Mike Flanagan has had an artistically fulfilling last 7 years or so, with a combination of grounded, supernatural, and soulful stories that drift inquisitively in the nether sphere of life and death. From the vivid adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House, to the dark absorbing world of Midnight Mass, he’s reliably managed to weave the arc of compelling characters and the question of life and everything connected together, no matter what your belief, even if those examples have often fallen to the darker side of the human condition.

In The Life of Chuck, there remains an early evening dusk slowly falling behind most of the characters, as it might with anyone, but in this film – based on the short story by Stephen King – Flanagan and King have shifted their perspective into an observation of everything that’s unique about every individual, regardless of the lack of control we have beyond the realm of ‘now’. Told in three acts, in reverse, The Life of Chuck is as the film title suggests, a character study of a man named Charles ‘Chuck’ Krantz, played by Tom Hiddleston, Jacob Tremblay and Benjamin Pajak at distinct stages in his lifetime. While Chuck’s impact on those around him is certainly the central theme, there’s also room for other characters to develop and change as well, giving everyone we meet an important gravitas, especially when the key to this storytelling is about heart, uniqueness and truly embracing the here and now – in a very literal sense.

What’s particularly appealing is that it’s rarely overblown or melodramatic, and this slower cinematic form certainly works when telling this type of story, all helped by exquisite cinematography from Eben Bolter, and an entirely ideal The Newton Brothers score. In terms of narrative, I will be vague – and less eager – to share specific plot points, but if you head into the cinema with little to no knowledge of the overall story, you’ll absolutely find yourself somewhere within it. While for some The Life of Chuck may fall into the sentimental, I find that with stories which span a lifetime, even in a The Curious Case of Benjamin Button kind of way, you have to choose to engage, but you should and when you do, the sight of the stars in an urban setting, or the click of a lock to an unknown room, or even the start of a cowbell tap with a drumbeat, will all offer a deeper, personal meaning for your encounter.

And The Life of Chuck is encouraging you to connect and with a stellar cast involved, it’s those distinctive character performances that bring this home to the audience. Much like Flanagan’s TV work, the ensemble is vital at every single turn and as well as Hiddleston, Tremblay and Pajak, there is also wonderful work from Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillian, Matthew Lillard, Kate Siegel (We contain multitudes broke me), Carl Lumbly, Mia Sara, The Pocket Queen, Annalise Basso, and even an omnipotent Nick Offerman. But it must be said, it’s Mark Hamill’s Albie Krantz, Chuck’s “Zayde” or paternal grandfather, who gives a superb portrayal that brings all the heartfelt nature and contemplation of the story into one place.

Contemplative, emotional and celebratory – in every respect – Flanagan’s film may not be what you expect with a Stephen King team-up, yet it’s certainly a tale to invest in and possibly the ideal antidote to doomscrolling and the fear of the wider unknown, that’s so actively pushed into our collective minds right now, because for the majority of us, we do have a wonderful life, and that’s always worth remembering.  

The Life of Chuck is in UK cinemas now