The Book of Henry is a 2017 American drama film directed by Colin Trevorrow. It follows Henry, a gifted 11-year-old boy who discovers his neighbor and classmate, Christina, is being abused by her stepfather and devises an intricate plan in a notebook for his single mother to rescue her.
Some movies are quiet releases. Others, like the 2017 drama The Book of Henry, make a big impact and get people talking for years. Directed by Colin Trevorrow, the film is about a gifted young boy who creates a detailed plan to help a friend. His plan pulls his single mother into a situation she never expected. The story is unpredictable and often leaves audiences wondering what they just saw, making it one of the more talked-about independent dramas of its time.
Here on the IWatchMovies Blog, we will explore everything about The Book of Henry. We’ll offer a full plot summary, breaking down Henry’s clever yet disturbing plan and how it affects his family. We’ll also introduce the cast, including Naomi Watts, Jaeden Martell, and Jacob Tremblay, and discuss the performances that brought these difficult characters to life. Beyond the plot, we will cover the film’s main controversies, look at the big questions raised by the story, and reveal its surprising Star Wars connection.
Whether you are watching The Book of Henry again or seeing it for the first time, get ready for a film that explores themes of justice, family, and taking extreme action. Join us as we examine this unique drama, starting with an overview of what makes The Book of Henry such a memorable and debated movie.
What is The Book of Henry About? An Overview
Have you ever seen a movie that everyone argues about? That’s what you get with The Book of Henry. This 2017 drama-thriller got movie fans talking right away. It mixes a family story with a dark and complex plot.
The movie is about the brilliant Henry Carpenter (Jaeden Martell). He is a child genius who handles the family’s money and helps keep their lives in order. His mother, Susan Carpenter (Naomi Watts), is a single parent raising Henry and his younger brother, Peter (Jacob Tremblay).
However, Henry discovers a dark secret. He believes his young neighbor, Christina Sickleman (Maddie Ziegler), is being abused. When he feels that adults are failing to act, Henry decides to handle it himself. He carefully plans to rescue Christina and writes down every step in a notebook. This notebook is called “The Book of Henry.”
From there, the film takes a surprising turn. It explores ideas like taking justice into your own hands, moral responsibility, and how far a child will go to protect someone. It is an emotional story that makes viewers think about difficult choices. This unique plot divided audiences and critics alike, which makes it an unforgettable film [1].
The Book of Henry Summary: A Detailed Plot Breakdown
A Gifted Child’s Troubling Discovery
Meet Henry Carpenter, a very special 11-year-old boy. He is a genius who often acts like the adult in his family. He handles their money and takes care of his younger brother, Peter.
Henry observes his next-door neighbor and classmate, Christina Sickleman. He sees signs that she is being neglected and possibly abused. The situation is tricky because her stepfather, Glenn Sickleman, is the police commissioner.
Henry tries to tell his mother, Susan, what he sees. But Susan is a busy single mom working as a waitress. She is often distracted and doesn’t understand how serious the problem is. She thinks Henry is just imagining things. This becomes a very important part of the story.
The Notebook and the Master Plan
Sadly, the Carpenter family receives terrible news. Henry finds out he has a brain tumor that doctors cannot remove. Knowing he doesn’t have much time left, Henry puts all his energy into a new mission: saving Christina.
He creates a careful, detailed plan and writes it all down in a red notebook. This notebook is a step-by-step guide to rescue Christina. It includes plans for money, specific instructions for his mother, and advice for her to follow after he is gone.
Henry’s plan is very smart and complex. It shows how he could think ahead and prepare for different problems. He wanted to give his mother the tools to save Christina when he couldn’t. His strong will to protect his friend is both sad and inspiring.
Susan’s Moral Crossroads
After Henry dies, Susan finds his red notebook. At first, she has a hard time believing what’s inside. The plan feels too big and dangerous to follow. It makes her question what is right and wrong. Henry’s instructions are extreme and possibly illegal.
Susan has to make a difficult choice. Should she follow Henry’s bold plan or try to get help in a more normal, legal way? Her younger son, Peter, helps her decide. He tells her more about what Christina is going through, which makes Susan more determined to act.
