If you’ve ever read, listened to, or watched an interview with Stephen King about the adaptations of his works, he typically hates them for one reason or another, but usually because they stray enough from the source material to make him feel like they’re bad. He famously has said this about The Shining (1980). Which brings us to the adaptation of his novella, The Life of Chuck. Mike Flanagan adapts his third King story (Gerald’s Game; Doctor Sleep), and there is clearly a reason King lets Flanagan continuously adapt his work — Flanagan consistently knocks it out of the park. Well, The Life of Chuck is not the typical fare from the horror master; this story is more grounded in humanity, life, and self-examination, which is also a break of genre for Flanagan, yet somehow this may be the best thing he has done in his career thus far.
Before we dive into the story of The Life of Chuck, I want to briefly talk about the marketing behind the film. The assumption was (and casual bubble bursting here) that the story focused on Charles Krantz (Tom Hiddleston), which is accurate and inaccurate simultaneously. The story floats over three periods of time which are told in reverse chronologically and focus on different characters in each chapter, to an extent. The first (really third) act, entitled “Thanks, Chuck!,” focuses on Marty (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who is a school teacher trying to capture the attention and minds of his class despite the apparent downfall of society, Earth, and life itself. He continuously reconnects and chats with his ex, Felicia (Karen Gillan), and since the movie is in reverse chronological order, we never get to discover what fate sets out for these characters — but the end of the world seems most probable. The second act, simply titled “Buskers Forever,” is where the story focuses on Hiddleston (Marvel’s The Avengers) and delivers one of the greatest moments in the film. Without spoiling it, it’ll be apparent once its seen — we’ll leave it at that. This is where he meets a street drummer (Taylor Gordon). The narration from Nick Offerman (The LEGO Movie) is the progressive storytelling in this act of the film. Lastly, how all movies flow, the third (in this case first) act, entitled “I Contain Multitudes,” brings the entire film together. It focuses on a young Charles Krantz (Benjamin Pajak) who is experiencing life by being raised by his grandparents Albie and Sarah (Mark Hamill and Mia Sara). Again, without wanting to spoil anything or wanting to touch upon the best scene filled with emotion and whimsy in the movie, “I Contain Multitudes” focuses on the early life of Chuck and how everything that has happened has shaped him in one way or another, and truly brings everything together, making this a heartbreaking reality that many of us cannot face. The Life of Chuck is a beautiful story that is going to linger and sit with audiences long after the credits roll and creates a new audience, who may not be comfortable with horror, to experience King.
A still from the production of THE LIFE OF CHUCK. Photo courtesy of TIFF 2024.
Flanagan, who has been known to do horror (The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020); The Haunting of Hill House (2018); Hush (2016)), breaks his mold and adapts a King novella that is also a break from the author’s usual output. What starts as a non-linear story that audiences get lost in, finds itself as a worm that wiggles its way to the soul and heart and ensures there is no escape from the emotional turmoil the movie inflicts on its audience. Knowing King is ultimately satisfied and happy with the adaptation peaks the interest to discover the source material for those who have not yet done so. While Flanagan delivers another perfect execution of a film, it is not on his own as he has his usual partners in crime throughout the feature and some new faces as well, truly making this an ensemble piece that is exasperated by love and passion.
The entire cast in The Life of Chuck is incredible with not a single misstep or miscast person throughout. When the movie relies heavily on an ensemble, it is so crucial that everyone comes together and brings their absolute all to ensure the movie shines and excels. Chiwetel Ejiofor (Inside Man), who constantly goes under the radar, continues to shine and creates such a passionate and enriched representation of his character, while Karen Gillian’s (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) performance is so enriched in heart, soul, love, and emotion, that it’s hard not to connect and feel the character’s reality and pain on a spiritual level. Hiddleston delivers, arguably, the best performance of his career and wins the hearts of every audience member. However, the performances from both Hamill (Brigsby Bear) and Benjamin Pajak (Where It’s Beautiful When It Rains) are what bring it all together, creating this heartbreaking drama that devastates the audience in a way unlike anything King has done before.
The Life of Chuck could arguably be defined as Mike Flanagan’s opus. Even though it is a transition from his previous works and not horror in the traditional sense by any means, it is his most brilliant work yet. King’s story lends itself to the most raw emotional instincts and humanity we have in ourselves being shown on screen. Simply put, The Life of Chuck is one of those rare once-in-a-lifetime features that changes how we view life, for better or worse.
Screening during Toronto International Film Festival 2024.
In U.S. theaters June 2025.
For more information, head to the official Toronto International Film Festival 2024 The Life of Chuck webpage.
Final Score: 5 out of 5.
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Categories: In Theaters, Reviews
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