Mike Flanagan's "The Life of Chuck," adapted from Stephen King's novella of the same name, is a moving and philosophical film that explores the life of an ordinary man in an extraordinary way. The film, starring Tom Hiddleston as Charles "Chuck" Krantz, is structured in three acts, presented in reverse chronological order, creating a puzzle that gradually reveals the profound impact of a seemingly unremarkable life.
The film begins with the end of the world, or at least, it feels that way. Marty Anderson (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a teacher, and Felicia Gordon (Karen Gillan), a nurse, navigate a world crumbling around them, plagued by internet failures and ecological disasters. Amidst this chaos, billboards and commercials appear, all thanking "Chuck" Krantz for "39 great years!". The mystery of Chuck's identity and significance propels the narrative forward.
The second act introduces us to the adult Chuck (Tom Hiddleston), an accountant who, during a work trip, spontaneously starts dancing with a street drummer (Taylor Gordon). He invites a recently heartbroken woman, Janice Halliday (Annalise Basso), to join him, creating a moment of pure joy and connection. This act showcases Chuck's ability to find and create magic in the mundane, highlighting the exuberance of life. This segment underscores the film's theme of finding joy amidst existential dread, echoing King's sentiment that even when life is cut short, it doesn't negate the experience of joy.
The final act delves into Chuck's childhood, where he is raised by his grandparents, Albie (Mark Hamill) and Sarah (Mia Sara), after his parents' death. Here, young Chuck (Jacob Tremblay and Benjamin Pajak) learns about accounting and develops a love for dancing. His grandfather warns him to avoid the attic, where a prophetic secret lies hidden. This act reveals the origins of Chuck's character and the experiences that shaped his life, tying together the threads of the previous acts.
Flanagan masterfully balances the grand and intimate aspects of the story. The film presents a humanistic thesis that even an ordinary person like Chuck possesses an inner world as rich as "The Iliad." The reverse chronological structure, reminiscent of Christopher Nolan's films, challenges the audience to piece together the puzzle of Chuck's life. Despite the non-linear narrative, Flanagan plays fair with the audience, providing all the answers, albeit in a way that requires patience and attentiveness.
"The Life of Chuck" is not a horror film in the traditional sense, although there are minor supernatural elements. Instead, it is a celebration of life, grappling with mortality on both personal and universal scales. Flanagan's direction emphasizes the empathy inherent in King's story, creating a film that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The film avoids cynicism and saccharinity, finding a middle ground that allows it to be both sweet and thought-provoking.
The cast delivers stellar performances across the board. Hiddleston embodies Chuck with a blend of sweetness and underlying melancholy. Ejiofor and Gillan effectively convey the sense of bewilderment and resilience in the face of impending doom. Hamill and Sara shine as Chuck's grandparents, adding depth and warmth to the story.
"The Life of Chuck" is a testament to the power of ordinary lives and the impact they can have on the world. Flanagan and Hiddleston have created magic with a soulful adaptation of Stephen King's novella. It is a film that lingers in the mind, prompting viewers to reflect on the meaning and value of life.
