Goodnight Henry

Okay, before I start my review and break down writer-director Isher Sahota’s short film, Goodnight Henry, I will say that the film’s synopsis sounds interesting but does not do the complete film justice. “After the Prime Minister dies in scandalous circumstances, his advisor must secure a free trade agreement deal with the French ambassador while attempting to keep the chambermaid’s mouth from destroying the Prime Minister’s and the country’s reputation.” And now, here I go…

During the finalizing of negotiations between the Prime Minister’s advisor, Mr. Pageant (Joseph Marcell), and the French ambassador, Godefroi (Ryan Gage), a woman’s yell abruptly interrupts the signing. When Mr. Pageant rushes to see what the scream is about, he is met with a panicked chambermaid, Rosiland (Sharon Rooney). She informs him that something has happened to the Prime Minister. Mr. Pageant hurries to the Prime Minister’s side only to find him face down dead on a billiards table.

Upon questioning Rosiland on what happened to the Prime Minister, Mr. Pageant finds out that the Prime Minister died during an “arrangement.” Having to figure out how to break the news to Godefroi without jeopardizing the deal, Mr. Pageant has to come up with a scenario that will save everyone’s reputation and, in the process, may benefit all parties involved.

“…secure a free trade agreement deal…while attempting to keep the chambermaid’s mouth from destroying the Prime Minister’s…reputation…”

Right as Goodnight Henry opens up, it greets us with the familiar face of Joseph Marcell. I fondly remember the actor as Geoffrey from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Marcell pretty much plays the same role here, which he is excellent at, and also serves as a hit of nostalgia for me personally. His quick wit and retort instantly set the tone for the film as he goes back and forth with Ryan Gage’s Godefroi.

The real fun begins once it is learned that each character may have the upper hand on the other with the information they know. Sahota’s film is an 11-minute and some seconds of everyone turning on each other every second, even after they seem to start working together. Then, just when you think they have a perfect scenario put in place to break the news to their majesty, one of the other characters gets greedy to see how he can benefit even more from the death of the Prime Minister.

All three actors have outstanding chemistry with each other, which says a lot about their skills. To find chemistry in a full-length film is hard enough, let alone finding it in a short film with a runtime barely going over double digits. This is true greatness on all levels of film. Goodnight Henry is witty, unpredictable, and unique. It is truly one of the best short films I have come across in recent memory.

For more information, visit the Goodnight Henry official webpage.