4 Stars

The Life of Chuck, written and directed by Mike Flanagan, is based on the novella by Stephen King. These two are no strangers to one another, with Flanagan having adapted both Gerald’s Game and Doctor Sleep. Flanagan, over the past quarter century, has risen from film school to micro-budget independent films to big-budget Hollywood features and television projects. During that time, he has built up a rep company of actors and others that he also uses here, including his wife, who is frequently his co-writer. King could hope for no better film maker to adapt one of his most unusual works, and do it the justice it so richly deserves.

Courtesy Neon

Chuck is a difficult film to describe without spoilers but the easiest way to explain it would be that it tells the story of a man’s life in reverse order, from his final moments, to childhood. Each section, by going in reverse, reveals deeper themes and enriches both what one witnesses as well as what came before. This is tightly scripted and directed, and closely resembles the novella on which it is based. It is also beautifully acted, with Mark Hamill showing extraordinary ability with his role in the final third of the film.

This is a deeply human work. Flanagan, being one of our best stylists — much like King himself — is well suited to the material. This is a film that tackles big, bold ideas about existence, reality, loss, grief, love, desire and time, but never once becomes ponderous, boring or insulting to either the characters or audience. This may seem pretentious, but it is a film about profound themes that accomplishes the trick of itself being profound without ever being less than enthralling.

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This is often due to the incredible cast. Tom Hiddleston plays Chuck, as an adult, while Jacob Tremblay plays a teenage version. Chiwetel Eijofor and Karen Gillan play a teacher and nurse who search for meaning and connection during difficult times. Mark Hamill, in a role that should get some awards attention, is a vitally important member of Chuck’s family.  Carl Lumbly plays a mortician with dreams of doing something else. And, the list goes on. There is not a false note among the cast. Every single character and actor is well served. Each and every one gets a moment to shine and each and every one is someone you will remember.

Flanagan is a director who has ever understood that the script and cast are primary but who also knows he works in a visual medium. There are sequences here that will remind you of many other films, from a variety of genres. There are elements from horror, science fiction and romance. This is a film that maintains momentum without ever becoming too busy and understands the importance of movement, and how the framing of images can change what audiences take from a sequence.

There are moments of sheer beauty in each of the film’s three chapters, and there is a joy and sadness to all of it. This is a bittersweet film that feels both like a life lived and a life one wished for. It is both a dream and a nightmare. This is a film that is about the journey and the emotions. It is not about the plot. Do not go in expecting a Christopher and Jonathan Nolan puzzle box. Do not expect a Wachowski mind-bend. This is something entirely of its own, and all the stronger for it.

Courtesy Neon

The Life of Chuck is a film that tells its story, without the musical cues and visual shorthand of lesser directors. It is a film that does not cheat its way to a grand conclusion, but earns the emotional steps along its intimately epic journey. The result is not only one of the best King adaptations, but one of the best films of the year.

The Life of Chuck is now playing in theaters.