In this extraordinary story of an ordinary man, Charles 'Chuck' Krantz experiences the wonder of love, the heartbreak of loss, and the multitudes contained in all of us.
Mike Flanagan‘s adaptation of “The Life of Chuck,” Stephen King’s lesser-known but deeply touching novella, finds the perfect blend of warmth, melancholy, and profound beauty. With a delicate balance of contemplative, existential musings and eerie supernatural elements, the film explores the intricacies of human existence in a way that’s both warm and bittersweet. This is an all-around terrific movie that pays tribute to all those little moments that make life worth living.
Told in reverse chapters, the movie begins with the grand farewell of the life of an ordinary man named Charles “Chuck” Krantz (Tom Hiddleston). Locals, including Marty (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his ex-wife Felicia (Karen Gillan), are confused by the mysterious billboards celebrating Chuck that have been appearing around town, especially when things are far from normal. As the modern world begins glitching, the film moves back in time to show how Chuck lived his life, from his work as an accountant to his childhood spent with his adoring grandparents (Mark Hamill, Heather Langenkamp). Chuck’s story reveals moments of joy, sorrow, and quiet reflection as his very existence unfolds.
The film’s structure works beautifully here, echoing the way life itself often feels like a collection of memories that gain meaning in hindsight. What is ordinary suddenly becomes extraordinary, especially when it takes on the added weight of mortality. The story celebrates the little things, like connections with loved ones, the taste of a favorite food, impromptu dancing, and other small joys that define our lives. Death is approached with a sense of acceptance and grace that’s very moving, yet the film never veers too far into the melancholy. This is a story about dying. This is a story about embracing happiness wherever it can be found. This is a story about choosing to live.
Flanagan stays faithful to King’s voice, preserving the themes, voice, and tone of his novella while infusing it with his signature style of intimate, character-driven storytelling. It avoids cynicism, which is no small feat when dealing with a life-affirming story about an actual apocalypse. Flanagan skillfully expresses the idea that even while facing the end of all things, there is still hope and comfort to be found through the power of human connection.
“The Life of Chuck” is a deeply moving film about the fleeting nature of life and the importance of embracing every moment. It’s intimate, reflective, uplifting, and poignant, encouraging viewers to consider their own lives and the people, places, and things they hold most dear. This one is something special.
