Final Rating: 3/5
Set in small town Northern Wales, Chuck Chuck Baby, directed by Janis Pugh, tells the story of Helen (Louise Brealey) who lives with her ex-husband Gary (Celyn Jones), his new girlfriend and their baby, as she tends to his dying mother Gwen (Sorcha Cusack). Like many women in town she works at the local chicken plant where the mundane routine weighs over them. Like most films in the genre, it’s pivotal to have a key supporting cast, and her eclectic group of coworkers/good friends help make the grind more palatable, including the oft crass Paula (Berverly Rudd) as they punch the clock.
Following said pattern, they get an unexpected surprise when an old school friend Joanne (Annabel Scholey) returns to town to clean out her childhood home after her estranged father’s passing. As the film goes on we learn of the less than idyllic circumstances of her upbringing, and why she prefers to be out on the road for work, travelling place to place on the power lines, never needing to settle down, and lacking any desire to do so.
Joanne’s arrival causes quite a stir for Helen, as she had feelings for her growing up, but could never bring herself to reveal them. As fate would have it, Joanne felt the same way, but likewise kept her emotions guarded, not the least of which has to do with the perception this type of relationship may have ruffled a few feathers in town. Now given this unexpected second chance, they seek to make a fresh start, and a fledgling romance ensues.
If this sounds like many made for TV Christmas or similarly typical romantic fare, well, it is. It’s really a matter of ‘the chicken or the egg’ within those parameters, and, speaking from experience, it’s certainly difficult to ‘pluck’ these trends. It boasts a unique setting, but the film is certainly awash in many familiar tropes of the genre (the one who doesn’t believe in romance vs. one who does, stuck in their small town vs. the one who left, the quirky friend group etc.).
However, the performances and characters are endearing enough to keep the audience engaged in the narrative. Much of the heart of the story comes from Gwen’s relationship with Helen, as she shares wisdom with her. Gwen is kind, witty and resigned to her fate, so tries to help guide Helen in what little time she has left.
As is the norm, Helen and Joanne’s relationship is not without pitfalls, and Clare (Cat Simmons) the mother-like figure within their group of friends, is a shoulder to lean on and voice of reason, trying to help them come to terms as they deal with various issues, including Gary, who isn’t tasked with carrying much of the story, aside from being the kind of guy you wonder why she’d be with in the first place (and succeeds). There is however, one particular moment between him and Helen, as he’s coping with his grief, that is very telling about their relationship, why it collapsed, and his own nature.
As it is in part a musical, the dance set pieces are bright, fun and add to the overall feel and energy of the film (Rhythm of the Rain was a personal favourite and a great song choice). It’s the kind of feel good movie fans will come to regard as a comfort watch upon repeated viewings.
For those not enamoured with the genre, it offers some clever one liners and solid performances that will offer up an entertaining experience, as even if the journey is well trodden, that’s half the fun in getting there.
Chuck Chuck Baby was seen during the 2024 International Film Festival of Ottawa.
