I think I understand why some people are giving this movie negative reviews. My theory is this: some viewers may have gone into it expecting a typical feel-good kids' movie, which it sort of starts out as, but were surprised by the more serious themes it tackles, like child abuse (handled non-graphically) and the loss of a loved one. That shift in tone might be off-putting for parents expecting something lighter. Short version: I'd give the movie a solid B+. It holds your attention throughout and has a sweet, emotional core. That said, some plot developments feel a bit rushed or underdeveloped, like the film needed more time to breathe. But that’s often the challenge with fitting complex stories into a 90–100 minute runtime. Overall: it's a decent movie. But if you're sensitive to heavier topics or cautious about what your kids watch, you might want to pick something a bit lighter.

It was a great history, the acting of Jaeden Martell, Jacob and everyone was very good and awesome, it's sad that not too much people know about this movie.

Incredible. I loved this movie. A tear jerker for sure. Laughed, cried, and laughed again. A must see!

Short film with a clear tonal shift could be great but they mucked up the ending.

A big twist that makes you root for the mom to go through with it. Until you don't. Overall, a deliberate worthwhile escape.

Unfairly underscored in my opinion. A good film, with twists but easy to follow

This was an interesting film - I liked seeing things from the childs perspective. Certainly at the start of the film there's no real clue as to the darker tone it'll take. It did feel like there were a few plots, or sub-plots, present in the one film and I did find myself a little unsure about when certain things had happened, which were clearly implied but then I admit I was a little distracted while watching it. It felt, to me, like a somewhat/relatively original watch (not entirely original but somewhat original), given the form and viewpoint that its taken from. I enjoyed watching the brothers get along together and I thought the cast did well. I suppose I'd have liked to have seen a bit more in terms of what Henry saw the apparently suspicious neighbour doing. I couldn't not feel empathy towards Henry's mother, given the circumstances and I certainly felt frustrated at how she treated her sons suspicions at first. Its an interesting, somewhat thought provoking watch, not one suitable for young children given the themes, although it does appear to be a family film at first, with the children of the family seeming relatively innocent and childlike, except for the clearly mature intelligence of the titular character Henry but the tone becomes decidedly darker after a while. I'd recommend this film on the proviso that its an emotional and potentially upsetting watch at times, as it deals with abuse.

A nice balance between emotional/action. Although some action sequences feel overblown, the acting and the story has little flaws.

Somehow, my streamer called this drama, crime, thriller. And gave it 4 stars. It never came anywheres NEAR to close to either. And I LOVE Naomi Watts. But this movie was a HUGE disappointment Ive seem

I've read bad reviews, but I think it's a really good movie. Good acting and a well written story.

Horblie film wast of your time. Would give 0 stars if I could. It a vloncent mess. If you don't want your kids to hear about sexaully abuse or the thematical elemnts of death and grive witch could be hard for someone to watch. Espaically if someone you love has suffer from cancer or sezire and died. Sorry for the spoillers. Word of eviced don't watch

This was such a sweet movie! I cried

It was a "just okay" movie. There were far too many implausible segments. An 11-year old genius who is handling his mother's finances? A pre-recorded message from the beyond that seems to know what the mother's answers or reactions to what was recorded? Normally, since it is just a movie, I am able to suspend disbelief. But there were just too many parts of the movie that had me rolling my eyes, saying to myself, "Oh, come on -- Really??"

It's showing me to love my brother,family,life,"EVERYTHING"

Do not waste your time watching this movie like I did because of the positive audience reviews. The critiques are right, it's an awfully bad movie.

OK, The Book of Henry is not your usual movie.. this movie may seems quite weird the first time you see it... but, in the end, it is an audacious and beautifully shot movie that makes me cry every time I watch it.

This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. I will NOT discuss how this story unfolds. Our main protagonist, Henry, is an 11 year old genius. He is almost too smart to be believed but, being rather smart myself, I have spent lots of time around smart people, even when I was growing up, and I can tell you from first hand experience that there are kids like Henry out there. Sadly they are rare. Our second protagonist, Henry's mother, cares deeply about her two sons. She is a single mother, and that's relevant to the plot. We are never told how she came to be a single mother, but that is unimportant. Being such a good mother she has imbued Henry and his younger brother with a sense of decency and responsibility, and Henry uses his genius in his own unique ways. It's a delight to watch. When I was his age I did a number of the same things, but clearly he is way beyond where I was at 11 years old. The story takes off when we find out that Henry has figured out, correctly, that the girl next door, a classmate of his, is being abused by her step father, and Henry sets out to stop it. Henry is driven by a powerful sense of injustice about what is happening to the girl, something I understand well. I know this because I was a severely abused child myself. My own mother was "less than ideal", but there were other adults in my childhood who were there for me so my life has turned out well in spite of my mother. But because of my background I know the rage at betrayal which Henry feels, and I know his determination to set things right. As the story unfolds we see his determination to end the girl's abuse, and the story beautifully lays out for us the reasons why it goes in the direction it does. This is an intelligent, carefully crafted, nearly flawless story. I urge you to go see it. For me it is one of the best movies ever.

a film is very good, the script is a bit confusing, I almost didn't understand the whole film, very good cast, interesting characters, but they're not very good, the characters are very bland, 7.9 / 10.

Sometimes a good movie has just a good storyline. This is one of them. Enjoyed it very much.

The material for The Book of Henry gives it the potential to be so good. But it's so poorly executed. Unforgivably so.