“The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” Review: A Sweet and Captivating Tale

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Netflix and Wes Anderson Bring Roald Dahl’s Stories to Life

An Acquired Taste of Whimsy

Wes Anderson, known for his brand of straight-faced weirdness in his films, brings his unique style to the adaptation of Roald Dahl’s short stories in “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar.” Clocking in at 39 minutes, this Netflix film is the first of four Dahl shorts directed by Anderson, with a star-studded cast that includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, and Dev Patel.

Anderson’s previous foray into Dahl’s works was in 2009 with the animated film “Fantastic Mr. Fox.” Now, he embarks on a week-long extravaganza of Dahl adaptations on Netflix, releasing one short film each day following “Henry Sugar.” The subsequent films are titled “The Swan,” “The Rat Catcher,” and “Poison,” each running at 17 minutes. These shorts feature a repertory company of actors, creating a coherent artistic vision for Dahl’s stories.

A Podcast-like Experience

In “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,” the characters take turns narrating portions of Dahl’s tale while backdrop illustrations bring the story to life. This unique approach creates an almost hypnotic effect, akin to listening to a podcast while flipping through a captivating picture book. Although lacking substantial plot depth, the film tells the story of Henry Sugar, who learns to see without his eyes and initially uses this newfound ability to cheat at gambling. However, his skill leads him to a spiritual awakening when he discovers greater purpose beyond material gains.

Compared to some of Dahl’s more famous stories like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Matilda,” “Henry Sugar” possesses a slightly more adult tone. It follows the recent debate surrounding the censorship of Dahl’s works and the apologies issued by his estate for the author’s past anti-Semitic comments in 2020. Despite these controversies, the film stands on its own as a delightful and thought-provoking tale.

A Perfect Marriage of Talent, Material, and Distribution

Netflix, known for its appetite for awards and prestige projects, provides a fitting platform for Anderson’s whimsical storytelling. The combination of marquee names, bite-sized format, and the streaming giant’s wide reach establishes an ideal synergy between talent, material, and distribution.

It should be noted that Anderson’s recent films, like “Asteroid City” and “The French Dispatch,” have received mixed reviews. However, his reputation as a respected director continues to attract renowned actors who believe in his vision. Fans of Anderson often connect with his films on a deeper emotional level, appreciating the heart and spirit he imbues into his projects.

As “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” premieres on Netflix on September 27, followed by the subsequent shorts over the following days, audiences can expect a magical and sweet journey through Dahl’s imaginative world. Anderson’s distinct style combined with the captivating narratives of Dahl’s stories make for an exciting and worthwhile viewing experience.