The Book of Henry

Colin Trevorrow's 'The Book of Henry' struggles to balance its heartfelt moments with a convoluted narrative. At times, it feels like it doesn’t know if it wants to be a family drama or a thriller, leaving viewers in a state of confusion.

A Family in Disarray

The film centers around Susan Carpenter (Naomi Watts), a single mother juggling life as a waitress and the challenges of raising two sons, Henry (Jaeden Martell) and Peter (Jacob Tremblay). Henry, the 11-year-old prodigy, takes on adult responsibilities, guiding his family through financial troubles and emotional crises. The plot thickens when Henry discovers that the girl next door, Christina (Maddie Ziegler), is in a perilous situation involving her abusive stepfather. Driven by a sense of justice, Henry devises a plan to help Christina, urging Susan to take action. As the story unfolds, the blend of drama and suspense sometimes veers into awkward territory, making the emotional stakes feel inconsistent.

Performances with Mixed Impact

Naomi Watts delivers a solid performance as the stressed-out mother, though her character occasionally feels underwritten, lacking depth in her responses to the extreme circumstances. Jaeden Martell shines as the precocious Henry, bringing an unsettling charm to his role. Jacob Tremblay, while capable, is somewhat sidelined, as the story focuses primarily on Henry's machinations. Lee Pace as Dr. Daniels and Sarah Silverman as Sheila add a touch of complexity, yet their characters could have benefitted from more development. The cast performs well overall, but some characters feel more like plot devices than individuals with their own arcs.

Visuals That Distract

Colin Trevorrow's direction offers a blend of vibrant visuals and tense moments, but it struggles with pacing. The film's shifts from lighthearted family scenes to heavier themes can be jarring, often leaving the audience unsteady regarding what tone to expect next. While the cinematography captures the quaint small-town setting beautifully, the editing falters at times, leading to scenes that drag on longer than necessary. Some visual choices, like the use of color to symbolize emotion, are commendable, but they don't always align with the film's narrative flow, leaving viewers questioning the intent.

Emotional Highs and Lows

Watching 'The Book of Henry' is a mixed bag. At its best, it provides heartfelt moments that tug at the heartstrings, particularly in Henry's relationship with Susan. However, the sudden tonal shifts can lead to moments of boredom, as the film struggles to maintain a consistent emotional rhythm. Certain scenes aimed at generating tension feel forced, leading to frustration rather than engagement. The film's ambition is evident, but it often feels like it's trying too hard to fit into multiple genres, which detracts from the overall emotional impact.