Henry’s Ebb Review: A Haunting Story of Friendship, Trauma and the Need to Belong

Henry’s Ebb Review: This psychological drama with horror elements focuses on a young boy who finds himself torn in the midst of an abusive home life and his growing dependence on his best friend Ebb. The film explores psychological trauma, loneliness and the complicated nature of friendships through Henry’s eyes and is a haunting watch that stays with you long after the end credits roll.

The film, set in 1998, starts off as an escape adventure but gradually turns into something far more unsettling. After a particularly difficult experience, the two run off to find his estranged father, but Henry has to eventually face something far more difficult and unsettling. At the centre of this is Henry’s complex relationship with Ebb – that goes from an innocent coping mechanism to something far more manipulative as Ebb grows more and more possessive.

The cast includes Kingston Rumi Southwick, Ashley Shelton, Will Holland, and Banks Repeta, and the film is written & directed by Thomas Mendolia.

Henry’s Ebb Review

A Friendship That Slowly Turns Into Something Sinister

At the heart of Henry’s Ebb, we see how loneliness and trauma can corrupt a child’s mind into understanding what companionship is. Living with his abusive mother and constantly on edge, Henry finds solace in his imaginary friend, Ebb’s presence. Ebb is everything that Henry needs: loving, understanding and someone who listens and offers protection. However, one fated event changes everything for him, after which he runs off with Ebb to find his father. As his journey progresses, though, everything he knew about Ebb and which brought him comfort slowly morphs into something disturbing and complicated.

The film’s horror is in this gradual shift wherein we follow Henry, a young runaway, in this journey to find a life that is more stable and happier. The gradual tension building adds to the discomfort that viewers feel as the dynamic between the characters shifts. Ebb’s increasingly controlling behaviour is nothing short of terrifying, as viewers are left to wonder whether he is truly a comforting presence for Henry or whether he’s preventing him from making genuine connections. It also makes viewers wonder why Henry is “imagining” his friend this way and what triggered that shift in his mind.

It’s these complicated questions that give the psychological aspect of the film more substance than just adding unnecessary elements. Whatever is left unsaid in the narrative is far more dangerous than anything that the film could’ve said out loud. The shifting dimension between the two boys also adds to the heartbreak of the situation, as Henry is forced to compare the comfort he receives from Ebb’s presence with the harm that he is causing.

Kingston Rumi Southwick and Banks Repeta Are the Film’s Biggest Strengths

Fresh off his role in Widow’s Bay, Kingston Rumi Southwick continues to be impressive in his moving portrayal of Henry, a vulnerable boy who just wants to belong somewhere. He captures his character’s loneliness and desperation so well that it leaves an impression on you, creating the emotional foundation for the film wherein it’s easy to understand his thoughts, feelings and dependence on his friend.

On the other side, Banks Repeta is fantastic as Ebb as well, turning his character from a lovable imaginary friend to something more sinister. There’s an unsettling confidence in him that is infectious and, thus, dangerous as well. The actor balances his protective nature with a very manipulative streak, which makes him all the more unstable and sinister. Their friendship, thus, is believable and sometimes even heartening, while introducing an uncomfortable tension.

A Slow-Burning Drama That Leans Into Psychological Horror

Henry’s Ebb balances its psychological tension with a coming-of-age story beautifully, making us fear for Henry’s well-being while finding compassion and empathy for his struggles. The journey through the American South is freeing in a way, highlighting the appeal of childhood adventure that only wants freedom and discovery. This also contrasts well with Henry’s abusive and constricting home life.

However, the more Henry goes away from home, the situation becomes all the more dire. It explores abuse, grief, abandonment and emotional dependency in equal measure, as a result of which the story feels so lived-in and personal. That being said, the film would’ve benefited more from being better paced, as it sometimes struggles to maintain momentum and, as a result, risks losing the audience’s interest. It does test the audience’s patience at times and takes a bit to get to the point after that, so that does work against it.

Verdict: An Unsettling Film With an Emotional Core

In the end, though, Henry’s Ebb is sad and heartbreaking, with heightening circumstances adding to the horror of the situation. Although its deliberate pacing can be its downfall, the film is ultimately a sombre and impactful watch that leaves a lasting impression, thanks to Kingston Rumi Southwick’s memorable performance and a story that can balance its various elements.

What did you think about the film? Let us know in the comments below!

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