Review: The Life of Chuck

26 September, 2025 William Eguizabal 0 Comments 2 categories

Title: The Life of Chuck
MPA Rating: R
Director: Mike Flanagan
Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Jacob Tremblay, Mia Sara
Runtime: 1 hr 51 mins

What It Is: We’re given a glimpse into the life of an ordinary, everyday man: Chuck Krantz (Hiddleston). At first, we see the world inside his head, and then we learn the story of Chuck—how he lost his parents young and was raised by his grandparents, his love of dance and innate talent for it, and the attic room in his grandparents’ home that he has been told never to enter. The reason for this is never expressly given.

What We Think: What a phenomenal, beautiful, sweeping piece of cinema. Tom Hiddleston is simply unforgettable as Chuck Krantz. This movie lives and breathes through him, and thankfully that pulse is absolutely electric. Mike Flanagan, who has made his name with far more horrific fare, proves here that he can literally do whatever he wants as a director—and it’s going to be good. NEON has a true winner on its hands, and I’d be shocked if they don’t push this one hard come awards season. Seeing Mia Sara back on the big screen was such a welcome surprise—she’s the heart of Chuck as a character, and thus absolutely essential to the film overall.

Our Grade: A, Mike Flanagan’s brilliance now transcends genre—he’s limitless as a director. It’s also wonderful to see Tom Hiddleston in a role with some real weight, and even better to watch him thrive in it. Adapting Stephen King is notoriously difficult—so many have tried, and nearly as many have failed—but this film pulls it off. It also looks gorgeous, a point I haven’t emphasized nearly enough. By the end, it had me in a goddamn puddle of tears. I hate crying. I also love crying, if that makes sense. It means a film truly made me feel something—and that’s one of the highest compliments this critic can give any film.

2025 Cry Counter: 2 (Ballad of Wallis Island)