Every once in a while, you’ll come across a movie that genuinely surprises you at every turn, and ‘The Life of Chuck' is certainly that film. A real tonic in these days of endless franchises and sequels, it’s utterly refreshing to see a drama come to cinemas that’s an immediate and heartfelt story full of incredible performances.
Life-affirming and emotionally-charged throughout, this is one movie where knowing as little as possible going in serves the audience best, so I’m not going to spoil things. All you need to know is that this film is a breakdown (in three acts) of the life of one Chuck Krantz (a sensational Tom Hiddleston).
‘The Life of Chuck’ features a wonderful ensemble who all leave a delectable mark on the film, including Karen Gillan, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jacob Tremblay, Benjamin Pajak, Carl Lumbly, Matthew Lillard, Mia Sara and Mark Hamill. This is a film that excels in its character depictions. Tom Hiddleston is as reliable as you have come to expect and leads the film exceptionally well. His dance scene with Annalise Basso is a true highlight, and one of the best scenes you’ll see in a cinema this year. It’s magical.
Dance features as a theme in the film, and Benjamin Pajak, who plays the youngest version of Chuck, really delivers a sensational turn here too. His dance numbers with Trinity Jo-Li Bliss are wonderful and give the film a timeless quality and a coming-of-age tale that will resonate with all who watch it.
Chiwetel Ejiofor, again a name you can trust in cinema, captures your attention completely onscreen. His exchange with Carl Lumbly is perfectly executed, but it’s his fractured but loving relationship with Karen Gillan’s character Felicia that really captures your heart. Screen legend Mark Hamill steals his scenes as Chuck’s grandfather.
Director Mike Flanagan also adapts the film, based on the Stephen King classic, and does a truly remarkable job with King’s work once again (as he did with Doctor Sleep). Not knowing anything about this story going in, I was genuinely swept away with the narrative and performances and genuinely couldn’t tell which way the story was going to go. That’s such a rare commodity in film these days. Flanagan gives the film a supernatural feel throughout too, with visually stunning scenes that will haunt you long after you’ve left the cinema.
An unmissable gem from start to finish, ‘The Life of Chuck’ is easily the best film of the year so far. It’s a captivating classic that hooks you in from the start and never lets go. Gentle but powerful, the film reminds us all about the importance of living life in the moment. It’s a timely message, and one that is beautifully portrayed in the film through emotional imagery and a sensational ensemble of talent.
Cast: Tom Hiddleston, Karen Gillan, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jacob Tremblay, Benjamin Pajak, Carl Lumbly, Matthew Lillard, Mia Sara, Mark Hamill, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Annalise Basso Director: Mike Flanagan Writer: Mike Flanagan Certificate: 15 Duration: 111 mins Released by: StudioCanal Release date: 20th August 2025
