Watch Henry Poole Is Here

Henry Poole (Luke Wilson) is a man who returns to his hometown after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. He wants to spend the rest of his days in his old neighborhood, staying in the same house where he grew up. However, his plans are interrupted by the curious neighbors who start to follow him around, especially the strong-willed Esperanza (Adriana Barraza). She's convinced that a stain on Henry's backyard wall is a miraculous image of Jesus Christ, and she believes it can heal her sick daughter.

Despite Henry's skepticism, Esperanza's constant prayers and offerings slowly start to affect him. He can't escape the aura of faith that surrounds him, even when he visits his only friend, Father Salazar (George Lopez), a disillusioned priest who's lost his faith in God. Meanwhile, Henry struggles with his inner demons, haunted by the regretful memories of his past, and the fear of leaving behind the people he's grown to love, including his neighbor Dawn (Radha Mitchell), a single mother who's trying to reconnect with her estranged daughter Millie (Morgan Lily).

As Henry's health deteriorates, he's forced to confront the mystery of his own existence, and the meaning of life itself. He tries to find solace in his bachelor habits, like cooking pancakes in the middle of the night, or watching the clouds with a telescope, but nothing can dispel his despair. When Esperanza's daughter suddenly gets better, and the news of the "miracle" spreads throughout the town, Henry becomes the target of the media and the crowds who want to witness the phenomenon themselves. He feels exposed and vulnerable, realizing that he can't run away from his fate.

Henry Poole Is Here is a poignant drama that explores the themes of spirituality, redemption, and human connection. It's a film that doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of life, and yet manages to find a glimmer of hope in the darkest moments. Luke Wilson delivers a nuanced and heartfelt performance as Henry, a man who's lost his faith in himself, and in the world. His interactions with the colorful cast of characters, including the insightful young Millie, or the eccentric painter Patience (Rachel Seiferth), add layers of humor and depth to the story.

Radha Mitchell's portrayal of Dawn is also remarkable, as she brings a sense of warmth and honesty to the role of a woman who's struggling to cope with her past mistakes, and her present circumstances. George Lopez's supporting role as Father Salazar is both poignant and funny, as he tries to find his way back to God, while offering Henry some much-needed guidance. The rest of the ensemble cast, including Adriana Barraza, Morgan Lily, and Richard Benjamin, also deliver solid performances.

The director, Mark Pellington, known for his music videos and thrillers, infuses the film with a lyrical tone, using a mix of visual metaphors, religious symbolism, and naturalistic elements. The cinematography by Eric Schmidt captures the beauty of the California landscape, and the details of the suburban life, with a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. The original score by John Frizzell is hauntingly melodic, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.

Overall, Henry Poole Is Here is a touching and thought-provoking movie that will resonate with anyone who's faced with the challenges of mortality, faith, and love. It's a film that reminds us that even in the midst of pain and doubt, there's always a possibility for grace and healing, if we're willing to open our hearts and minds.

Henry Poole Is Here is a 2008 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 44.