Henry Johnson (2025) review

Mamet's first film since 2008's Redbelt is based on his own play: attorney Henry (Evan Jonigkeit) has a long conversation with his boss Mr. Barnes (Chris Bauer) who turns him into the authorities (for stealing money), then Henry shares a jail cell with philosophizing scoundrel Gene (Shia LaBeouf) and finally he manages to obtain a pistol and ammo (from the woman who's supposed to be his counselor) and takes corrections officer Pritchard (Dominic Hoffman) hostage.  Although the "male banter" typical of the playwright is there for your listening pleasure (Shia handles it especially well) this never bothers to shed the 'staginess' of the source material ... but what's truly ugly about it is the misanthropic "message," as Henry is betrayed by three individuals he was "conned" into trusting.  Considering Mamet's comments in the media (revealing his support for far-right politicians), he seems to think the world can be easily divided into two factions - the wolves and the prey - with zero middle ground, and women (who are voiceless) are just there to be impregnated, manipulated or, if need be, killed.