The Life of Chuck Review: Mike Flanagan's Masterpiece Beyond Horror

Mike Flanagan has been carving out a reputation as the go-to director for Stephen King adaptations in recent years. While his work in horror has been consistently impressive, The Life of Chuck marks a significant shift—his first foray into a more dramatic, non-horror King adaptation. This film serves as a true test of his range as a filmmaker.

When The Life of Chuck won the Audience Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, I was immediately intrigued. With Loki’s Tom Hiddleston in the lead role and a star-studded supporting cast, this was one I was genuinely excited to see. Honestly, I’m surprised it waited until this year for a wide release—it could have easily been an awards contender last season. Then again, it may be one to watch come the next Oscar season.

I’m incredibly grateful to have received early access to the film—otherwise, I would’ve had to wait until August for its UK release. Huge thanks to Je-Ree for making this possible. After watching The Life of Chuck for the first time, here are my thoughts.

The film tells the story of Charles “Chuck” Krantz in three acts, presented in reverse chronological order, and each segment keeps you invested in Chuck’s life. The first act focuses on various characters during the final day of Chuck’s life, trying to make sense of a strange phenomenon surrounding him. The second act centres on a day when Chuck performs a great deed for someone. The final act explores his childhood.

These stories are beautifully interconnected, forming a cohesive narrative rather than feeling like separate vignettes. I genuinely cared about Chuck and the people in his life—their arcs felt meaningful. While the story could have been told in chronological order and still worked, presenting it in reverse gives it a unique emotional rhythm that sets the film apart.

The cast does an outstanding job bringing these characters to life, and their performances elevate the story to another level. Tom Hiddleston delivers a deeply moving lead performance, making Chuck feel like a real person, despite limited screen time. His presence lingers throughout the entire film. I also want to praise Jacob Tremblay and the two other child actors who portray Chuck during his early years—they each bring warmth and depth to the role.

The supporting cast is equally brilliant. Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, Carl Lumbly, Matthew Lillard, and Mia Sara all turn in standout performances, each making a strong impression. But at the heart of the film is Mark Hamill as Chuck’s grandfather—he gives what I think is the best performance of the entire film. Hamill absolutely shines in every scene he appears in, proving he’s far more than just Luke Skywalker or a legendary voice actor.

Having only seen Oculus from Flanagan’s filmography before this, I have to say The Life of Chuck is my favorite work of his so far. The cinematography perfectly captures the film’s visual style, while The Newton Brothers’ score adds a whimsical, tender tone. Flanagan’s editing choices bring a unique rhythm that complements the narrative beautifully.

The Life of Chuck now takes the top spot as my favorite film of 2025. I can’t wait to experience it again on the big screen when it releases in the UK this August. From Flanagan’s direction to the performances, storytelling, editing, cinematography, and score—everything about this film makes it one of the standout cinematic experiences of the 2020s. I’d place it alongside films like Promising Young Woman, Belfast, Poor Things, and The Brutalist as a modern masterpiece.

I give The Life of Chuck a rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a 10/10.

Mark my words—The Life of Chuck is one for the ages. Go out, see it, and form your own opinion.

If you’ve already watched it, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!