The life of Chuck
is a departure for Mike Flanagan, who brought us memorable horror projects like The Haunting of Hill House Over the years. We’ve gotten used to certain things thanks to the Netflix slate of writer-directors, however The life of ChuckAdapted from the novel by Stephen King, it defies expectations. With this delightful and moving fantasy drama, Flanagan pulls us into a world anchored by the life of the titular character. The film is poignant and meaningful, with an appreciation for life that reminds us why we live it and how to enjoy it too.
The film wears its heart on its sleeve, and Chuck himself is relatable, which makes his journey even more wonderful and sad. The life of Chuck is divided into three acts and begins at the end. Marty Anderson (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is a divorced teacher who is horrified when he starts noticing billboards thanking Chuck Krantz (Tom Hiddleston) for 39 great years. His ex-wife, Felicia (Karen Gillan), a nurse, is equally perplexed. They’re even weirder when strange things—like projections of chalk in windows and hospital monitors beeping without anyone hooked to them—start happening around town.
Chuck’s life is an emotional rollercoaster
The film blends genres to deliver its message
Flanagan teases us about the end of the world, but there’s something else going on. The fact that The life of Chuck Starting at the end instead of the beginning is crucial to the story. It leaves us mystified by what is happening and wanting to know more about this elusive Chuck. Considering the title of the film, you can guess who the main character ultimately is, and the drama, narrated by Nick Offerman, slowly unfolds to give us the details of Chuck’s life. There’s even a joyous dance sequence with Hiddleston and Annalize Basso that boosts the fun of the film.
At various points, characters express philosophical thoughts about the cosmos and mathematics as Chuck’s place in the world reminds us how small and large the universe can feel at once. It also factors in Chuck’s place in it. As Chuck can be a stand-in for the audience, Flanagan’s script is structured so that we feel a variety of emotions at once. The life of Chuck Oscillates between being serious, dark and sweet, although it never loses sight of what it’s trying to say. We fall in love with Chuck’s dancing, worry about him after tragedy strikes, and ponder his choices.
Flanagan keeps things entertaining, sprinkling the film with some funny lines and moments. The writer-director happily blends genres – sci-fi and horror-esque elements are littered throughout – making for a whimsical viewing experience. Questions about the universe give the story a monumental depth that left me thinking about it hours later. Over the next two acts, The life of Chuck Lean into the drama, weaving through Chuck’s life as our thoughts so often form – focused and scattered. This is what gives the film its charm, especially as Chuck goes from a straight-laced accountant to an engaging dancer.
The life of Chuck Oscillates between being serious, dark and sweet, although it never loses sight of what it’s trying to say.
to begin at the end, The life of Chuck Allows us to appreciate what came before. It’s a creative way to draw us into the scariest part of the story and invest us in the overall themes. The film is worth a rewatch to uncover the many details it hides in plain sight, but that we miss because we’re looking at the bigger picture. Flanagan somehow manages to balance the realities of death with the euphoria of life. Everything is coming down, but there is also an enveloping sense of peace.
Chuck’s life is elevated by an excellent cast
With so many story threads, the director boosts his film with the help of a large cast, a mixture of actors who are Flanagan staples (Rahul Kohli, Kate Siegel and Samantha Sloan) and veteran actors like Mark Hamill, who plays Chuck’s grandfather Alby . They each bring something memorable to the table, though I found myself drawn mostly to Ejiofor and Gillan, who get a couple of touching moments. Hamill is great as Albia, cruel and kind, and Hiddleston infuses Chuck with wonder and melancholy. As younger versions of Chuck, James Tremblay and Benjamin Pajak are charismatic and full of life.
Along with the performances, Flanagan’s adaptation takes on a life of its own. It’s sentimental in the best ways and lighthearted despite a rough heart. The life of Chuck Ask us to wash away the fear and sadness so often felt with death, and reminds us to find the joy in life, even when it is at its most chaotic. While the film may be a bit slow at times, it fully embraces his sweet, tender side. Heartfelt and often sage, Flanagan encapsulates the experience of life and gives it a boost of meaning and fantastically fun energy.
The life of Chuck Premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. The film is 110 minutes long and not yet rated.
Based on the short story written by Stephen King, The Life of Chuck is a drama/supernatural film by writer-director Mike Flanagan. Tom Hiddleston stars as the titular Charles Crantz and traverses three phases of his life, including his time spent growing up in a haunted house.
- Mike Flanagan successfully blends genres
- The story of this film is really sweet and heartwarming
- The cast deliver fantastic performances
- This movie reminds us to find joy in life