Colin Trevorrow’s upcoming drama “The Book of Henry” will premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival on its opening night on June 14, Film Independent announced Tuesday.
Trevorrow, who broke into the pop culture consciousness two years ago with “Jurassic World,” is returning to his indie roots with this tale of a genius boy named Henry (Jaeden Lieberher) who convinces his single mother (Naomi Watts) to help him save a classmate from the clutches of an abusive stepfather who also happens to be their town’s police chief (Dean Norris). To expose the chief’s wrongdoing, Henry has sketched up an elaborate plan in his notebook which he promises to his slightly skeptical mother will bring the chief to justice.
“We are so happy to be opening the Festival with ‘The Book of Henry,’ it’s a touching story about friendship, community and redefining family,” said Festival Director Jennifer Cochis. “‘The Book of Henry’ embodies our mission via onscreen representation in highlighting a woman’s journey with a powerful turn by Naomi Watts.”
The film is written by Gregg Hurwitz and also stars Jacob Tremblay, Sarah Silverman, Lee Pace, and Maddie Ziegler. It will be released by Focus Features on June 16.
The L.A. Film Festival will take place from June 14-22 and will also feature screenings of Sony Pictures Classics’ “Brigsby Bear” starring Mark Hamill and the first episode of the new season of “Queen Sugar,” which will be accompanied by a conversation with Ava DuVernay and the directors of the series. The full program will be released next Tuesday. For passes and more information, click here.