TIFF 2024 brought a range of films, many of them interesting, but few as uplifting as The Life of Chuck, the latest Stephen King adaptation from Mike Flanagan. The unique film offers a mesmerizing journey through the human experience, defying genre conventions while offering a glimmer of hope during the darkest times. Flanagan, known for his masterful adaptations of Stephen King and other horror works, has outdone himself with this poignant and life-affirming tale that seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, drama, existential philosophy, and just the right amount of comedy to keep things fun.
Based on King’s novella of the same name, The Life of Chuck is a unique tale that follows the relatively ordinary life of Charles Krantz, brilliantly captured on film by the great Tom Hiddleston. The film takes a unique approach to what could be a relatively simple story, but one that works incredibly well. Through a non-linear narrative broken into three distinct chapters, the film explores different facets of Chuck’s life and the profound impact he had on the people around him, even when he did not know it.
Starting with chapter three and working backwards, the film sets the stage perfectly, giving a taste of what to expect moving forward. The Life of Chuck keeps you guessing as it introduces the audience to a world not unlike our own, only we quickly find out it is slowly crumbling. As we meet the cast of characters, we get a brief look at their struggles as they come to terms with life as they know it coming to an end, struggling to find meaning in what appears to be humanity’s final days.
The apocalyptic imagery in The Life of Chuck is haunting, with California sinking into the Pacific and inexplicable volcanic eruptions plaguing Germany. Yet, amidst this chaos, Flanagan manages to infuse hope and humanity, setting the stage for Chuck’s story to unfold. There is also a good level of humour, even as the stage is set for a very bleak concept. During all this, we also see a world that is randomly thanking Charles Krantz, even though no one we meet seems to have met him directly. It is a masterful tease that sets the stage for the rest of the film.
“The apocalyptic imagery in The Life of Chuck is haunting, with California sinking into the Pacific and inexplicable volcanic eruptions plaguing Germany. “
To say much more would do the film a disservice, as much of the experience of The Life of Chuck lies in the discoveries and revelations slowly uncovered during its runtime. I will say, however, that Hiddleston delivers a tour de force performance, embodying Chuck at various stages of his life with remarkable versatility. From a wide-eyed adolescent to a world-weary adult, Hiddleston captures the essence of a man whose seemingly unremarkable life touches countless others in profound ways.
The supporting cast, including Karen Gillan, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Mark Hamill, bring depth and nuance to their roles, creating a rich tapestry of human connections. Despite the grandiose opening, The Life of Chuck is an incredibly human film that encourages the viewer to take the time to talk to those around them, even if it may feel insignificant.
The Life of Chuck‘s greatest strength lies in its ability to find beauty and significance in the mundane. Chuck’s passion for the arts, particularly dance, becomes a recurring motif that serves as a metaphor for the joy and vitality of life itself. These moments of pure cinematic bliss are a testament to Flanagan’s skill in balancing the film’s heavier themes with moments of levity and wonder. I never thought I would see a ten-minute, masterfully crafted dance sequence in a Stephen King adaptation, but here we are, and it was one of the best moments of cinema I experienced during the entire TIFF 2024 festival.
The non-linear structure of The Life of Chuck does a great job of telling the story of Charles Krantz in reverse, offering just enough to make the many aspects of the film flow beautifully together. While it may confuse some viewers initially, the pieces fall into place, and the emotional payoff is immense. Flanagan skilfully weaves together the disparate threads of Chuck’s life, creating a story that speaks to the interconnectedness of all human experience. The film’s central mystery, best left undiscovered, adds an element of intrigue that keeps the audience engaged throughout.
While I want to gush about this film for pages, The Life of Chuck is very much a better-watched experience than told. It is a triumph of storytelling that cements Mike Flanagan’s status as one of the most exciting filmmakers working today. In a world often dominated by cynicism and despair, The Life of Chuck stands as a symbol of hope and a celebration of the human spirit — a must-see experience that should not be missed when it finally hits cinemas worldwide.
Check out more of CGMagazine’s TIFF 2024 coverage here throughout the festival.
