Movies

The Life of Chuck: A Hidden Gem That Will Make You Cry and Rethink Life

BBG News

The thematic exploration of life’s purpose often clashes with the real-life experience, especially when it excessively aims to provoke tears. Mike Flanagan’s film “The Life of Chuck,” based on a Stephen King novella, is a small yet ambitious production that has garnered recognition: it was a favorite among audiences at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, winning the People’s Choice Award. The film’s impact on viewers can be easily understood due to some poignant scenes and powerful performances by its cast. However, if you remain indifferent to its appeal, you won’t be the only one. From its artificial-yet-charming town set to the authoritative yet friendly voiceover narration (provided by Nick Offerman), “The Life of Chuck” persistently attempts to stir feelings of warmth – and a little bit of that warmth goes a long way.

The narrative design of the story is intriguingly or overly complicated, depending on your perspective, as it unfolds in reverse order, starting with the final act and concluding with the initial one. In the introductory part, Chiwetel Ejiofor portrays Marty, a teacher whose class is disrupted while they delve into Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself,” specifically focusing on the phrase “I contain multitudes.” A student suddenly gasps upon seeing news on her phone about parts of California sinking into the ocean. Soon after, the internet ceases to function entirely, potentially forever—signaling the end times may be near. Marty notices an odd billboard displaying a happy man in a business suit and the words “charles krantz, 39 great years!”, and he thanks Chuck! (The omitted comma in that statement is one of life’s mysteries.) Marty doesn’t recognize who Chuck is, and neither does anyone he queries. However, these enigmatic Chuck references may be the solution to preventing the world’s end.

As I continue my cinematic journey, I uncover the true identity of Chuck in the heartfelt second act. He’s none other than Tom Hiddleston, portraying a charming accountant with a past shrouded in mystery. In the climactic first and final acts (or the third, if you prefer), we delve into Chuck’s intriguing backstory. Abandoned as a child, he was taken in by the grumbly yet benevolent bookkeeper Albie, played by Mark Hamill, and his loving, dance-loving wife Sarah, brought to life by Mia Sara. Sarah teaches young Chuck, played by Benjamin Pajak, her graceful steps, and though he shows promise, there’s something holding him back. And just like Chuck, I too will study that inspiring Walt Whitman poem, as its influence will not only shape my own destiny but also the world at large.

Since The Life of Chuck is adapted from a Stephen King tale, it’s expected to delve into deep supernatural contemplations. However, director Flanagan, known for his subtly chilling films like Hush and Oculus, and series such as Midnight Mass and The Haunting of Hill House, often overdoes the emotional seriousness in key scenes. The music swells dramatically during significant emotional moments, and characters deliver heartfelt monologues about the mathematical order of the universe. Despite this, The Life of Chuck beautifully explores life’s joys and sorrows, with Tom Hiddleston and Lupita Nyong’o providing a balance to the sentimentality. Ejiofor delivers Carl Sagan’s Cosmic Calendar in a manner that gives each word significance, while Hiddleston’s dance sequence in the second part of the film briefly elevates it above mawkishness. As Taylor Gordon, also known as the Pocket Queen, beats an intriguing rhythm on drums, Hiddleston’s Chuck dances, spins, and moonwalks through a spontaneous routine that, for its duration, almost captures the essence of life. In motion, Hiddleston embodies Gene Kelly reborn in a standard accountant’s gray suit; when he dances, The Life of Chuck truly transcends the ordinary.

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2025-06-06 15:07

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