TIFF ’24 Review: ‘The Life of Chuck’ charms its way through the madness
‘The Life of Chuck’ is the bizarre story that begins with the world’s end and the mystery of Charles Krantz.
Everyone is the sum of their experiences, whether they’re good, bad or neutral. Memories inform how we react to certain things or people and past occurrences can govern our response to similar events. Likes and dislikes, fears and passions all come from somewhere in our psyche, even if we don’t always understand its source. Something we observed in passing may have registered a space in our brains only to be recalled when it’s finally relevant. Yet, in The Life of Chuck, an entire population wonders how they could’ve missed the existence of a seemingly very important person.
The world is coming to an end. It took just over a year, but natural disasters are wreaking havoc across the globe, continents are crumbling and *gasp* the internet is failing. With no alternatives, most people are resigned to the termination of the human race, simply trying to make the best of the time they have left. Marty (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Felicia (Karen Gillan) separated some time ago, but as their time on this earth nears its close, they can think of no one else they’d rather spend their final hours with — and ask the question, “Who’s Chuck?” As Armageddon approaches, advertisements permeate the background: “Charles Krantz, 39 great years. Thanks Chuck!” Yet, no one knows who this guy (Tom Hiddleston) is or why he matters at this pivotal moment in history.
Based on a Stephen King novella, the narrative unfolds in three acts. The above describes the first, which also includes a peculiar dialogue with Matthew Lillard as he contemplates our time on the planet. The second chapter begins to explore the existence of Charles Krantz, who appears to have led an interesting life if the marvellously spontaneous dance number is any indication. Then the last act chronicles the life of an orphan and his grandparents (Mark Hamill and Mia Sara) — one of whom teaches him the joys of music and the other that keeps a secret behind a locked door. One of the boy’s teachers assigns the poetry of Walt Whitman to her class and he’s enthralled by a particular quote, which would then inform the rest of his life (and this story). But director Mike Flanagan believes audiences are smart, so he leaves it to them to piece it all together.
This is a beautiful story that will leave viewers content, which is an unusual response to a King narrative. It still adheres to his style, interconnecting seemingly separate characters in unexpected ways, but haunting moments are balanced with enchanting ones. The narrator walks audiences through the context of the scenes, providing background information and quiet observations. Though the voice is more soothing, it adds a pertinent Twilight Zone vibe to the picture. Each of the actors is impressive, delivering emotionally-driven performances and telling their small part of the larger tale. In spite of the chapter structure, Flanagan is able to take each section and create a continuous and captivating film with the contributing to the impression of one seamless thread. And shout outs must be made to Hiddleston’s sensational dance skills.
The Life of Chuck had its world premiere in the Special Presentations programme at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Read other reviews from the festival.
Director: Mike Flanagan
Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Karen Gillan and Chiwetel Ejiofor
