The Life of Chuck (2025) | Film Review

Based on a Stephen King short story, writer-director Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House) brings this almost inspirational film, The Life of Chuck, to screen with love and devotion to that Walt Whitman premise; “I am large, I contain multitudes.”

What it all means is explored in a non-linear manner as the film is told in three acts, in reverse order. I will not spoil any of the plot, because the less you know walking in the better. Initially, we begin the film meeting a divorced couple as they ascertain the impact of events affecting the entire planet (Chiwetel Ejiofor and Karen Gillan). What is all means and connects to the deeper elements of the story unfolds as you watch. Yet at the center of it all is a man named Chuck (Tom Hiddleston) and the impact he has on the world.

All of the actors deliver, and there is a smorgasbord of talent involved here. The story is so simple yet complicated, that even devolving into why they fit the bill so delightfully would lead to minor spoilers, which would be a complete disservice to you, the audience. Hiddleston, though, deserves a special shout-out due to a beautiful set-piece which he leads and should not work at all, yet leaves everyone immersed with adulation and inspiration. You will know the scene when you see it.

There’s a musical flourish throughout this gem of a film, a knowing wink to all of us to embrace the smaller things in life, to appreciate every tiny moment as you never fully grasp its impact at the time. Whimsy is contagious, toe-tapping is required, and it is almost impossible to walk out of the theater without embracing the richness of life as a whole.

It is rare for movies to do that these days. It reminds me of The Shawshank Redemption in that way, taking a story that appears dark at the onset, only to emerge as a moving piece of entertainment with a much brighter tale to tell. Sure, I can nitpick a few aspects of the film – the narration is hit-and-miss, the mystery of the cupola doesn’t quite deliver the emotional impact it should – but overall, this is a must-see summer film. As a bonus, it is always a delight picking up on the Flanagan Favorites throughout the film, of which there are plenty here. Meaning that collection of actors director Mike Flanagan has taken with him from project-to-project.

The Life of Chuck is a magical film that leaves you with contemplation and conversation. Most importantly, it reminds all of us to focus on the things that matter most in life. What those are, though, well that’s up to you.