The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar (2023) — A Review

The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar is Wes Anderson’s most recent film — also his second release of the year — and it’s surprisingly a short film.

This film adapts Roald Dahl’s 1977 short story of the same name, marking Anderson’s second foray into Dahl’s works after Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009).

Back in September 2021, Netflix made headlines by acquiring the Roald Dahl Story Company for a staggering $686 million. This film will be a part of four short film adaptations of Dahl’s tales, all crafted and directed by Wes Anderson. The forthcoming titles include “The Swan,” “The Ratcatcher,” and “Poison.”

Before its Netflix release, The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar had its premier at the 80th Venice International Film Festival.

The plot revolves around a wealthy individual who stumbles upon a guru possessing the extraordinary ability to see without using their eyes. Intrigued by this, the rich man tries to master this skill, with the intent of using it for gambling.

Wes Anderson consistently surprises audiences with his distinct filmmaking style, characterized by a well-developed aesthetic that might lead one to believe it has reached its limits. Yet, with each new release, Anderson manages to introduce innovative elements that captivate viewers.

Speaking of innovation, The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar arguably stands as Anderson’s most visually creative work. It surpasses even Asteroid City (2023), It liberates itself from traditional constraints, immersing the audience in a world of dynamic theatrical backdrops that seamlessly transition. This film represents the culmination of Anderson’s evolution towards this unique style.

What truly sets this film apart is its narrative approach. In a bold move, Anderson practically recites every word of Dahl’s story within the film, resulting in a narrative within a narrative within a narrative. Most notably, Anderson shatters the fourth wall, allowing characters to directly address the camera while simultaneously acting out the story in a playful, clever, and visionary manner.

The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar not only demonstrates Wes Anderson’s ongoing mastery as a filmmaker but also boldly pushes the boundaries of the cinematic art form, redefining what it is and what it has the potential to become.