The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023): Cast, Ratings & Ending
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is a 2023 short adventure drama directed by Wes Anderson, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Henry Sugar, Make-Up Artist, Ralph Fiennes and Dev Patel. It is based on The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar by Roald Dahl. It runs 37 minutes. It won 1 Oscar, including Live Action Short Film. Critics gave it 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and 85 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 37 min
- Director
- Wes Anderson
- Original language
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English - Studio
- American Empirical Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar About?
The premise of The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar without spoilers, adapted from The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar by Roald Dahl. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
A whimsical story follows Henry Sugar as he discovers a method for seeing through objects and perceiving the future. This anthology film presents one tale from Roald Dahl’s collection, "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More," delving into themes of perception, luck, and the hidden mysteries of the world. It explores how one man’s unusual abilities lead him on a surprising and thought-provoking journey.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- talking to the camera
- quirky comedy
- character name in title
- master
- method
- autobiographical
- eyesight
- money
- giving away money
- throwing money into the air
- special ability
- card game
+38 more Show fewer
- blackjack
- based on book
- wealth
- gambling
- the future
- breaking the fourth wall
- no music during end credits
- ends with text
- death
- dialogue driven
- cross dressing
- candle
- male dressed as female
- male protagonist
- colorful
- concentration
- gambler
- cheating at cards
- author
- 1890s
- storyteller
- artificial scenery
- artifice
- hospital
- training
- anonymous benefactor
- theatricality
- book
- playing black jack
- disguise
- jungle
- doctor
- rich man
- blood clot
- 1950s
- narrator
- calcutta india
- indian yogi
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar Cast & Characters
Benedict Cumberbatch leads the cast as Henry Sugar, Make-Up Artist, with Ralph Fiennes as Roald Dahl, Policeman and Dev Patel as Dr. Chatterjee, John Winston. Directed by Wes Anderson; 6 actors are credited in all.
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Director Wes Anderson
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Benedict Cumberbatch as Henry Sugar, Make-Up Artist -
Ralph Fiennes as Roald Dahl, Policeman -
Dev Patel as Dr. Chatterjee, John Winston -
Ben Kingsley as Imdad Khan, Croupier
Also Starring in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
· 2 more- Richard Ayoade Dr. Marshall, Yogi
- Rupert Friend
More from Wes Anderson
More films directed by Wes Anderson, best-rated first: Isle of Dogs, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Rushmore and Fantastic Mr. Fox.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and 85 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 84/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (75).
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar Echo Score Breakdown
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar delivers a meticulously crafted short film that highlights Wes Anderson’s distinctive style and technical precision. Across reviews, the film’s vibrant production design and playful pacing are consistently noted, with critics praising its wittily choreographed sequences and users finding the aesthetic mesmerizing. Some viewers raise concerns about its brevity and limited emotional depth, yet most agree on its engaging use of voice and visual cohesion. In sum, the film stands as a compelling, stylish adaptation that rewards its concise format with repeated viewings.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
In terms of art and craft, the film excels in its precise production design and inventive editing. Critics highlight the skillful transitions, long takes, and adroit timing that reinforce the storytelling flow. Users praise the vibrant color palette, controlled set movements, and visually striking compositions. Overall, the film’s meticulous visual and technical craftsmanship makes each frame engaging and polished.
- Character & Emotion 80
When it comes to character and emotion, the film offers strong performances but limited depth. Critics note the actors’ precise under-reactions and verbal facility, lending wit and measured delivery to each role. Users commend the ensemble cast’s consistent technical skill and charisma. Ultimately, the portrayals feel solid and controlled, though they leave emotional resonance somewhat restrained.
- Story & Flow 75
In terms of story and flow, the short format yields brisk pacing and inventive structure, though it can feel slight. Reviewers applaud the seamless transitions and original animation of voice narration, noting how the film maintains engagement despite its brevity. However, some find the narrative underdeveloped and uneven in emotional impact. Overall, the plot feels energetic yet occasionally insubstantial.
- Sensory Experience 85
When it comes to sensory experience, the film delivers a cohesive blend of visual style and sound design that reinforces its fussy charm. Critics describe the piece as a choreographed dance with dry humor, while users highlight the harmonious mix of auditory elements and dynamic theatrical staging. In conclusion, the sensory elements remain both vivid and balanced.
- Rewatch Factor 80
In terms of rewatch factor, the film’s meticulous design and playful pacing invite multiple viewings to appreciate its technical intricacies. Critics suggest that the fastidiously arranged scenes reveal new details on repeat watches, and users note the compact format makes revisits feasible. Ultimately, the short’s stylized construction rewards engagement, though its limited narrative scope may curb some returns.