Susan struggles with fear and sadness, but she also feels she has a duty to help. In the end, she makes a brave choice to honor Henry’s last wish. She decides to carry out his plan. This key decision leads to the movie’s intense final scenes.
The Controversial Ending Explained
Susan starts to follow Henry’s complex plan. It takes her to the school talent show, where the final conflict happens. Christina’s abusive stepfather, Glenn Sickleman, is on stage. According to the plan, Susan is supposed to kill Glenn. This was Henry’s extreme idea to stop the abuse for good.
The movie’s ending is intentionally unclear. We see Susan aim a rifle at Glenn, and then we hear a gunshot. But we don’t see exactly what happens next. Christina is rescued and Glenn is arrested. This shows Susan stopped him, but maybe not how Henry planned. The audience is left to wonder what really happened. Did Susan shoot him? Or did she find another way to expose his crimes? [2]
This unclear ending is why the movie is so controversial. It makes people think about hard questions about justice, right and wrong, and what a mother would do to protect a child. It points to the film’s dark and complex themes. In the end, Christina is safe, but we are left to decide for ourselves if what Susan did was right.
Who is in The Book of Henry Cast?
The Book of Henry has a talented cast that brings its complex story to life. The cast includes both veteran actors and gifted young stars. Their powerful performances will stay with you long after the movie ends.
Here’s a look at the main actors in this unique film:
Naomi Watts as Susan Carpenter
Naomi Watts plays Susan Carpenter, a struggling single mother. Susan is a waitress who is raising two amazing sons. Watts does a great job of showing Susan’s emotional journey. Her character changes from a distracted parent to a woman with a deep and unusual mission.
Watts is a famous actress known for playing many different types of roles. She has starred in many popular and well-reviewed films. Some of her notable works include:
- Mulholland Drive (2001), which brought her a lot of attention. [source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Naomi-Watts]
- 21 Grams (2003), which earned her an Academy Award nomination. [source: https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/76th-oscars-winners]
- The Impossible (2012), which earned her another Oscar nomination for Best Actress. [source: https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/85th-oscars-winners]
In The Book of Henry, she shows her skill at portraying deep emotional pain and a strong mother’s love.
Jaeden Martell as Henry Carpenter
Jaeden Martell, a talented young actor, plays the film’s main character, Henry Carpenter. Henry is a very smart and observant child. He understands the world in a way that is far beyond his age. Martell perfectly shows Henry’s intelligence, maturity, and secret vulnerability.
Before this powerful role, Martell had already made a name for himself. Some of his other well-known movies include:
- His breakout role in St. Vincent (2014) alongside Bill Murray.
- Starring as Bill Denbrough in the blockbuster horror film It (2017) and its sequel.
- A major role in the hit mystery film Knives Out (2019).
Jaeden Martell’s performance as Henry is key to the film’s emotion. He gives a performance that is very mature for his age.
Jacob Tremblay as Peter Carpenter
Jacob Tremblay plays Peter Carpenter, Henry’s younger brother. Peter is a sweet and innocent child. He looks up to Henry and admires him greatly. Tremblay brings real innocence and emotion to the film. This is a sharp contrast to Henry’s serious nature.
Tremblay became known worldwide for his powerful performance in Room (2015). He won many awards and nominations for this role. His later work proved he was a talented actor. These roles include:
- Auggie Pullman in Wonder (2017).
- Voicing characters in animated films like Luca (2021).
Even though his role is smaller, Tremblay makes a big impact. He perfectly shows the love and innocence in the Carpenter family.
Maddie Ziegler as Christina Sickleman
Maddie Ziegler plays Christina Sickleman, the neighbor of the Carpenter family. Christina is a young girl with a troubled home life. Ziegler gives a quiet but powerful performance. She shows Christina’s fear and silent pain with great sensitivity.
