Release calendarTop 250 moviesMost popular moviesBrowse movies by genreTop box officeShowtimes & ticketsMovie newsIndia movie spotlight
    What's on TV & streamingTop 250 TV showsMost popular TV showsBrowse TV shows by genreTV news
    What to watchLatest trailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb SpotlightFamily entertainment guideIMDb Podcasts
    EmmysSuperheroes GuideSan Diego Comic-ConSummer Watch GuideBest Of 2025 So FarDisability Pride MonthSTARmeter AwardsAwards CentralFestival CentralAll events
    Born todayMost popular celebsCelebrity news
    Help centerContributor zonePolls
For industry professionals
  • Language
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Watchlist
Sign in
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Use app
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
IMDbPro

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

  • 2023
  • PG
  • 40m
IMDb RATING
7.4/10
82K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,768
598
Benedict Cumberbatch in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)
Chronicles a variety of stories, but the main one follows Henry Sugar, who is able to see through objects and predict the future with the help of a book he stole.
Play trailer1:06
1 Video
52 Photos
Quirky ComedyAdventureComedyDramaShort

Chronicles a variety of stories, but the main one follows Henry Sugar, who is able to see through objects and predict the future with the help of a book he stole.Chronicles a variety of stories, but the main one follows Henry Sugar, who is able to see through objects and predict the future with the help of a book he stole.Chronicles a variety of stories, but the main one follows Henry Sugar, who is able to see through objects and predict the future with the help of a book he stole.

  • Director
    • Wes Anderson
  • Writers
    • Roald Dahl
    • Wes Anderson
  • Stars
    • Ralph Fiennes
    • Benedict Cumberbatch
    • Dev Patel
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.4/10
    82K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    2,768
    598
    • Director
      • Wes Anderson
    • Writers
      • Roald Dahl
      • Wes Anderson
    • Stars
      • Ralph Fiennes
      • Benedict Cumberbatch
      • Dev Patel
    • 171User reviews
    • 94Critic reviews
    • 85Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Won 1 Oscar
      • 1 win & 2 nominations total

    Videos1

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 1:06
    Official Trailer

    Photos51

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 45
    View Poster

    Top cast46

    Edit
    Ralph Fiennes
    Ralph Fiennes
    • Roald Dahl…
    Benedict Cumberbatch
    Benedict Cumberbatch
    • Henry Sugar…
    Dev Patel
    Dev Patel
    • Dr. Chatterjee…
    Ben Kingsley
    Ben Kingsley
    • Imdad Khan…
    Richard Ayoade
    Richard Ayoade
    • Dr. Marshall…
    Jarvis Cocker
    Jarvis Cocker
    • Canasta Player…
    Rebecca Cornford
    • Canasta Player…
    David Gant
    David Gant
    • Casino Croupier
    Martin Foreman
    • Casino Guest
    Agatino Trimarchi
    • Casino Guest
    Christopher J. Long
    • Casino Guest
    • (as Christopher Long)
    Richard Sisson
    • Casino Guest
    Josephine Bygrave
    • Casino Guest
    Linda Catt
    • Casino Guest
    Robin Catt
    • Casino Guest
    Bob Elam
    • Casino Guest
    Robert Boyd-Howell
    • Casino Guest
    Linda Telfer
    • Casino Guest
    • Director
      • Wes Anderson
    • Writers
      • Roald Dahl
      • Wes Anderson
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews171

    7.482.1K
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10

    Featured reviews

    8MarquinRobes

    A faithful and whimsical adaptation of a beautiful short story

    "This is a terrific piece of book-to-film adaptation", I cried. "I read the book in preparation for the film and I can say with utmost certainty that...", I drank a cup of water to catch my breath, "...that almost every piece of dialogue in the film, not counting the name changes, are almost word for word from the book", I stood up from my chair and slowly applauded for the film, "Indubitably Anderson's most loquacious and experimental work to date. The way he plays with the medium of storytelling is admirable at least. Unfortunately this unorthodox storytelling style is not for every sophisticated individual in the planet", I sat down and happily sighed. "I hope to see this marvelous short film again in the future"
    daisyyy123

    Think like a Grand Budapest Hotel but shorter this time!

    This is exactly Wes Anderson style! Same colors, angles, another Wes Anderson film star in a side role.. I enjoyed it and never get bored. The story was unbelievable and quite fluent. Also see Benedict in a Wes Anderson movie just wonderfull. So far, so good but i think the director should try new methods because everything was same. Think like a Grand Budapest Hotel but shorter this time! If even one thing changes, the films will be more distinctive and unique in themselves. Still, that doesn't mean the movie shouldn't be given a chance. If you like Wes Anderson's style, you must give a chance.
    7GryeD

    Unique storyline but pacing is too fast

    I am not familliar with any previous works or repuation of the creators whatsover, I just watched this short movie out of curiosity since it was on Netflix.

    So this seemed to be a sort of first person narrative where the characters speak the story themselves? Think of it when a person reads a book out loud at home, but in this case they are reading to us the viewers.

    The story of this piece focused on various qualities of generosity and depthful feelings. It was interesting to see the characters describe their feelings while not showing any type of emotions. Due to the nature of this film, I wasn't sure what to think, the concept is good but I found it perplexing.