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IMDb 7.4 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 95% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 82%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 85 Metascore
User score 7.5
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 73% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.8 /5
629264 ratings
See on Letterboxd
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Henry Sugar, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, is a wealthy bachelor who has dedicated his life to gambling, using the substantial fortune he inherited from his father. At 41 years old, Henry’s selfish nature has kept him from forming any meaningful relationships, and he has chosen not to share his wealth with anyone. His penchant for luxury includes a penchant for exquisite clothing and a flashy Ferrari, which he treats as a mere accessory to his extravagant lifestyle, spending on cars as one might for an entire cottage.
Full summary
The whole story of The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, scene by scene, with the ending explained
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar Awards & Nominations
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar won 1 Oscar, including Live Action Short Film.
1 win1 nomination1 ceremony
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Oscars 2024 1 win · 1 nomination- Won Live Action Short Film – Wes Anderson
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar Trailers & Videos
4 videos: 1 trailer, 2 featurettes and 1 behind-the-scenes video.
- Featurette Wes Anderson, Benedict Cumberbatch & Dev Patel on The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
- Featurette 'The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar' Wins Best Live Action Short Film | 96th Oscars (2024)
- Behind the Scenes How Wes Anderson's 'The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar' Was Made
How Well Do You Know The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is Henry Sugar's main obsession throughout his life?
Cars in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
1 car on screen: the Ferrari.
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Ferrari Minor role
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar Also Known As
35 alternative titles, including “The Wonderful World of Henry Sugar” and “La maravillosa vida de Henry Sugar”.
- Also known as
-
- The Wonderful World of Henry Sugar
- La maravillosa vida de Henry Sugar
- داستان شگفتانگیز هنری شوگر
- Roald Dahl's The Wonderful World of Henry Sugar
- The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More
- Den fantastiske historien om Henry Sugar
- 奇才ヘンリー・シュガーの物語：2023
- 기상천외한 헨리 슈거 이야기
- La meravigliosa storia di Henry Sugar
- Чудесная история Генри Шугара
- Câu chuyện kì diệu về Henry Sugar
- 亨利·休格的神奇故事
+23 more Show fewer
- Чудова історія Генрі Шугара
- La maravillosa historia de Henry Sugar
- La Merveilleuse Histoire de Henry Sugar
- Zdumiewająca historia Henry’ego Sugara
- Ich sehe was, was du nicht siehst
- เรื่องเล่าหรรษาของเฮนรี่ ชูการ์
- Şeker Henry'nin İnanılmaz Öyküsü
- Podivuhodný příběh Henryho Sugara
- A Incrível História de Henry Sugar
- 奇才ヘンリー・シュガーの物語
- הסיפור המופלא של הנרי שוגר
- Den underbara historien om Henry Sugar
- Henry Sugar csodálatos története
- قصة هنري شوغر الرائعة
- Nuostabioji Henrio Šiuger istorija
- Henry Sugarin ihmeellinen tarina
- Η Υπέροχη Ιστορία του Χένρι Σούγκαρ
- Čudesna priča o Henryju Sugaru
- Den vidunderlige historie om Henry Sugar
- 亨利休格的神奇故事
- La meravellosa història de Henry Sugar
- द वंडरफ़ुल स्टोरी ऑफ़ हेनरी शुगर
- Minunata povestire a lui Henry Sugar
Seen The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar?
Movies Like The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Wonka, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Wizard of Speed and Time.
-
Wonka 2023 -
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 2005 -
The Wizard of Speed and Time 1988 -
Storybook 1994 -
Hans Christian Andersen 1952 -
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory 1971 -
The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm 1962 -
Storytime 1979 -
The Magic Finger 1990 -
Sugar & Spice 2001 -
Shorts 2009 -
Hansel & Gretel 2002
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar FAQ: Cast & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, the book behind it, awards and post-credit scenes of The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar?
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar runs 37 minutes.
When was The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar released?
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar was released on September 20, 2023.
Who directed The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar?
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar was directed by Wes Anderson.
More films by Wes Anderson Who is in the cast of The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar?
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Henry Sugar, Make-Up Artist, Ralph Fiennes as Roald Dahl, Policeman and Dev Patel as Dr. Chatterjee, John Winston, among 6 credited actors.
How is The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar rated?
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar has 7.4/10 on IMDb, 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, 85 on Metacritic and 73% on TMDB.
Is The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar based on a book?
Yes. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is adapted from The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar by Roald Dahl.
What awards did The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar win?
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar won 1 award from 1 nomination, including Live Action Short Film at the Oscars 2024.
Does The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar have a post-credit scene?
No. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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