Neon is giving its Cannes Palme d’Or winner, It Was Just An Accident, a boost to the box office this weekend with the limited release of Mike Flanagan’s The Life of Chuck. The film, based on Stephen King’s short story, stars Tom Hiddleston and has received praise from critics for its unique blend of darkness and poignancy.
With an 81% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Life of Chuck is being touted as a potential cult classic. Neon’s chief distribution officer, Elissa Federoff, believes the film’s counter-programming to big studio fare will help it stand out in a crowded market.
The Life of Chuck follows Charles “Chuck” Krantz, who experiences love, loss, and self-discovery on his journey through life. The film has been praised for its surrealist comedy style, which draws comparisons to Lars Von Trier’s Melancholia. With an expansion planned for 800-1,000 runs next weekend, Neon is optimistic about the film’s commercial potential.
The Life of Chuck is part of a growing trend of smaller independent films gaining traction in the market. Other releases, such as Sean Byrne’s horror-thriller Dangerous Animals and Brian Crano’s comedy-horror I Don’t Understand You, are also seeing success with audiences. With its unique blend of genres and critical acclaim, The Life of Chuck is poised to make a lasting impact on the box office.
Source: https://deadline.com/2025/06/indie-films-opening-the-life-of-chuck-i-dont-understand-you-1236424260