Writer and director Mike Flanagan has made his living out of adapting Stephen King books, if he isn't directly adapting them - like in the cases of Gerald's Game and Doctor Sleep - he's making his own version of a Stephen King story, with his seminal Netflix miniseries, Midnight Mass, being very clearly inspired by King's novel, Salem's Lot, and many of his other original horrors having very King-like elements - namely, characters with actual depth. The Life Of Chuck is a new example of the former, a direct adaptation of King's novella of the same name published in the short story collection, If It Bleeds, with three other previously unpublished novellas. It's one of those films where it's best to go in with as little information plot wise as possible but what can be said is that the film's story does exactly what it says on the tin, showing the life of the titular Charles Krantz (played by Tom Hiddleston, Jacob Tremblay and Benjamin Pajak respectively in different stages of his life), an ordinary man with an extraordinary tale.
The trailer for The Life Of Chuck, along with its slew of critic quotes appraising the film, give the impression of one that's on its way for Oscar success; a biographical drama of one man's life and his growing appreciation for everything the world has to offer in a saccharin thesis on the meaning of life. Anyone who's familiar with Stephen King's usual work will definitely raise an eyebrow at this synopsis, as there's no mention of any form of interdimensional clown murderer or a homicidal parent. However, this is a testament to the film's marketing, as once the film starts, the penny drops rather quickly and the more sinister elements of the King of Horror's usual stories comes to the front. The first act of the film sets up a completely different story to what is advertised and it's fascinating and tense to watch it all unfold. The pure sense of dread and despair that is created in these few scenes is akin to the best of Flanagan's work on Netflix. While of course, given its nature, it isn't quite as terrifying as The Haunting Of Hill House, it creates a different kind of terror and the atmosphere is palpable thanks to the director's handiwork. Some of the dialogue here, especially that of Matthew Lillard's short lived character, is slightly hammy and overly expositional, somewhat bringing down some of the immersion. Though moments like these aren't too common and don't detract from what is a shocking introduction to an otherwise heart-warming film.
The film's story is markedly separated into three sections, labelled as "acts" by the editing. When films do this, it can have one of two effects. In either instance, it gives the audience an idea of the film's runtime without having to look themselves, so can feel like the film is going slower than it should or quicker - producing the thoughts of "Oh we're only at Chapter 2?" or "Wow, we're already at the last act?". The Life Of Chuck is an example of the quicker side of this phenomenon. With its 110 minute runtime it doesn't outstay its welcome and is paced brilliantly, which is impressive coming from a director who's used to making eight to ten episode miniseries. The film almost feels like it could be an anthology collection, as the three parts are quite different in tone and narrative, though they are all of course connected by mostly the same characters. This fast pace is so effective that when the ending rolls around, it's a bit of a shock to the system as it comes almost out of nowhere.
The Life Of Chuck, despite having a very King-esque opening, does in fact deliver on the promised life affirming journey that's advertised. It's filled to the brim with scenes that fill one with hope and joy, that reassert the good in humanity and that show the wonders of the little things in life. The absolute highlight of the film is a very simple scene where Tom Hiddleston's Chuck is transfixed by the sounds of a busker's drums and proceeds to dance along to the rhythm of the beat while inspiring on-lookers to stop, cheer him in on and even join in. This is a testament to everything the film is trying to say about the meaning of life and all the things that make it worth living and effortlessly brings tears to the eye frequently because of its understated wonder. Music and dance are a running theme of Chuck's life and both feature heavily as a result. There are other moments too that feel like they're ripped straight from a classic musical like Singin' In The Rain (which is definitely intentional) thanks to the majestic moves of Tom Hiddleston and especially his younger counterpart, Benjamin Pajak, who steals the film in more ways than one.
Nick Offerman provides his dulcet tones to narrate the film and while some may disregard this as a lazy way to tell a story, it actually goes in The Life Of Chuck's favour, as it elevates this already beautiful film to a sort of fable like quality. Many times when films have narration, it's reserved solely for the prologue and the epilogue of the film and is indeed cliched and lazy, usually being the voice of the main character, added to simply provide exposition that couldn't be logically put into the dialogue. Offerman does not appear at any point as a character but is omnipresent throughout the runtime, providing background to the present and foreshadowing of events to come. His voice adds greater joy to the happy scenes and deepens the despair of the sadder ones, it's a perfect example of how narration can be used very effectively in film.
The Life Of Chuck is a subtly cryptic, emotionally resonant and poetic piece of art. It carries its inspirations on its sleeve, all while crafting something still wonderful and new. This is Mike Flanagan's 21st Century answer to It's A Wonderful Life! and is one of the most powerful films of the year.
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
The Life Of Chuck releases in UK Cinemas on August 20th
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