The Life of Chuck

The Life of Chuck [2024]

Film

Who would've expected one of the best Stephen King adaptations this century to not be a horror film? Certainly not I. This isn't a way of saying that King's more humanistic-we could also phrase that as realistic-novels or novellas are lacking in quality, but in quantity. For every one story outside the realm of horror, King probably has ten or more in the trenches of terror. But his 2020 novella The Life of Chuck from a published collection titled If It Bleeds has been reborn for the big screen in a big, beautiful spectacle of ephemeral appreciation. And of course it only makes sense that the person behind the adaptation is none other than Mike Flanagan, who's responsible for other sensational King adaptations such as Gerald's Game, Doctor Sleep, and the Netflix series Midnight Mass inspired by Salem's Lot. Flanagan not only has a real sharp eye for horror and his original productions are terrific and terrifying, but a more nuanced vision and appreciation for King's work. Even if there are no monsters, jump-scares, or supernatural terrors within The Life of Chuck, Flanagan is able to weave a beautiful story about living life to the fullest and enjoying all of the little things that make us human.

Flanagan's screenplay, and film, serve the source material faithfully, almost to a T. With both unraveling in reverse chronological order. The first act sees elementary school teacher Marty Anderson (Chiwetel Ejiofor) navigating the burgeoning apocalyptic world, while reconnecting with his ex-wife Felicia Gordon (Karen Gillan). All of the end of world activities appear off-screen, save for some news coverage Marty watches, which makes for a much more intriguing hook. Combined with the incongruous billboards, tv ads, and radio spots all thanking a mysterious Chuck Krantz (Tom Hiddleston) for 39 great years, Flanagan's film sets up the remaining two-thirds in a satisfying way. Priming your emotions with intrigue and in true King fashion, a sprinkle of horror with what I'd consider a realistic apocalyptic scenario.

The next two acts introduce us to Krantz in varying points of his life, as Nick Offerman serves as a fantastic narrator, guiding us through the minds of characters such as Krantz and Janice Halliday (Annalise Basso). The latter whose boyfriend broke up with her via text. But is rejuvenated through a stunning dance number with Krantz in the middle of the street. Flanagan's film feasts on these tiny moments of life, the little joys of existence, which makes sense given the source material. But to see it play out on the big screen is nothing short of a profoundly magical experience. Hiddleston and Basso are tremendous in their choreography and I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a huge smile across my face the entire sequence.

The final piece of the puzzle comes in act three. As an elongated portion of the film it pulls the pace back a little bit, which at times can be trying but the overall execution is still fascinating. A young Chuck Krantz played by Jacob Tremblay is an endearing focal point and introduces the grand thematics of the film, a poem by Walt Whitman. In the poem is this idea that we contain multitudes, pulling on memories and experiences to construct a universe within ourself. The big revelation of Whitman's words explains the first act in a satisfying way, not being too rushed, but at times Flanagan's insistence on repeated reflection can be a bit heavy handed. The Life of Chuck is bursting with gorgeous emotional and intellectual complexities on how life can be cherished, no matter how minute something might seem, and the over reliance on making that abundantly clear came across as abrasive. That isn't to say I wasn't moved by the time the credits rolled, but its emotional excess occasionally undermines its otherwise elegant restraint.

Nevertheless, Flanagan has proved once again that he is more in tune with King's transcendant storytelling than anyone else. Delivering a nuanced interpretation and gravitas of emotion unlike anything you've seen before. The cast brings powerful performances, albeit with limited screen-time for everyone, especially a powerfully focused Mark Hamill as Chuck's grandfather Albie. It's possible, if not likely, that I'll enjoy The Life of Chuck more on a second watch, but even if I like it just the same, I can't wait to see it again.

Froth

As a longtime King fan, watching adaptations stack up is pretty damn sweet—especially when they tap into the complexity and humanity that defines his best work. The Life of Chuck feels like one of those stories where the horror is secondary to something deeper. Acting as a billboard-sized reminder of life’s fleeting beauty. Which is why I went with Cloudburst Brewing’s Pure Possibility, an IPA that appears hazy but drinks crisp. It's bursting with citrus flavors and tropical undertones all the while a cool bitterness (50 IBU) reels the sweetness back into a more balanced territory.