THE LIFE OF CHUCK - Review | TIFF 2024

Mike Flanagan’s latest film manages to bring a sense of hope and charm to a story that ultimately leads to many devastating conclusions. Ambitiously divided into three chapters that are presented in reverse chronological order following Chuck where each becomes lighter in tone. It's a choice that forces audiences to focus on the strong message of making the most of each moment regardless of what the future will hold. Despite the forced narration, certain inconsistencies, and some overstated dialogue that prevents the film's messaging from being subtle. Flanagan played heavily with juxtaposition in his film that will both uplift and open one's worldview. Especially with its mesmerizing dance sequence and a talented set of performers (Mark Hamill being the standout) that contribute to making viewers feel The Life of Chuck's (2024) intended emotions.

Still Courtesy – NEON

A story told in three chapters surrounding Charles 'Chuck' Krantz (portrayed by Tom Hiddleston, Jacob Tremblay, Benjamin Pajak, and Cody Flanagan) that's presented in reverse order about Chuck discovering himself, his passions, and how impact he's made on society after his demise. The first chapter follows a younger Charles who discovers his love for dancing/numbers thanks to his grandfather Albie (portrayed by Mark Hamill), the second follows him interrupting his workflow to become the dance accompaniment for a busker, and the third follows teachers Marty (portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Felicia (portrayed by Karen Gillian) dealing with a potential apocalypse set to occur.

Even though Mike Flanagan is primarily known for his projects in the horror genre, it's still not a surprise to see him make an existential drama like this one. This is due to The Life of Chuck (2024) having themes/situations dealing with inevitable death, the end of the world, embarrassment, and more that are intended to provoke fear from people. However, that's only a basic manner of looking at these themes that The Life of Chuck (2024) proves how you can turn them into positive attributes. How one could see the opportunity of an eventual deadline to complete what he desires instead of never achieving it in the first place for the lack of pressure. How sometimes, people have tendencies to do something sudden and spontaneous out of a feeling rather than by logic.

These ideas are certainly explored as we witness Chuck's decision-making in various situations throughout his life. Most notably during the film's second chapter at a community center where a busker starts playing the drums, making this well-dressed accountant (Chuck) stop whatever he's doing since his body is naturally responding to the beat of the music. Thus, for something that starts unusual turns into an extravagant dance number where Tom Hiddleston as Chuck shows off some remarkable moves as he draws in a crowd and a dance partner who before the dance was dealing with a crisis. This whole sequence is certainly the highlight of the film that's able to communicate Flanagan's intended themes mainly through actions and reactions. Unfortunately, the narration has to make most actions and thoughts from the characters specifically clear to the audience. As a result, it takes away from naturally absorbing the meaning of a moment when a narrator with no connection to the plot has to make every point to viewers.

Still Courtesy – NEON

With this film's story being told in reverse, one would say that it suffers by already knowing the fate of the main character, making it unnecessary to keep watching the rest of the story. Luckily, similar to Memento (2021), it’s the type of story more about knowing the specific details that led to the payoff happening, which is appropriate given the film’s themes of focusing on the small details as to what makes moments worth appreciating. Much of this comes from the first chapter (told as the last one) where viewers how Chuck developed a passion for dancing and how it helps him cope with harmful situations involving death.

This is also the act featuring the film's most emotionally grueling performance from Mark Hamill who starts as the grumpy and reserved grandfather that slowly starts to open himself as he and Chuck deal with grief together. When looking back at all the performers who do well with the material they have, it’s Hamill who delivers the film’s most memorable where he brings out a Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) type of raw and endearing energy. Especially during such a tender scene when Hamill explains his passion for numbers to Chuck and how everything can be connected to it, leading to Chuck pursuing a career in accounting. The act also includes some reincorporated characters from the third act, including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Karen Gillian as teachers. However, their inclusion sparks one of some inconsistencies where the first act is supposed to take place some decades before the third, where Ejiofor and Gillian look the same as they do in the third, making it something that could have been adjusted.

In terms of technical aspects, The Life of Chuck (2024) is competent without a particular feature being incredibly noteworthy. Again, when the filmmaking and themes live and breathe the most is during the second act with that dance sequence and the touching interactions between the characters after it happens. It's enough to make the whole film worth seeing to witness what led up to that moment and what happens afterward. It's nice to see Flanagan take a different approach with his storytelling skills by departing from the horror genre; even if it feels like the messages of the film are stronger than the film itself. Still, the lively/charming ensemble, profound story, and unique manner in which the chapters are presented make it Flanagan's most emotionally effective project yet; leaving viewers with a positive impact both during and after watching it.

Verdict

7/10

Still Courtesy – NEON