The world is about to end, and the only thing that’s as prevalent as utter chaos is Charles “Chuck” Gantz (Tom Hiddleston), a smiling, bespectacled accountant who ominously pops up in billboards and TV ads around every corner. Who is this Chuck? And why does his life matter?
Mike Flanagan trades horror for feel-good drama in this joyous Stephen King adaptation. Arguably one of the greatest horror directors of our times, Mike Flanagan has often fiddled with horror maestro Stephen King’s works, from filming the unfilmable novella Gerald’s Game to helming The Shining sequel Doctor Sleep. But with The Life of Chuck, Flanagan mines in the King archives for something more wholesome, a self-affirming parable sharing the same optimistic outlook as non-horror King adaptations like The Shawshank Redemption and Stand By Me. The atmosphere might be eerie at times, and the answers around the titular Chuck can build tension, but as a whole, The Life of Chuck is that one rare film that compels you to celebrate the joys of life, be it a little dance at the local street’s busking corner or just a heartfelt conversation with your grandfather. If the recently released Superman’s message of hope and humanity was a little too sappy for you, The Life of Chuck should serve as a mellowed-down antidote.
A seemingly straightforward story is elevated by individual moments of bittersweet reflection. Dividing Chuck’s life into three chapters in reverse chronology might seem like an ambitious storytelling device. But Flanagan doesn’t seem to be bothered with breaking any new narrative ground with his timeline-hopping, Carl Sagan-quoting drama. Even when played by three different actors across three different ages, Chuck isn’t even entirely fleshed out as this man with an eventful life that deserves the entire world’s attention. But none of that is bothersome, as the strength of Flanagan’s adapted screenplay lies in the single moments of interaction and self-reflection. Even the mundane in this film reflects the universal nature of fate. And that’s what makes this 39-year-old accountant’s life all the more relatable. Sometimes, a decade might not alter our lives the way a moment worth a few minutes does. Stretching this belief across one man’s lifetime makes the film an interesting exploration of time, the human condition, and even dance. More on that below.
Mandy Moore’s foot-tapping keeps the rhythm going. Before the emotions come to a standstill with an all-too-simple yet tearjerkingly profound third act, The Life of Chuck is swung into motion with some vibrant choreography by Mandy Moore. No, this isn’t the Broadway and Disney star of the same name, but rather the choreographer behind some era-defining dance numbers in La La Land and Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour. With Chuck harbouring a pent-up interest in dancing since childhood, he gets to shine in some foot-tapping and hip-swaying that is bound to make you chuckle in awe. Moore’s skills pair smoothly with Tom Hiddleston’s half-smirking charm for a standout dance sequence. Even if The Life of Chuck’s meditations on living in the moment fail to win you over, that dance definitely will make you want to join in on the party.
Tenderly told (and wholeheartedly danced) tale that celebrates the little things in life and the multitudes within ourselves.
Watch The Life of Chuck — in theaters now