From Han Solo in "Star Wars" to the dark, troubled husband in "What Lies Beneath" to the determined lawyer in "Presumed Innocent," Harrison Ford has long been one of my favorite movie stars. His legendary status was just cemented even further when he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 SAG Actor Awards. In a heartfelt and characteristically witty speech, the 83-year-old icon reminded us that he’s still a "working actor," but while he usually inhabits the role of the rugged, charming hero, it was a genuine surprise to see him play the complete opposite in the film "Regarding Henry."Released in 1991, directed by Mike Nichols, and written by J.J. Abrams, "Regarding Henry" focuses on Henry Turner, a man who is shot during a robbery and must struggle to recover from a debilitating brain injury.Granted, the movie has its flaws. John Leguizamo recently spoke out about his role in the film, pointing out its problematic portrayals of Latinos and noting that the experience still haunts him. Still, this film offers a rare opportunity to see Ford as a vulnerable, thoughtful character, revealing a surprising depth beneath his usual grit. And you can stream it right now for free on YouTube.
What is 'Regarding Henry' about?
The film introduces Henry Turner as a high-powered lawyer, flawlessly navigating the courtroom and providing a swanky life for his wife, Sarah (Annette Bening), and daughter, Rachel (Mikki Allen). However, it’s quickly apparent that his career has eclipsed his family priorities.
His life takes a sharp turn one night when he walks into a convenience store robbery and is shot in the frontal lobe. The injury leaves him with a "restart" button on his existence; he loses his memory along with the ability to speak, walk, or perform basic tasks like tying his shoes.Enter Bill Nunn as Bradley, a physical therapist who refuses to let Henry simply wait for healing. Bradley’s unconventional methods — including a memorable scene involving scrambled eggs — push Henry to find his voice and movement again. Yet, as Henry recovers, he realizes his old life was hollow. He returns home as a gentler soul, only to find himself a stranger to his cold, career-oriented past and a misfit among his snide former colleagues. This contrast leaves you wondering: will Henry ever be the same again, and more importantly, does he want to be?
Why you should watch 'Regarding Henry'
Harrison Ford isn’t the only one stepping out of his element here. The film is a departure from the usual fare of director Mike Nichols (known for "The Graduate" and "Closer") or J.J. Abrams (the mind behind "Lost" and several "Star Wars" films). You won’t find the intense action or complicated plotlines you might expect from that duo, but that’s exactly what makes this movie special.While playing the steely lawyer is obviously Ford’s strength, he does a phenomenal job portraying a man struggling to put himself back together. From his physical gestures to his hesitant glances and failed attempts to speak, he plays the part with immense respect and care. It is arguably far more enjoyable to watch him play the "new" Henry. As he begins to piece together the details of the life he forgot, he is shocked to learn about the man he used to be and the fractured state of his relationships with his wife and daughter.Ultimately, this is a movie about second chances and forgiveness. The message doesn't hit you over the head like an '80s or '90s after-school special; instead, it’s handled with just enough nuance that by the time the credits roll, you’ll feel truly glad you watched it.Stream "Regarding Henry" free on YouTube
