Landing on Netflix today is the short fantasy film, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar. The movie – based on Roald Dahl’s 1977 story of the same name – is written and directed by Wes Anderson, and stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley, Rupert Friend, and Richard Ayoade.
Clocking in at around 40 minutes, the film tells the story of Henry Sugar – a wealthy 41-year-old, who spends three years and three months teaching himself special yoga abilities, after reading a book about a man who could see without using his eyes. Henry then uses this newfound gift to cheat at gambling.
Set out like an extended episode of classic BBC show, Jackanory, with actors essentially narrating a tale direct to camera, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is a quirky and captivating piece loaded with snappy dialogue, whimsical performances, and imaginative set decoration. The whole thing plays out like a cross between a children’s television show and a theatre production, and is both brilliant and utterly bonkers.
All of the central actors play multiple roles in the film; moveable backdrops and simple props are used to illustrate each scene; and endless dialogue is chucked around at break-neck speed. It’s dizzying, it’s dazzling, and it’s devilishly fun.
As with all of his films, writer/director Wes Anderson brings his signature touches to the forefront, to fill this short with creative flourishes and just the right amount of sparkle. The end result is a piece which elevates a lesser-known Roald Dahl story, while at the same time maintaining all the eccentricities of the author’s off-beat style.
Of course, this isn’t Anderson’s first brush with Roald Dahl adaptations as he previously directed 2009’s stop-motion comedy, Fantastic Mr. Fox. However, this is his first live-action adaptation of a Dahl tale, and he pretty much nails it.
Where the short does fall a little… erm… short, is in the ending, which is a bit underwhelming considering the lengthy build up, and this does need to be noted. Yes, Henry’s self-taught skills do get put to good use to ensure there is a happy ending, but you can’t help but feel there should be something more.
However, by the time the ending arrives the rest of the film has been enjoyable and entertaining and this more than makes up for a last-minute dip. So yes, the film does lack a bit of oomph at the very end, and this is a shame, but this doesn’t derail an otherwise triumphant film.
With The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, Anderson offers up something which is inventive and truly likeable. He plays to his strengths, then takes things up a notch, to deliver a delightful picture.
If you miss those simple school days, where you would gather together and sit cross-legged on a carpet while listening to your teacher read a book, then now is your chance to relive the past. Get your nearest and dearest, sit down together with Netflix, and enjoy as Mr. Anderson tells you a story.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this review on It’s A Stampede!. For more reviews, check out the recommended reads below.
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