Don’t let the words “based on a short story by Stephen King” on marketing materials for The Life of Chuck fool you. It is not a horror movie. Well, the film’s third act, which, confusingly, opens the film, does feature a pretty harrowing depiction of the end of the world.
Regardless, with The Life of Chuck, Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep, “The Haunting of Hill House”) delivers a beautifully layered adaptation of Stephen King’s novella. His film, which touches on themes of memory, mortality, and the profound meaning found in the everyday moments of life, is an emotional triumph that resonates deeply as it delivers equal measures of joy, sorrow, and existential reflection.
The Life of Chuck is an intricate unraveling of the extraordinary life of Charles "Chuck" Krantz (played through the years by Cody Flanagan, Jacob Tremblay, and Tom Hiddleston), as it explores the profound impact one individual can have on the world around them. The film begins with Chuck's final days during a mysterious apocalyptic crisis. As society collapses, Chuck's image appears inexplicably on billboards, creating a sense of intrigue and reverence for his life. The film’s characters, as well as the audience, have no idea who Chuck is.
Moving backward, the story leads us through Chuck's remarkable life chapters. We see key moments with friends Felicia (Karen Gillan, Guardians of he Galaxy) and husband Marty (Chiwetel Ejiofor, Twelve Years a Slave), whose close connections shape and are shaped by Chuck's presence. The narrative also touches on his relationships with his grandparents, Sarah and Albie Krantz (Mia Sara and Mark Hamill, respectively), depicting their love, struggles, and the influence they had on Chuck.
Flanagan skillfully breaks new ground, transitioning from his acclaimed horror adaptations like Doctor Sleep and Gerald’s Game to craft a poignant meditation on the nature of life itself. The film’s unique structure, told in reverse across three acts, sets the stage for an emotional gut punch right from the opening scenes. Starting at the end of Chuck’s life and gradually peeling back the layers of his existence, the narrative reveals the beauty in seemingly ordinary moments. Even with its inherent sadness, the film’s moments of pure happiness shine through, and offer a balanced celebration of what it means to live and to be human.
Tom Hiddleston (Thor) delivers a standout performance as adult Chuck, portraying the character with a vulnerability and warmth that grip the audience. His subtle nuances bring Chuck’s memories and regrets to life, particularly during his wonderful dance sequence with Karen Gillan—a dazzling, deeply affecting piece of cinema that will undoubtedly linger in your mind long after the credits roll.
Meanwhile, Mia Sara as Chuck’s grandmother, Sarah Krantz, offers a heartfelt performance that carries traces of generational wisdom and longing. Plus, she teaches young Chuck how to dance in the family’s kitchen, which will have a profound effect on Chuck as he grows up. Additionally, it will lead to yet another heartwarming dance sequence which takes place at Chuck’s school. Hamill disappears into his role as the alcoholic Albie Krantz and lends depth and gravitas to a role that anchors the story in familial love and legacy.
Though the film loses its way from time to time as some pieces never quite seem too fit in as seamlessly as intended, none of it would work without Flanagan’s skillful direction. This is undeniably his high water mark. He weaves the cosmic with the intimate, and sadness with joy, creating imagery that’s visually stunning yet deeply personal. The balance between despair and bliss in the storytelling speaks to Flanagan’s deft hand, ensuring moments of joy feel all the more precious amidst the overarching themes of loss and finality.
While undeniably a tearjerker, The Life of Chuck is never without hope. It’s a bold and deeply resonant work of art that dares to ask what it means to matter in a chaotic universe. This is a film that treats its audience with respect, invites introspection, and leaves us clinging tightly to the small, beautiful moments in our own lives.
Ultimately, Flanagan’s latest film reminds us of one simple truth: in life, it’s the little things that matter most.
MPAA Rating: R.
Runtime: 111 mins
Director: Mike Flanagan
Writer: Mike Flanagan
Cast: Tom Hiddleston; Jacob Tremblay; Benjamin Pajak
Genre: Drama | Fantasy
Tagline: The Mystery of a Lifetime
Memorable Movie Quote: "In this moment, I am wonderful."
Distributor: Neon
Official Site: https://www.neonrated.com/film/the-life-of-chuck
Release Date: June 13, 2025
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: A life-affirming, genre-bending story based on Stephen King's novella about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz.
