The Life of Chuck Review
Whenever you think of a Stephen King adaptation, the films that first come to mind are either It, The Shining, or more recently, The Monkey. There’s no doubt that the majority of film adaptations about King’s work stick within the horror genre. However, there are so many other King stories that hold so much potential for a theatrical viewing. One of those stories is The Life of Chuck, which is beautifully brought to life through the vision of The Haunting of Hill House director Mike Flanagan.
The Life of Chuck isn’t your typical film nor your typical Stephen King story as it’s got an unorthodox structure. It takes a reverse course, instead beginning at the end of Chuck Krantz’s (Tom Hiddleston) life and going backward. As the audience takes a backseat into Chuck’s mind and the events that led up to his demise, Flanagan offers a new perspective on life, loss, choice, and everything in between with some hilarious narration to go along.
Perhaps the biggest thing to mention is that The Life of Chuck doesn’t focus mainly on Tom Hiddleston’s performance, even though he’s the one in the spotlight. Rather, some of the major lifting actually comes from Jacob Tremblay and Benjamin Pajak near the end of the film. Yet, the three of them are able to bring a fresh flair to every stage of Chuck’s life. Each of them make Chuck feel like this eccentric, larger-than-life personality who’s curious about the world despite the circumstances he finds himself in. Their combined performances really elevate this film, which is an already near-perfect story.
Despite having a reverse narrative, The Life of Chuck is able to concisely pace itself while laying the groundwork for that first “final” act. Initially, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Karen Gillan do much of the carrying, playing a broken-up couple that’s experiencing the end of the world, at least in Chuck’s mind. As a visual representation of Chuck’s deteriorating condition, their role as the audience’s eyes into this dreamscape is genuinely harrowing. Even though it also feels like a reflection of the crisis the real world is in, both of them are able to play off this somewhat spiritually anomalous reality perfectly.
It might not feel like it at first, but The Life of Chuck’s first act is essentially the culmination of everything that he’s experienced in the next two acts. While Act II feels brief, there’s this excitement to the entire dance sequence that Hiddleston and Annalise Basso find themselves in as they shake their worries about their lives away. The way that it’s expertly shot by Eben Bolter and composed beautifully with the banging of the drums to the changes in movement is not only groovy, but adds this positivity to the film where there was none before. If you’re wondering if there’s a lot of dancing in The Life of Chuck too, I’m glad to say there is!
The dance scenes throughout the last two acts of The Life of Chuck aren’t just there for fun, but rather help accentuate King and Flanagan’s idea of living your life to the fullest. Despite Chuck’s grandfather, Albie (Mark Hamill), wanting him to have a career in business, influenced by his need to move on from tragic events, Chuck wants more. This poses a lingering question of what would be better for a person: to embrace their true calling or submit themselves to the workings of society. It’s a question that’s explored with nuance as we’re not overloaded with answers, but dropped multiple callbacks to elements from the first act.
All of this culminates in Chuck’s, and our, realization that everything that’s been experienced can, and must, be kept in our minds. There’s one specific scene in the third act between Chuck and his teacher that not only nails this home, but also presents itself in this personally touching way. That’s what makes The Life of Chuck work: despite the existentialism of cosmic calendars, building a successful career, and the end of one’s life, Flanagan makes it clear that one should live their best lives by doing what they want to do.
The Life of Chuck is genuinely one of the most beautifully inspiring and heartfelt films and Stephen King adaptations that’s successfully brought to life by Mike Flanagan. At a time where there’s so much noise, smoke, and chaos, this film brings something to the table that’s not just refreshing, but very touching at its core. It’ll make you feel depressed come its end, but it’s got everything that makes a film like this work to the highest degree.
The Life of Chuck releases worldwide in theaters on June 13.
Rating: ★★★★★
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.