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The Book of Henry

Name: The Book of Henry
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Released: 2017
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

3.7/10

Limited

2017

PG-13

Director

Colin Trevorrow

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film functions as a traditional domestic thriller that prioritizes a narrow, conventional social structure. While it offers a meaningful look at a mother managing a household alone, the narrative remains anchored in a white, middle-class suburban setting. Intellectual ability to act is heavily skewed toward the male protagonist, and the lack of multi-layered depth limits the film's progressive impact. The story explores moral relativism through a child's vigilantism but fails to engage with broader cultural or queer identities. Ultimately, the film's focus on a singular, homogeneous family unit prevents it from achieving a high diversity score.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Book of Henry have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film operates within a conventional straight-centered framework. It does not feature LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight-centered identities.

How does The Book of Henry portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around a female-led household where the mother is a strong provider. However, the male protagonist holds the majority of the ability to act and tactical intelligence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Book of Henry?

Limited

The film portrays a homogeneous, white, middle-class suburban environment. There is a noticeable absence of diverse representation within the central family and community.

How does The Book of Henry represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film challenges institutional authority by depicting a child as a vigilante. It focuses on internal family dynamics without addressing broader cultural or anti-Western critiques.

Does The Book of Henry include disability representation?

Limited

The protagonist is a neurodivergent-coded genius, but his intellectual abilities serve mainly as a plot device. The film avoids 'inspiration porn' but lacks a nuanced exploration of neurodiversity.

Present on Screen

Provides meaningful representation of a resilient, female-led household.
Avoids 'inspiration porn' by giving the neurodivergent-coded protagonist a significant role in driving the story.
Challenges traditional institutional authority through the protagonist's unique moral framework.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any LGBTQ+ representation or exploration of non-straight relationships.
Fails to integrate racial or ethnic diversity within the central community.
Treats cognitive exceptionalism more as a tactical tool than a nuanced exploration of neurodiversity.

Official Synopsis

Susan, a single mother of two, works as a waitress in a small town. Her son, Henry, is an 11-year-old genius who not only manages the family finances but acts as emotional support for his mother and younger brother. When Henry discovers that the girl next door has a terrible secret, he implores Susan to take matters into her own hands.

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