Mike Flanagan ’02 has been recognized by the The Washington Post for his latest feature film, “The Life of Chuck,” which named it the top movie of 2025. The accolade comes from the paper’s film critic Ann Hornaday, who hailed the film as a powerful reminder of cinema’s capacity for originality, humanism and meaning during a period of uncertainty in Hollywood.

In her year-end assessment, Hornaday acknowledged widespread industry anxieties—from declining box office returns to fears about artificial intelligence—before pointing to “The Life of Chuck” as evidence that filmmakers are still creating work of “genuine beauty and meaning.” While Flanagan is widely known for his string of acclaimed Netflix horror series, including “The Haunting of Hill House” and “The Fall of the House of Usher,” Hornaday emphasized that “The Life of Chuck” marks a striking departure from gothic convention.

Based on a Stephen King novella and starring Tom Hiddleston, the film unfolds as what Hornaday described as an “eccentric, richly imaginative exercise in world-building (and world-imploding).” Through carefully calibrated storytelling, Flanagan blends mystery, grief, humor and imagination—even incorporating “at least two fabulous dance sequences”—to craft what she called a “playful and profound meditation on life, death, purpose and meaning.”

Hornaday further praised the film’s formal ambition, noting that, “like so many great movies, ‘The Life of Chuck’ teaches the audience how to watch it,” rewarding viewers with emotional and philosophical depth. She ultimately described it as “one of the most original movies of the year” and “absolutely worth the time it takes to learn.”

For Towson University, the recognition underscores the impact of its alumni across creative industries. Flanagan’s achievement not only affirms his evolution as a filmmaker but also highlights the continued relevance of thoughtful, human-centered storytelling in an era of rapid technological and cultural change. Flanagan is also shaping the next generation of Tigers, continuing to return to campus to inspire future filmmakers and give them hands-on experience.

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