Ziegler was already famous before this film. She gained fame as a dancer on the reality show Dance Moms. She also starred in several famous music videos for the singer Sia. These include the viral hit “Chandelier.” [source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vjPBrBU-TM]
Her role in The Book of Henry was a big step in her acting career. She later appeared in films like Music (2021), directed by Sia. Ziegler’s role as Christina is key to the film’s most difficult topics.
Is Christina sexually abused in The Book of Henry?
The question of whether Christina Sickleman is abused in The Book of Henry is a key part of the film’s plot and why it’s so controversial. The movie never shows the abuse directly, but it strongly suggests that Christina is a victim.
The film’s entire plot is driven by Henry Carpenter’s elaborate plan. He creates it because he is convinced his neighbor, Christina, is being abused by her stepfather, Glenn Sickleman.
Henry’s Troubling Discovery
As a very smart child, Henry notices many troubling details. He sees that Christina is quiet, withdrawn, and often alone. He also observes that her stepfather, Glenn, is very controlling. These observations make Henry suspicious.
Henry also discovers more red flags, like the fact that Christina’s bedroom door is always locked. He carefully records all his observations in a notebook, gathering evidence to protect Christina from harm.
The Role of Glenn Sickleman
Glenn Sickleman, played by Dean Norris, is the film’s villain. On the surface, he is a respectable police commissioner, but his behavior toward Christina is deeply unsettling. The movie suggests he is a predator without showing anything graphic, which creates a sense of unease for the audience.
Filmic Implication vs. Explicit Depiction
The film purposely avoids showing the abuse. Instead, it relies on hints and suggestions to tell the story. This choice became a major point of debate, allowing the film to address a serious topic but also dividing critics and viewers [source: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-book-of-henry-2017].
Many found the film’s approach sensitive and liked its focus on protecting a child. Others felt the topic should have been handled more directly. The film’s primary focus, however, is on Henry’s plan to rescue Christina, which makes the threat of abuse a crucial part of the story.
In the end, The Book of Henry makes it clear that Christina is suffering and her quiet plea for help is woven throughout the story. The film stresses how important it is to listen and act on suspicions of child abuse. This theme adds to the movie’s tension and is a powerful, even if unspoken, part of the plot.
What is The Book of Henry Star Wars Connection?
The connection between The Book of Henry and Star Wars might surprise you. The story involves the film’s director, Colin Trevorrow, and a major Star Wars project he was set to direct. However, that movie was never made with him in charge.
Colin Trevorrow’s Star Wars Saga
The Book of Henry was an important, but controversial, turning point in Trevorrow’s career. Here’s how the events connect:
- The Director’s Choice: Before directing The Book of Henry, Colin Trevorrow was a rising star. He had successfully directed Jurassic World in 2015, which was a massive box office hit.
- Star Wars Episode IX Assignment: As a result of his success, Lucasfilm announced in August 2015 that Trevorrow would direct Star Wars: Episode IX [3]. This was a huge deal for fans and for Trevorrow himself.
- The Book of Henry’s Release: The Book of Henry was released in June 2017 [1]. Unfortunately, the film received terrible reviews from critics and did poorly at the box office.
- Creative Differences: Just a few months later, in September 2017, Lucasfilm announced that Trevorrow would no longer be directing Star Wars: Episode IX [4]. The official statement cited “creative differences.”
Lucasfilm never officially said that the reaction to The Book of Henry was the reason for Trevorrow’s exit. However, the timing made many people suspicious. Most fans and industry experts believe the film’s bad reviews played a part in Lucasfilm’s choice to find a new director for the final movie in the sequel trilogy.
The Unmade Star Wars: Duel of the Fates
Even though he left the project, Trevorrow had already co-written a script for Episode IX with Derek Connolly. That script, called Duel of the Fates, later leaked online. It showed fans what his version of the final Skywalker saga film would have looked like [5].
In short, the main link between The Book of Henry and Star Wars is the director, Colin Trevorrow. The failure of his smaller film is widely believed to be a key reason he was removed from the much-awaited Star Wars: Episode IX.
Where to Watch The Book of Henry?
Is The Book of Henry on Netflix?
Many people want to know where to watch The Book of Henry. Is it on Netflix? The answer is usually no.
