Recommendation: One of the most underrated gems of this past summer, THE LIFE OF CHUCK, is a film far too few people discovered—and now it’s streaming on Hulu, ready to quietly change your perspective. Adapted from a Stephen King novella, Mike Flanagan steps away from horror to craft a deeply heartfelt, almost uplifting story built around Walt Whitman’s timeless truth: “I am large, I contain multitudes.” Told in three reverse-chronological acts, the film centers on an ordinary-yet-extraordinary man named Charles Krantz (a wonderful Tom Hiddleston) and the profound ripples his life creates. The less you know going in, the more magical it feels—full of infectious whimsy, toe-tapping music, and gentle reminders to cherish the small, fleeting moments we rarely recognize as meaningful. Though minor quibbles exist (occasional narration wavers, one mystery slightly underdelivers), the overall effect is pure cinematic warmth. It leaves you contemplative, grateful, and eager to embrace life’s richness. Highly recommended—watch it soon.
Recommendation: One of the better movies of this past summer which far too few people saw, is THE LIFE OF CHUCK – and it’s now streaming on Hulu.
Based on a Stephen King short story, writer-director Mike Flanagan leaves the world of horror for a beat and brings this almost inspirational film to screen with love and devotion to that Walt Whitman premise; “I am large, I contain multitudes.”
What it all means is explored in a non-linear manner as the film is told in three acts, in reverse order. I won’t spoil any of the plot, because the less you know, the better, but at the center of it is a man named Chuck (Tom Hiddleston) and the impact he has on the world.
There’s a musical flourish throughout this gem of a film, a knowing wink to all of us to embrace the smaller things in life, to appreciate every tiny moment as you never fully grasp its impact at the time. Whimsy is contagious, toe-tapping is required, and it is almost impossible to walk out of the theater without embracing the richness of life as a whole.
It is rare for movies to do that these days. Sure I can nitpick a few aspects (the narration is hit-and-miss, the mystery of the cupola doesn’t quite deliver the emotional impact it should), but overall this is a magical film.
I’ve touted this movie before, and I’m doing so again now that it is available in your homes. The Life of Chuck leaves you with contemplation and conversation. Most importantly, it reminds us all to focus on the things that matter most in life. What those are, though, well that’s up to each and every one of us.