The Life of Chuck

I’m a simple man, I see Mike Flanagan, I’m automatically interested. He’s created such a great body of work in the horror genre and seeing him make the jump to the light-hearted drama genre just intrigued me. So I booked my ticket, sat down in the cinema with my snacks and drink and prepared myself. Let me tell you, no amount of preparation would have made me ready for the existential crisis I was about to undertake…

The best place I can begin is the story. Right off the bat, you’re thrown into this world of mystery and intrigue. Who is Chuck? Why is the world seemingly collapsing around everyone? What exactly led up to this scenario? Thats exactly what the film wants you to think. It’s told in a non-linear format, so the end is the beginning and the middle is the end. You are presented with these ideas and watch them unfold in a way that’s unique to the film, you know what is to come but you are dying to know how they got there.

Whilst the film mostly revolves around Chuck, there are plenty of memorable and impactful performances from the supporting cast. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Karen Gillan have an intimate and emotionally resonant story in the lead up to the final moments, something that really made me think about my personal relationships and what I would want to say to the people I love in that scenario. The true supporting standout for me was Mark Hamill playing Chuck’s Grandfather. He brought many layers to the character, the man grieving his lost family but filled with unrelenting love for the people he has left, always looking out for Chuck but not afraid to be stern when he needed to be. In some ways he reminded me of my own grandfather, maybe thats why I appreciated the character so much and why he hit home so much. Chuck himself is played by Tom Hiddleston, who puts his dancing shoes to work in any absolutely stellar and heart-warming dance sequence that presents us with the pure joy of existence, you can’t help but grin ear to ear as they truly live right before your eyes. Tom doesn’t get a whole lot to do acting wise, given his character is split between three actors and he gets the least screentime but he doesn’t miss a single beat when it comes to the emotionally driven lines in the script.

The film itself is split into three acts, with each one being preceded by a title card. The most interesting part about this structure isn’t the story, it’s the characters. Because you know where they end up and who they are in the future, you almost feel like you know them as the film progresses. You form a close bond with Chuck, seeing his unrelenting love for life itself and living it true to himself, it makes the plot twists and turns that much more impactful. There is a supernatural element to the film, which often felt a tad tacked on to the life-affirming/existential dread aspects of the film but it holds a special role which I won’t spoil here. It’s done in a tasteful and often suspenseful way that really keeps you engaged throughout the narrative.

Moving on, Mike Flanagan directs this with his usual intimate flair but he doesn’t forget his horror roots in this film. Near the end of Act 3 (which in this case is the first act we see) there are moments that really remind you that he is a horror director. There are lingering shots, loud bangs, tension building dolly zooms and much much more. He really emphasises the terrifying nature of existence and what it could mean when that clock finally runs out.

Overall, this film is a great balancing act between the existential dread of life and the unrelenting joy of life, it walks a tight line between the two but never overstays its welcome in either camp. This feels like it will be a film that will stand the test of time, and for me personally, it reinforces the idea to just slow down and appreciate the things in life you have, rather than mourning the things you don’t. I strongly recommend you go and watch this film, the experience alone is worth the price of admission.

8.5/10