The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More
Movie Trailer
Release Date
March 15, 2024
Genre
Fantasy Anthology
Cast & Crew
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Henry Sugar, Max Engelman, Harry Pope
- Ralph Fiennes as Roald Dahl, the Policeman, the Rat Man
- Dev Patel as Dr. Chatterjee, John Winston, Timber Woods
- Ben Kingsley as Imdad Khan, the Dealer, Dr. Ganderbai
- Richard Ayoade as Dr. Marshall, the Great Yogi, the Editor/Reporter
- Rupert Friend as Peter Watson/Narrator, Claud
- David Gant as Casino Croupier
- Jarvis Cocker as Casino Receptionist and various friends of Henry Sugar
Director
Wes Anderson
Producer
- Wes Anderson
- Steven Rales
- Jeremy Dawson
Writer
Wes Anderson
Production Company
- Indian Paintbrush
- American Empirical Pictures
Distributed By
Netflix
Running Time
88 minutes
Languages
English
Content Advisory
- Surreal themes
- Fantasy elements
- Dark humor
Movie Story
“The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More” is a mesmerizing fantasy anthology film that brings to life four of Roald Dahl’s beloved short stories, masterfully adapted by Wes Anderson. This marks Anderson’s second venture into Dahl’s imaginative world, following his critically acclaimed “Fantastic Mr. Fox” (2009). The film is a collection of four vignettes, each exploring different themes and characters, tied together by Anderson’s signature style of whimsical storytelling and visual flair.
The first vignette, “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,” follows the titular character, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, as he discovers a mystical ability that allows him to see through objects, leading him on a journey of self-discovery and moral dilemmas. The narrative delves into themes of greed, redemption, and the unexpected consequences of acquiring extraordinary powers.
In “The Swan,” the second story, Anderson adapts Dahl’s haunting 1977 short story about a young boy who faces bullying and cruelty. This vignette is a poignant exploration of innocence lost and the darker side of human nature, depicted with Anderson’s characteristic blend of melancholy and surrealism.
The third vignette, “The Rat Catcher,” offers a darkly comedic tale of a peculiar rat-catcher (Ralph Fiennes) who arrives at a small petrol station to deal with a rat infestation. The story takes a bizarre turn as the rat-catcher demonstrates his gruesome methods to the disgusted station attendants. This segment highlights Anderson’s skill in blending humor with grotesque elements, creating a narrative that is both unsettling and oddly amusing.
The anthology concludes with “Poison,” a suspenseful story set in a tropical setting where a man believes a venomous snake has crawled onto his stomach while he sleeps. As the tension builds, the vignette explores themes of fear, trust, and the fragility of life. The film ends with an original song by Jarvis Cocker, “Rules For Being a Fictional Writer,” which plays over the closing credits, providing a whimsical finish to this unique cinematic experience.
Special Effects
The film uses a combination of practical effects and stylized cinematography to create its fantastical worlds. Anderson’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the visual design, from the vibrant color palettes to the intricately crafted sets that bring Dahl’s stories to life.
Filming Locations
- Maidstone Studios, Kent, England
Notable Quotes
- “In every shadow, there’s a story waiting to be told.” – Narrator
- “Magic is what you make of it, Henry. It’s all in how you use it.” – Imdad Khan
Behind-the-Scenes
The production of “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More” began in January 2022 at The Maidstone Studios in Kent, England. The film features an ensemble cast led by Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes, and Dev Patel, all of whom play multiple roles throughout the vignettes. The project was a collaboration between Anderson and Netflix, following the streaming giant’s acquisition of the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021. Anderson’s distinctive style, characterized by symmetrical compositions, deadpan performances, and elaborate set designs, is fully realized in this anthology, making it a visual and narrative treat for fans of both Dahl and Anderson.
Final Verdict
“The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More” is a delightful and thought-provoking anthology that showcases Wes Anderson’s unique ability to adapt literary works with both reverence and creativity. With strong performances from its star-studded cast and Anderson’s unmistakable visual style, the film offers a captivating journey through Roald Dahl’s imaginative stories, making it a must-watch for fans of fantasy and anthology films alike.
Image Source: Theatrical release poster