Why The Book of Henry Is an Astonishingly Bad Movie

Why The Book of Henry Demands Your Bewilderment

Imagine a Wes Anderson knockoff morphing into a Coen brothers misfire halfway through – that’s The Book of Henry’s jarring reality. Colin Trevorrow’s 2017 film isn’t just bad; it’s a fascinating case study in tone-deaf storytelling and narrative implosion. After analyzing the film frame-by-frame, I believe its failure stems from two fatal flaws: an insufferably smug protagonist and a plot that abandons logic entirely. What begins as saccharine family drama spirals into a dead child guiding his mother through assassination plans. This isn’t dark comedy – it’s played dead serious, creating cinematic whiplash.

Henry’s Problematic Genius and Twee First Half

Henry (Jaeden Martell) isn’t merely intelligent; he’s a condescending savant running his household while mocking classmates’ dreams. The opening scene establishes his insufferable superiority: he publicly humiliates a peer wanting to be an "Olympic Dodgeball champion," lecturing about life’s meaning with Baudrillard-level pretension. His mother Susan (Naomi Watts) is a waitress and functional alcoholic who can’t use computers, relying entirely on her 11-year-old.

The film drowns in forced quirkiness: ukulele strumming, video game montages, and Henry managing family finances. When Henry develops headaches and spies on neighbor Glenn (Dean Norris), suspecting child abuse, the groundwork seems laid for drama. Instead, Trevorrow rushes critical developments: Henry’s off-screen CPS reports, bridge surveillance measuring "400-foot drops," and gun store espionage all happen abruptly. Worse, the movie telegraphs Henry’s death relentlessly. His hospital scene culminates in unintentional self-parody when Henry explains his own illness to surgeons – a moment so predictable it deflates any emotional impact.

Absurd Second Half: Murder Plots and Tape Recorders

Henry’s death triggers the film’s descent into madness. His brother Peter discovers the infamous red notebook – detailed instructions for murdering Glenn. Susan then converses with the notebook as if it’s sentient, flipping pages to "answer" her objections. This device repeats with cassette tapes where Henry’s ghostly voice orchestrates assassination logistics.

The tapes guide Susan through purchasing a suppressed sniper rifle using "soft head ammunition" and name-dropping a mysterious "Dominique." Astonishingly, she complies despite suddenly discovering $600,000 from Henry’s stock investments. Trevorrow expects us to believe a grieving waitress masters sniper tactics in days. The film’s low point arrives during the talent show climax: intercutting Susan aiming her rifle with children singing "Amazing Grace" creates grotesque unintentional comedy.

Flabbergasting Endings and Unsettling Implications

The Book of Henry concludes with two jaw-dropping sequences. First, Peter attempts a magic act to "reappear" Henry, accidentally scattering his brother’s ashes over the audience. Second, the film implies Susan replaces Henry’s presence by slotting Glenn’s abused daughter into her family. The closing "dinosaur nightlight" ritual – previously Henry’s domain – now features Peter and the girl echoing Henry’s preferences.

This symbolism suggests Henry’s spirit possesses them. Susan dubbing the girl "Butterfly Number One" hints at reincarnation, transforming heartfelt intent into disturbing implications. The narrative positions Henry not as a missed child but as a controlling poltergeist overriding free will.

Why This Film Matters for Colin Trevorrow’s Career

Trevorrow’s involvement with Star Wars: Episode IX (later cancelled) makes this film essential viewing. Safety Not Guaranteed showed promise, but Jurassic World and this confirm consistent tonal incompetence. The Book of Henry combines the worst of precocious-child tropes (Little Man Tate) with thriller absurdity (Rear Window meets Pay It Forward), yet lacks the directorial control to blend genres.

The film’s critical evisceration was warranted. Susan’s transformation from disengaged mom to hardened killer lacks psychological groundwork. Henry’s universal popularity contradicts his onscreen smugness. Glenn’s suicide resolves the abuse subplot via contrivance, not justice. These aren’t creative risks – they’re fundamental storytelling failures.

Key Takeaways Before Watching

• Tonal whiplash dominates, shifting abruptly from whimsy to murder
• Character motivations defy real-world logic at every turn
• Henry’s "genius" manifests as unexplained plot convenience
• The ending implies troubling metaphysical possession

Actionable Viewer Checklist

1. Track character decisions: Note when actions serve plot over logic
2. Identify tone shifts: Mark moments where serious/scenes clash with absurdity
3. Analyze Henry’s influence: Observe how his presence manipulates other characters

For deeper analysis, read The Disaster Artist by Greg Sestero (insight into misguided visions) and watch Tommy Wiseau’s The Room as a comparison point for unintentional comedy. These resources highlight how earnest ambition can curdle into folly.

Final Verdict: A Cinematic Car Crash You Can’t Ignore

The Book of Henry fails as drama, thriller, or dark comedy – yet its spectacular missteps make it essential for film students. Trevorrow’s direction proves unable to balance sincerity and absurdity, creating a uniquely baffling experience. While its box office bombed, the film remains a cult curiosity precisely because every choice feels bewilderingly wrong.

When you watch it, which moment will shatter your suspension of disbelief first? Share your breaking point in the comments.