Mike Flanagan's "The Life of Chuck"

Life of Chuck is a magical film—emotional and heartfelt. The casting is nearly flawless, with individual performances that bring personalities to life.

Fans of Stephen King will recognize his “voice” in some of the narration, though the film’s non-linear structure, told in three “acts,” may challenge some viewers.

I’m a big Mike Flanagan fan, but I never expected this kind of work from someone with his background. It raises an intriguing question: What is the relationship between the artistic skills needed to craft sophisticated horror and those needed to evoke deep emotional engagement?

When I reflect on that, I arrive at something like: Both forms can tap into similar truths and life experiences, but they do so in significantly different ways.

Granted, I’m no artist, but I suspect the craft of acting requires performers to explore that relationship in great depth. If you can do that in a film where exuberant dancing plays a key role, all the better!

There are moments in this film that are simply exhilarating. Most stem from Flanagan and his team’s ability to spin everyday life experiences into something approaching cosmic significance. I was reminded of Robert Zemeckis’ Here and Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life. Still, this film stands on its own. I expect it will land on my “Best of 2025” list.

Review copyright (c) 2025 by Dennis D. McDonald

PS - the whole cast is great but I thought Mark Hamill was terrific.