Life-affirming
Based on the Stephen King novella, The Life of Chuck sees director Mike Flanagan move away from his usual horror outings like Doctor Sleep and Midnight Mass to look at questions about the importance of moments in life and the “multitudes” that we all create in our lives. The Life of Chuck is a deftly crafted and compelling film that exceptionally tackles these questions.
Mirroring King’s novella, The Life of Chuck unfolds in three acts in reverse chronological order. In the first presented act (Act Three: Thanks, Chuck), the world is experiencing a series of apocalyptic events, California has fallen into the sea, the internet, which has been shaky for months, finally stops working and catastrophe is happening far and wide. In the midst of these events, school teacher Marty Andersen (Chiwetel Ejiofor) notices that billboards and advertising have begun to appear all over stating “Charles Krantz: 39 Great Years! Thanks, Chuck!” As the apparent end of the universe approaches, Marty seeks out his ex-wife, Felicia Gordon (Karen Gillan). As the end of the universe continues, it is discovered that it has something to do with a bedridden 39-year-old brain tumour sufferer, Chuck.
The next act (Act Two: Buskers Forever) takes place in a single day of Chuck’s life. The final act (Act One: I Contain Multitudes) centres on the early formative life of Chuck as he lives with his grandparents, Sarah and Albie Krantz (Mia Sarah and Mark Hamill), after his parents are killed in a car accident.
Mike Flanagan as director, screenwriter, producer and film editor is to be commended for taking King’s original source material and developing it into this superb film. The unusual sequencing and beginning of the film may leave some viewers a little confused but those that conquer this will be justly rewarded.
Tom Hiddleston, as older Chuck, performs at his usual first-class level highlighted by a magnificent dance sequence with Karen Gillian choreographed by Mandy Moore. The younger Chucks, Jacob Tremblay as 17-year-old Chuck, Benjamin Pajak as 11-year-old Chuck and Cody Flanagan as 7-year-old Chuck are impressive as they carry most of the Chuck character duties of the film.
The rest of the cast are similarly excellent, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Karen Gillian in particular. Nick Offerman’s voice as the narrator helps to ground the film and bring the parts together. Mia Sarah and Mark Hamill steal scenes as Chuck’s grandparents adding warmth and gravitas to the cast.
The Life of Chuck delivers messages about the importance of big and little moments of life and the transience of life in this moving and outstanding film.
Reviewed by Rob McKinnon
