Sydney Film Festival 2025 - The Life of Chuck

 

“Congratulations Charles Krantz, 39 great years! Thanks, Chuck!”

Life-affirming, sentimental and hopeful, The Life of Chuck finds deep humanity in the face of existential eternity as it dances its way through a surprisingly life-affirming story about death and mortality that’s frequently joyous despite despair and optimistic despite sorrow. 

Discussion Points:

Told in three acts in reverse from end to beginning, Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of Stephen King’s 2020 short story is an absolutely brilliant and life-affirming story about one singular man who contains multitudes. Despite being a mathematical data point and a speck in the scale of an infinite universe, Chuck’s life matters. He lived a life full of opportunities and dreams, despite losses and hardships. He embraced life for as long as life embraced him and with an incredible ensemble, we get to see “the multitudes” who interact with Chuck and populate his external and internal universe. Particularly noteworthy are Chiwetal Ejiofor and Karen Gillan who carry Act Three (with a memorable appearance from Matthew Lillard), Mark Hamill and Mia Sara as Chuck’s loving and influential grandparents, Carl Lumbly as a gentle undertaker, and a stunning dance sequence between Annalise Basso and Tom Hiddleston as adult Chuck, who is upstaged by Benjamin Pajak as young Chuck who’s an absolute dancing delight with Trinity Bliss, rounded out with Jacob Tremblay as teen Chuck who brings youthful wisdom to the films closing moments. It’s frequently poignant and deeply observant in it’s assessment of mankind and our desire to leave an impact despite our finite existence - with a strong adapted screenplay, creative reverse chronology, supernatural/sci-fi elements and rich galactic visuals. The Newton Brothers score is the icing on the cake and the films memorable musical moments help elevate its joyful demeanour despite life’s adversities and challenges. Easily one of this year’s best and most compelling films - an absolutely heartwarming joy to experience.