As of our last check, The Book of Henry is not on Netflix US. However, streaming libraries change often. Also, the movies available on Netflix can be different from one country to another.
For that reason, it’s always a good idea to check the Netflix library in your area. A movie’s availability can change because of licensing deals.
Streaming, Rental, and Purchase Options
Even if it’s not on Netflix, you have other ways to watch The Book of Henry. The film is easy to find on many other platforms.
Currently, you can stream the movie on a major subscription service. You can also rent or buy it from several online stores.
- Streaming Subscription:
- You can find The Book of Henry available for streaming on Hulu [6]. A Hulu subscription provides access to the film.
- Digital Rental or Purchase:
If you’d rather rent or own the movie, many platforms offer it. Prices for renting or buying can be different, so it’s smart to compare your options.
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for both rental and purchase.
- Apple TV (iTunes): Offers rental and purchase options.
- Google Play: You can rent or buy the movie here.
- YouTube: Provides rental and purchase services.
- Vudu: Another popular platform for digital rentals and purchases.
- Microsoft Store: Offers the film for rent or buy.
- Redbox Digital: Available for digital rental.
Keep in mind that where you can watch a movie and its price can change. Licensing agreements decide where and for how long a film is on a service. So, it’s best to confirm it is still available on your chosen platform.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Book of Henry
What is the summary of The Book of Henry?
The Book of Henry (2017) is about the Carpenter family. The story centers on 11-year-old Henry Carpenter, a brilliant and gifted child. He manages the family’s money and helps guide his single mother, Susan, and younger brother, Peter. The movie is known for causing strong reactions from viewers [7].
Soon, Henry uncovers a dark secret. He believes his next-door neighbor, police commissioner Glenn Sickleman, is hurting his stepdaughter, Christina. Christina is a classmate of both Henry and Peter.
Feeling powerless, Henry carefully writes down his concerns and creates a detailed plan to save Christina. Sadly, Henry gets sick and dies. He leaves behind a notebook with instructions for his mother, Susan.
Susan, played by Naomi Watts, is a writer who struggles to keep up with her son. After Henry’s death, she finds his notebook. This leaves her with a difficult choice: should she follow her son’s risky and illegal plan to save Christina? The rest of the movie follows Susan as she tries to carry out Henry’s plan while dealing with her grief.
Who is in the cast of The Book of Henry?
The film has a talented cast that brings the story to life. Here are the main actors:
- Naomi Watts as Susan Carpenter: The single mother dealing with grief and her son’s strange final request.
- Jaeden Martell as Henry Carpenter: The gifted child who creates a plan to save his neighbor. Martell’s performance shows Henry’s intelligence and maturity.
- Jacob Tremblay as Peter Carpenter: Henry’s younger brother, who supports Susan after his brother’s death.
- Maddie Ziegler as Christina Sickleman: The young girl Henry tries to rescue. Ziegler gives a moving performance.
- Dean Norris as Glenn Sickleman: The abusive stepfather and local police commissioner.
- Sarah Silverman as Sheila: Susan’s supportive best friend and colleague.
Can you watch The Book of Henry on Netflix?
Currently, The Book of Henry is not available to stream on Netflix in most areas. However, streaming options often change. You should always check your local Netflix library to be sure.
Luckily, there are other ways to watch the movie. Here is where you can usually find The Book of Henry:
- Digital Rental: You can rent the movie on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu.
- Digital Purchase: If you want to own the movie, you can usually buy it on the same platforms.
- Physical Media: If you like physical copies, The Book of Henry is available on DVD and Blu-ray.
Always check each platform for current prices and availability in your area.
Sources
- https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_book_of_henry
- https://collider.com/the-book-of-henry-ending-explained/
- https://www.starwars.com/news/colin-trevorrow-to-direct-star-wars-episode-ix
- https://www.starwars.com/news/a-message-from-lucasfilm
- https://www.slashfilm.com/colin-trevorrow-star-wars-9-duel-of-the-fates-script-leak/
- https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-book-of-henry
- https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-book-of-henry/
