The Life of Chuck

Writer & Director: Mike Flanagan

Based on Stephen King’s 2020 novella, The Life of Chuck, follows the life of Charles Krantz (played at different ages by Tom Hiddleston, Jacob Tremblay, Benjamin Pajak & Cody Flanagan). But who is Chuck? We meet him through teacher, Marty Anderson (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who finds himself in a world  on the verge of collapse, earthquakes, fires, floods and the disruption of technology. As well as endless ads thanking someone called Chuck, for his 39 wonderful years of service. When Marty meets up with ex-wife Felicia (Karen Gillan), they find themselves at what must be the beginning of the end of everything, but how is Chuck at the centre of it all?

The Life of Chuck is an enjoyable, if a little light and disposable, film. Told in reverse, it’s a story about life and the people, places and moments that shape it and how you remember it all.

How much you enjoy it, may rely on at what point you realise what is happening. Told in reverse, the first act, although it’s the final act of the story, sets up an intriguing premise, but when you “catch on” it does take away the intrigue and makes the film, while enjoyable, a tad predictable. 

That does not mean there is not plenty to enjoy. It has some truly wonderful moments, the street dance scene, in particular, is gloriously entertaining. And it has, as life does, love, laughs and sadness. Its full of solid performances from its ensemble cast, including Mark Hamill, Mia Sara and Benjamin Pajak’s 11 year old Chuck, who between them are the heart of the story. But while it has plenty of feel good and feel sad moments, it does lack a little depth, and in the end washed over me a bit.

The Life of Chuck is a feel good look at a life and what makes it, the people, the loves, the sadness and how we remember them. It probably never quite lives up to the intriguing opening, but it gives you plenty to enjoy, with some glorious moments. But it is a film of moments and ultimately a little light and washed over me a bit. But I enjoyed it for what it was and was happy to let it wash away!