and many others, it was a film that had promise, but ultimately failed

Henry Carpenter (Martell) is a super genius, almost laughably so. He spends his time trading stocks, inventing machines, and being a condescending asshole to pretty much everyone who isn’t like him. That’s our main character, ladies and gentlemen; an annoying, pretentious child. His mother Susan (Watts), is incompetent and hands-off, playing video games and waitressing and trying to write children’s books. Her other son Peter, just exists. 

But that’s not the plot. No, the plot isn’t about a dysfunctional family or a super genius, but rather the issue of child abuse. The Carpenters’ next-door neighbor Christina (Ziegler) is being abused by her stepfather Glen. So, just call the cops, report the stepfather, and then all is well. 

Nope, that’s not the solution. In this film, every adult is useless. The stepfather just happens to be the police commissioner so he’s untouchable, the school principal refuses to listen for fear of smearing an upstanding citizen, and Child Services won’t act because…they just can’t. So, it’s up to Henry to save the day with his brain. 

And what’s his plan?

Murder.

I probably forgot to mention that this is a family film. 

Yeah. To save Christina, the plan is to just shoot him and cover it up. I’m no cop, but I’m pretty sure that’s illegal.

There are a few problems with this. One, why can’t Henry just film the stepfather? This movie is set in the 21st Century with easy access to cameras. Second, why doesn’t any adult act? The principal is afraid? Lady, teachers are mandated reporters! You need to report it. Third, really, murder? And a child is planning on doing this. Yeah, I don’t think a child can buy a gun. 

But the biggest problem with The Book of Henry is the tone. The film starts off as a lighthearted quirky comedy-drama film. We meet boy-genius Henry and his stellar IQ. He might be a jerk but that could’ve been part of the plot. We learn about Susan and her struggles with being a mother. Also, could’ve been part of the plot as well. And then midway through, the film changes into a crime thriller. For every heartwarming moment, there’s talk of child abuse, alcoholism, and of course, murder. PICK A GENRE!

And why is this movie called The Book of Henry you might ask? Well, before Henry can put his plan into action, he dies from a brain tumor. Yep, the main protagonist dies. But before he kicks the bucket, he leaves a book and a set of pre-recorded tapes (I guess iPods or digital voice recorders were never invented) detailing his master plan for his mother to carry out. But in the end, right before she can pull the trigger, Susan ultimately refuses, reports Glen, and by some magical occurrence, the stepfather loses his protection and kills himself. Christina is adopted into the Carpenter’s and everyone lives happily ever after. And Henry’s plan was all for NOTHING!

What’s the message? Don’t listen to children? Kill your abuser? Stand up if you see trouble? Be the adult? The Book of Henry never makes this clear. Not helping is the underdevelopment of the characters. Christina has no character, other than being abused and her only words are “I’m fine.” Peter just exists as the brother acting cute. Susan is a waitress and inept mother. And Henry is just an insufferable jackass. 

The main problem of the movie comes down to the screenplay and direction. There were times where the movie tried to be funny with one-liners and sarcasm. But like I said before, for every joke, there was child abuse. Again, tonally imbalanced. And one scene that did come to mind was Christina’s dance number near the end. If a movie has Maddie Ziegler, then it might as well take advantage of her talent. And while it’s amazing and graceful, this isn’t The Book of Dance Moms. And somehow, this magical dance number convinces everyone that she’s being abused and authorities finally decide to act.

If only our legal system worked like that. 

In my opinion, The Book of Henry should’ve been a black comedy rather than a drama. In fact, this film was originally supposed to be a black comedy until Trevorrow rejected that idea. Bad call, Trevorrow. Bad call. In a comedy, more ridiculous elements could’ve been forgiven. In fact, this movie’s tone reminded me of a Wes Anderson film with quirky characters, misunderstood protagonists, and a mix of tones from dramatic to comedic. But this movie is neither a drama nor a comedy. The drama doesn’t bring the feels and the comedy is cringey and unfunny. There’s a good movie in here somewhere but bad direction and a poor script bring it down. The Book of Henry may not be the worst, but is best left on the shelf.