You know that feeling when you just know a film is going to hit different? That’s exactly how I felt about Mike Flanagan’s The Life of Chuck. And if you know, you know. 😉
I’m going to keep this review as spoiler-free as possible because, trust me, you want to go into this knowing as little as possible. I’m glad I did; I listened to a few reviews that raved about it without giving anything away, and that’s the way to experience this one.
The Cast and the Story
The film boasts an absolutely fantastic cast, including Tom Hiddleston, Mark Hamill (who is brilliant in this, seriously!), and Chiwetel Ejiofor. A lot of these actors are ones Mike Flanagan has worked with often, which isn’t surprising for a director who consistently delivers.
Life of Chuck is essentially about Chuck’s journey through love, loss, and grief—all the things that make up a life. It’s his memories and his vision, put together in this incredibly odd yet brilliant way. I’m not going to tell you why it’s put together this way, because that’s something you truly need to experience for yourself.
Direction, Heart, and Reflection
Mike Flanagan is absolutely brilliant in his direction here. The story is amazing and so heartfelt. It’s even fun! There’s legitimate dancing in this film that’s just so much fun. But beyond the enjoyment, it also makes you reflect on your own life. What does it look like? What will you carry with you, even after you’re gone? What happens to your memories and subconscious at that moment of passing? This movie dives deep into those questions.
My Verdict
The cinematography is great, and the color grading is magnificent. Everything about this film is magnificent, honestly. The acting, the writing, the directing, the costume design. it has it all.
This movie is phenomenal. Seriously, do yourself a favor and go watch The Life of Chuck in the movie theater. You will not be disappointed.
I’m giving it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars!
