The Book of Henry

The Book of Henry

Year: 2017

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Colin Trevorrow

DramaThrillerCrime

A single mother, Susan Carpenter, and her 11-year-old son Henry live in a seemingly normal suburban town. When Henry uncovers a disturbing secret involving his classmate Christina, he devises a complex and risky plan to help her. His courageous actions draw his family into a dangerous situation, revealing hidden truths and testing the bonds that hold them together. The unfolding events lead to a thrilling and unpredictable resolution.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Book of Henry (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Book of Henry (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie reflects contemporary societal issues, particularly around child abuse and the challenges single parents face in a modern context. The emotional and social dynamics of the characters unfold in a relatable timeframe, mirroring current struggles with authority and community responsibilities.

Location

Hudson Valley, suburban town

The story takes place in a quaint suburban town in the picturesque Hudson Valley, known for its charming neighborhoods and scenic landscapes. This setting emphasizes the contrast between the idyllic exterior of suburban life and the darker issues faced by its residents.

🏡 Suburb 🌳 Nature

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:01

Main Characters – The Book of Henry (2017)

Meet the key characters of The Book of Henry (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Henry Carpenter (Jacob Tremblay)

Henry Carpenter is a brilliant and compassionate 11-year-old who takes on the role of protector for his family and friends. His intelligence is matched by his heart, as he devises a plan to help his friend Christina escape from her abusive situation, highlighting his maturity beyond his years.

👦 Prodigy 📖 Protector

Susan Carpenter (Naomi Watts)

Susan is a single mother struggling to balance her responsibilities as a waitress and her aspirations as a children's book author. After the loss of Henry, she embarks on a transformative journey to honor his memory and fulfill his plan for justice, showcasing her resilience and capacity for love.

👩‍👦 Single Mother ✍️ Aspiring Author

Peter Carpenter (Jaeden Lieberher)

Peter is Henry’s younger brother, who relies on his older brother's wisdom and protection. After Henry's death, he symbolizes innocence and the impact of grief, as he copes with the loss while supporting his mother through a difficult journey of healing.

👶 Innocent 🌟 Supportive Brother

Christina Sickleman (Maddie Ziegler)

Christina is Henry's friend who represents the vulnerability faced by children in abusive situations. Her struggles elicit the protective instincts of Henry, and her character arc culminates in a hopeful resolution as she finds safety and a new family.

👧 Victim 🌈 Resilient

Glenn Sickleman (Dean Norris)

Glenn is Christina's stepfather and the main antagonist in the story. As a police commissioner, his position of power is used to manipulate and control, serving as a representation of the corruption and abuse that can exist within authority figures.

👮 Authority 🔒 Abuser

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:01

Major Themes – The Book of Henry (2017)

Explore the central themes of The Book of Henry (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

📚 Childhood Innocence

The theme of childhood innocence is prevalent as Henry, a young prodigy, seeks to protect his younger brother and friend from the harsh realities of life. His unwavering love and intelligence contrast sharply with the adult world's complexities and failures, showcasing a poignant loss of innocence.

⚖️ Justice

Justice is a central theme as Henry's determination to save Christina from her abuser leads to profound moral dilemmas. The actions taken by the characters reflect the struggle between moral obligation and the societal structures that often fail to protect the vulnerable.

❤️ Family Bonds

Family bonds are critically explored through the relationship among Henry, Peter, and their mother Susan. The narrative illustrates the lengths to which a family will go to protect and support one another, especially in the face of tragedy and loss.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:01

Unlock the Full Story of The Book of Henry

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Book of Henry in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Book of Henry is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Book of Henry Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Book of Henry, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Book of Henry Summary

The Book of Henry Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Book of Henry with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Book of Henry Timeline

More About The Book of Henry

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Book of Henry: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Book of Henry

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