The Book of Henry 2017
Directed by
Colin Trevorrow
Made by
Focus Features
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Book of Henry (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In a quaint suburban town nestled in the Hudson Valley, we meet Henry Carpenter, an 11-year-old prodigy, and his younger brother Peter, who are nurtured by their single mother Susan, a hardworking waitress aspiring to write children’s picture books. Henry’s remarkable intellect allows him to excel in the stock market, creating a significant financial cushion for their family. Besides managing finances, he also protects Peter from a local bully and engages in creative projects, like constructing intricate Rube Goldberg machines in their tree house.
They share a close bond with their neighbor and Henry’s classmate, Christina Sickleman, who has recently become despondent. It soon becomes apparent that Christina is suffering abuse at the hands of her stepfather Glenn, who holds the position of police commissioner. Henry bravely reports this heartbreaking situation to social services and the school principal, Janice Wilder. However, due to Glenn’s substantial influence in the community, Wilder hesitates to take action without indisputable proof. Frustrated by the lack of intervention, Henry expresses to Susan that in times of crisis, those capable of helping must act decisively.
In a fit of determination, Henry devises an intricate plan to rescue Christina, detailing every step in a notebook. Tragically, following a severe seizure, Henry is hospitalized where he learns of a brain tumor and requires surgery. Fearing for his time left, he entrusts Peter with the critical task of giving Susan the notebook should anything happen to him. Heart-wrenchingly, Henry passes away in Susan’s arms shortly after.
Overcome with grief, Susan struggles to cope with Henry’s loss. However, when Peter presents her with the notebook, she finds renewed purpose in executing Henry’s plan. Her attempts to persuade a local social services agency to investigate fall flat, leading her to a fateful decision after witnessing Glenn in Christina’s room. The notebook outlines a chilling scheme for Susan to eliminate Glenn with a sniper shot while ensuring that she has an unshakeable alibi—during a school talent show where Christina and Peter will be performing.
When the moment arrives, Susan stealthily escapes the talent show to carry out the plan. Yet, as she prepares to pull the trigger, a moment of clarity strikes her: while Henry’s strategy is clever, it is ultimately the mind of a child, and as an adult, she must seek a different approach. Confronting Glenn, she threatens to reveal the truth about his abuse. In a twist of fate, Principal Wilder is inspired by Christina’s heartfelt dance performance during the talent show and decides to take action against the allegations. Meanwhile, Glenn, realizing his world is crumbling, contacts social services and discovers an investigation is underway.
As the police arrive on his doorstep, Glenn takes the tragic step of ending his own life. In the aftermath, Susan legally adopts Christina, fulfilling a poignant promise to ensure her safety. Additionally, motivated by Henry’s encouragement, Susan completes one of her children’s books, honoring her son’s legacy and bringing a sense of peace to their fractured family.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Book of Henry (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Henry and Peter's Life
In a quaint suburban town, we meet 11-year-old Henry Carpenter and his younger brother Peter. Raised by their single mother Susan, Henry's exceptional intelligence sets him apart as he manages to excel academically and financially, significantly supporting their family's needs.
Henry's Financial Success
With his prodigious intellect, Henry navigates the stock market, creating a financial cushion that allows their single-parent household to thrive. This success is not only crucial for the family finances but also showcases Henry's maturity beyond his years.
Protection from a Bully
Henry assumes the role of protector for his younger brother Peter, defending him against a local bully. This act reinforces the bond between the brothers, highlighting Henry's protective nature and sense of responsibility.
The Bond with Christina
Henry and Peter share a close friendship with their neighbor and Henry's classmate, Christina Sickleman. However, Christina's demeanor shifts as it becomes clear she is suffering from abuse inflicted by her stepfather, Glenn, the local police commissioner.
Henry Reports the Abuse
Recognizing the urgent need to protect Christina, Henry bravely reports the abuse to social services and the school principal, Janice Wilder. Unfortunately, Glenn's influence leads to a lack of prompt action despite the grave situation.
Frustration and Determination
Frustrated by the inaction of the authorities, Henry confides in Susan about the importance of decisive action in times of crisis. This moment solidifies Henry's sense of justice and determination to help his friend.
The Plan to Rescue Christina
Driven by a fierce desire to save Christina, Henry meticulously devises a plan to rescue her from her abusive situation. He details every step in a notebook, showcasing his creativity and resolve to help his friend.
Henry's Hospitalization
Tragically, after a severe seizure, Henry is hospitalized where devastating news awaits him: he has a brain tumor requiring immediate surgery. This sudden turn of events adds a heart-wrenching layer to his desperate situation.
Henry's Last Moments
In the hospital, fearing for his remaining time, Henry tasks Peter with ensuring Susan receives the important notebook detailing his plan should anything happen to him. He sadly passes away shortly after, leaving a significant void in their lives.
Susan's Grief and Resolve
Overwhelmed by grief after losing Henry, Susan struggles to find her footing. However, upon receiving the notebook from Peter, she feels a renewed sense of purpose as she realizes she must fulfill Henry's mission to help Christina.
Failure to Act
Susan attempts to persuade local social services to investigate Glenn's abusive behavior, yet her efforts yield no results. She is left feeling desperate but resolute, knowing she must find another way to protect Christina.
Confronting Glenn
After witnessing Glenn's presence in Christina's room, Susan decides to confront him rather than go through with Henry's plan. She threatens to expose his abuse, demonstrating her courage and maternal instinct to protect.
A Turning Point at the Talent Show
During the school talent show, Christina's heartfelt dance performance catalyzes action from Principal Wilder, who decides to investigate the allegations against Glenn. The turning point brings hope for Christina and Susan.
Glenn's Downfall
As the police begin their investigation into Glenn, he realizes his world is crumbling around him. In a tragic turn of events, he takes his own life, marking a grim conclusion to the cycle of abuse.
A New Family and Legacy
Following Glenn's demise, Susan adopts Christina, fulfilling a promise to keep her safe. Inspired by Henry, Susan also completes one of her children's books, ensuring her son's legacy lives on while healing their fractured family.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Book of Henry (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Book of Henry (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
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.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Book of Henry (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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