    My only issue is the pacing, I am unsure if this was on purpose or not. This flim piece moved way too fast, to where even I had trouble keeping up or understanding what was going on. Perhaps this is how the film was designed to be or I needed a deeper level of understanding?
    8nir661

    A Wes-Andersonesque Bedtime Delight

    If Wes Anderson decided to pen a bedtime story, it might just look like "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar." This 38-minute marvel weaves a tapestry of mystery and whimsy that leaves you both tickled and intrigued.

    This isn't a full-blown comedy, but it certainly doesn't shy away from its share of wry humor. The script sprinkles witty quips and playful moments throughout the tale, giving the audience some delightful chuckles. It's a nod to Anderson's signature style - a dash of quirkiness that keeps you grinning.

    Benedict, in his first foray into Anderson's cinematic world, shines as Henry Sugar. His portrayal adds depth to this peculiar character, and he's complemented by a stellar supporting cast who bring their own unique flair to the story.

    "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar" exudes a distinct theatrical vibe. The set design and the way the scenes are presented feel like a live theater performance. It's a refreshing departure from the conventional cinematic experience, adding a layer of whimsical charm.

    This film doesn't aim to tug at your heartstrings or deliver profound messages; it's here to entertain. It's a bedtime story for the child in all of us, a light-hearted adventure that captivates without overwhelming.

    In true Wes Anderson fashion, "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar" dances to its own whimsical tune, making it a delightful short film that transports you to a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
    8masonsaul

    Immaculate short film

    The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is a great short film that doesn't waste a second of its shorter run time and definitely works as a short film in a way a feature length film simply cannot. The energy, the pace and the complexity comes together so well in an exhilarating, immaculate story of kindness.

    Unusually, this is a cast who are mostly new to the world of Wes but Benedict Cumberbatch, Dev Patel and Ben Kingsley are note perfect here in a way that hopefully results in many more future collaborations. Richard Ayoade on the other hand, feels surprisingly underutilised.

    Wes Anderson has never had more control of the frame or everything inside it. It's standard issue that it's going to be gorgeous to look at and rife with detail but the real strength of his direction here is the way it's able to feel so theatrical in its construction yet still be inherently cinematic.

    More like this

    The Swan
    6.7
    The Swan
    Poison
    6.8
    Poison
    The Rat Catcher
    6.5
    The Rat Catcher
    The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More
    7.1
    The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More
    Asteroid City
    6.4
    Asteroid City
    The French Dispatch
    7.1
    The French Dispatch
    Moonrise Kingdom
    7.8
    Moonrise Kingdom
    Isle of Dogs
    7.8
    Isle of Dogs
    The Grand Budapest Hotel
    8.1
    The Grand Budapest Hotel
    The Royal Tenenbaums
    7.6
    The Royal Tenenbaums
    Montblanc: 100 Years of Meisterstück
    7.0
    Montblanc: 100 Years of Meisterstück
    The Darjeeling Limited
    7.2
    The Darjeeling Limited

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      In a 2023 interview with Deadline, Wes Anderson spoke about how Ralph Fiennes got into the character of Roald Dahl: "In our house, we have a recording of Dahl reading Fantastic Mr. Fox. He did record himself doing quite a few of [his books]. There's also a reasonable amount of documentary stuff about Dahl. In fact, when we started filming Henry Sugar, Ralph was on set, in the little space that's a recreation of Dahl's workspace, and I could hear him talking to himself. I said, 'Tell me what you're saying.' It turned out that he'd been observing Dahl from the archival stuff I'd sent him, and he knew Dahl's little rituals. He was acting them out on his own, just in preparation. And I was like, 'Start over, start over! We'll film this!' And so, the movie begins with Ralph completely improvising. Every take was a bit different, because it's Ralph just sort of channeling Dahl getting ready to write. Ralph is so interesting and authentic."
    • Goofs
      Starting around 22:00 as the cuts go back and forth between front angle cuts and side angle cuts; the orientation of how Roald Dahl is holding the cigarette changes.
    • Quotes

      Imdad Khan: Audiences loved it, but no one ever ever believed it to be genuine. Still don't. Even doctors, such as yourself, who blindfold me in the most expert fashion, refuse to believe anyone can see without his eyes. They forget there are other ways of sending an image to the brain.

      Dr. Chatterjee: What other ways?

      Imdad Khan: Quite honestly, I do not know.

    • Connections
      Edited into The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More (2024)
    • Soundtracks
      Cosi Fan Tutte, K. 588, Act I Scene 2: No. 10, Terlettino Soave Sia il Vento (Dorabella, Don Alfonso, Fiordiligi)
      Written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

      Arrangement by Jonathon Rathbone

      Performed by The Swingles

      Courtesy of Erato/Warner Classics, Warner Music UK Ltd

      By arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing

    Top picks

    Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations
    Sign in

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 27, 2023 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • United Kingdom
    • Official sites
      • Film Sözlük
      • Official Netflix
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More
    • Filming locations
      • London, England, UK
    • Production companies
      • American Empirical Pictures
      • Indian Paintbrush
      • Netflix Studios
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      40 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    Benedict Cumberbatch in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)
    Top Gap
    What was the official certification given to The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023) in Australia?
    Answer
    • See more gaps
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    Recently viewed

    Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.
    Get the IMDb App
    Sign in for more accessSign in for more access
    Follow IMDb on social
    Get the IMDb App
    For Android and iOS
    Get the IMDb App
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • Box Office Mojo
    • License IMDb Data
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Your Ads Privacy Choices
    IMDb, an Amazon company

    © 1990-2025 by IMDb.com, Inc.