It's very easy to be cynical these days, looking at both at the state of cinema and the state of the world. But every so often a movie tears down your defenses and opens up your heart. The Life of Chuck is the best movie released so far this year. It's a simple yet profound dramedy about the little moments that add up to something meaningful.
Though Mike Flanagan and Stephen King are both known for providing scares – and occasionally turning stomachs – this story is just as memorable as their best works, though kinder and gentler by choice. In three distinct acts told in reverse, Chuck goes from complete unknown to folk hero.
No one knows Chuck at all in the first vignette, despite his visage appearing everywhere. Messages congratulating this average looking dude on "39 Great Years!" inundate the town, even as sinkholes and power outages threaten to destroy it. To say more would ruin the many surprises the film has in store. But it eventually becomes clear Chuck has had an impact on everyone, even if they don't realize it right away.
In "Buskers Forever," Chuck forms an unlikely, unspoken connection with a drummer, and together they dazzle dozens of passersby. This high-energy segment is bound to leave you with a smile on your face, even after the film takes a more serious turn in its third act. A big dance number may seem out of place after venturing into some light sci-fi. It might even seem like a flimsy premise to hinge your movie on. But it absolutely works.
The film's final – and longest – section follows Chuck as a boy. Recently orphaned, he goes to live with his grandparents (Mark Hamill and Mia Sara). Though they're all quieted by grief, they eventually find their spark again. That spark comes and goes as tragedy seems to be lurking around every corner, pushing Chuck to seek oases of joy wherever he can. Torn in a classic case of pursuing artistry vs. stability, this film shows there's room for both.
Though the effect of this structure can be discombobulating, taken as a whole these pieces form a truly beautiful and frankly inspiring story. Some may find its sincerity corny, but Flanagan is such a strong filmmaker and his cast so uniformly excellent that all of its emotional moments feel completely earned.
The Life of Chuck is a movie to be embraced, shared, and revisited. See it with someone you love.
