This article contains spoilers for The Life of Chuck.After watching director Mike Flanagan’s new film,The Life of Chuck, on the big screen, it’s crystal clear why author Stephen King spoke so highly of it. Based on King’s novella published inIf It Bleeds, 2025’sThe Life of Chucktells the story of the titular character in reverse chronological order, followinghim from his childhood to his untimely death at the age of 39, which ultimately leads to the apocalypse itself.
While Flanagan has directed multiple King adaptations in the past, particularlyGerald’s GameandDoctor Sleep, the acclaimed author has been especially fond ofFlanagan’sThe Life of Chuck. Despite it being a movie about the end of the world,The Life of Chuckis a beautiful and profound celebration of lifethat’s unlike anything King has written before. Thanks to the care Flanagan took with bringing the novella to life on film, it has already been considered one of thebest King adaptations in recent memory.
The Author Even Shared A Glowing Review Of The Life Of Chuck
The Life of Chuckseemed on its way to becoming a hit after it got a seal of approval from the story’s creator himself.He praised Flanagan’s movie before its release, encouraging audiences to see it in theaters, simply saying, “You’ll be glad you went.“King also gave a glowing review of the movie, writing that “[The Life of Chuck] is one of the good ones” and that it’s “sad, has a touch of the paranormal, but it’s also joyful and life-affirming.”
Likewise, Flanagan toldAP Newsabout how much King lovedThe Life of Chuck,going as far as to attend the film’s premiere at the Toronto Independent Film Festival in 2024:
“[King] views this movie as something that’s a bit precious. He’s said a few things to me in the past about how earnest it is, how this is a story without an ounce of cynicism. As it was being released into a cynical world, I think he felt protective of it. I think this one really means something to him.”
Given thatKing has not attended a premiere for any of his movies since 1996’sThe Green Mile, his desire to seeThe Life of Chuckin theaters reveals a great deal about how closely he holds the film to his heart.
Life Of Chuck Is Indeed A Joyful Reflection Of The Protagonist’s Life
It Thematically Shows The Importance Of Life, Death, & Love
Having watchedThe Life of Chuckmyself, I can confidently agree with King and say the movie is a hopeful, revitalizing opus that people should witness, especially those who feel down about their lives in the present day. While Chuck’s life only lasts 39 years,the film focuses less on the sadness of his existence and more on its beauty, with the protagonist savoring what little time he has and leaving a profoundly positive impact on the multitudes of people around him.
This message is reasserted withThe Life of Chuck’s twist ending. Just as the audience sees Chuck die in the first act,the protagonist learns early on that he is destined to die at a young ageafter entering the cupola in Albie’s house. Despite learning his fate, he stands firm and asserts that his life has value, saying that he is “wonderful” and that he “deserves to be wonderful.” The film’s supporting characters follow Chuck’s example as they move beyond their fear and enjoy the world’s final moments with the people they love.
Life Of Chuck Is Very Different From His Past Work
Most People Are Aware Of His Horror Adaptations With A Few Exceptions
Many people know King for his work writing horror stories,many of which have been adapted into popular movies and TV shows, such asCarrie,The Shining,It,The Stand,Salem’s Lot, andPet Sematary. Films likeStand by Me,The Green Mile, andThe Shawshank Redemptionare some examples ofKing’s rare, non-horror storiesthat have also been turned into iconic movies.
However, it’s even rarer to see a movie that tackles heavy, complex themes with such beauty and nuance.The Life of Chuckforces its audience to take a look at themselves and their brief time in such a vast universe. Though it may make its viewers feel insignificant and terrified,the film also delivers plenty of hope through its story, which shows Chuck and those around him staking their claims in the world and finding joy and love with each other.
With King expressing his love and excitement for the story that Flanagan created, fans of the former may be more inclined to watch this profound, uplifting movie in cinemas.
Flanagan’s faithful adaptation proved once again that King is more than just a horror storyteller. With the author expressing his love and excitement for the story that Flanagan created,The Life of Chuckcould become both a critical and commercial success, as fans of King and his work may be more inclined to watch this profound, uplifting movie in cinemas.
