It took four years for the general public to see Henry, what they saw was one of the more disturbing portraits of the depths of humanity. Henry is a fascinating character played with depth by the under-appreciated Michael Rooker. He is a vicious killer with little or no morals, but he shows flashes of humanity around his best friend's sister, Becky. She sees a kind, gentle man. Really, in comparison to her vile brother, Otis, Henry is these things, at least to her. Otis and Becky almost represent good and evil to Henry. Otis, given a second chance at life, uses it to kill and torture those around him, while Becky is looking to use her chance to make a life for herself and her daughter. The ending is one of the more horrifying aspects of the film and seals it's place as a classic. The character study would be enough, but the ending is a perfect, although despairing, end.
P.S. Although the release of this was held up and it does contain some gore and violence, this is a cerebral horror film. The reason for it's shelving has more to do with the moral tone. To be fully drawn into it, you have to do what the film wants you to do, relate to Henry. That is far more terrifying than any gush of blood.
P.S. Although the release of this was held up and it does contain some gore and violence, this is a cerebral horror film. The reason for it's shelving has more to do with the moral tone. To be fully drawn into it, you have to do what the film wants you to do, relate to Henry. That is far more terrifying than any gush of blood.