Final Rating: 3.5/5
Few creators have had as much success adapting the work of horror legend Stephen King, and Mike Flanagan’s batting average would surpass even the great Tony Gwynn’s in this regard. His newest offering, The Life of Chuck, offers yet another worthy entry in their collaboration.
With the likes of Doctor Sleep and Gerald’s Game on his impressive resume, The Life of Chuck, based on a King novella, is more mainstream than previous genre fare. It’s decidedly not a horror movie, though certainly elements (particularly the beginning) would suit many a horror flick.
The film stars Tom Hiddelston as the titular Chuck, Mark Hamill, Mia Sara, and a number of Flanagan regulars his wife Kate Siegel and Samantha Sloyan who each play teachers at the younger Chuck’s (Benjamin Pajak) middle school and a brief cameo from Heather Langenkamp.
Told in reverse order (the third act is first, followed by the second, then first) it’s certainly a unique way to approach any narrative. As with much of his work, Flanagan sets up the world then expertly ties it back together with interconnected ideas and experiences. However, though the ‘final’ act wasn’t as strong (several others I spoke with after the screening felt the same), in part because we don’t get to know the characters as much beforehand, merely glimpses of what they’re going through at present.
The performances are solid, and it certainly sets the hook for what follows, keeping us engaged in the question: who exactly is Chuck Kranz? And why are we thanking him for 39 great years? He’s simply a figure in the ‘first act’, almost omnipresent in the background, as we focus on humanity living through a disaster scenario.
Karen Gillan and Chiwetel Ejofor are excellent in their roles, and it was nice to see Matthew Lillard, as they contemplate life, given there’s little else to do under the circumstances, but ultimately Chuck’s character is given more time to breathe (lest the title is too obvious).
After a tragedy, Chuck is left to be raised by his grandparents. Mark Hamill gives a memorable performance as his oft hard drinking grandfather, and Mia Sara is wonderful as his caring grandmother. After some years of sadness, she instills the love of dance in Chuck, as he practices with her regularly in the kitchen, eventually working up the courage to join an after school dance troupe at school.
His grandfather, a man of numbers, and perhaps a few secrets, (which had this been a horror film would’ve been explored more) enlivens Chuck’s interest math (in a fantastic scene, eventually leading to Chuck eventually following in his footsteps as an accountant) when he reveals just how much math shows us, illuminating not simply numbers, but life itself.
As fans of Flanagan’s previous films and TV shows will no doubt be aware, and newcomers will appreciate, he’s able to imbue his work with a great amount of heart and humanity, both exhibited and explored throughout this story. Chuck’s love of dance is utilized for some great set pieces that are fun and speak to the character at various stages of his life.
The second act kicks off with an impromptu dance number as Chuck, out of town on business, passes a busker (Taylor Gordon) playing the drums and is moved to dancing. He eventually teams up with Annalise Basso in a terrific scene that also captures the spirit of the theme: enjoying life in the moment.
Jacob Tremblay plays Chuck in the final act (The First Act) just before he heads off to school, and brings the narrative full circle. The voice over throughout by Nick Offerman often removes much of the expository dialogue, which lends itself to the pacing, but not necessarily fleshing out all the characters, especially those in smaller roles. However, we’re given enough of a snippet that we can relate to them in some manner.
The Life of Chuck offers some unsettling moments for King fans, some more serious moments for drama lovers, a few laughs, and ultimately a genre blending narrative that is heartwarming, and thought provoking, leaving one with a sense of their own time here, where do we find joy, and what are we doing to truly make the most of it?
The Life of Chuck was seen during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.
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