Chuck Chuck Baby – A Warm-Hearted Musical Tragicomedy
Written by Zoe Crombie
If there’s one thing that British film and TV excels at, it’s the drudgery of everyday life – you just need to watch any American version of a beloved UK sitcom to see that. Though this kind of tone is usually more associated with the likes of Mike Leigh and Ken Loach, it can come in many forms, as proven by the diversity of our film industry. Nonetheless, it’s fair to say that Janis Pugh takes a unique approach to this kind of national tragicomedy with her latest film.
Chuck Chuck Baby is a (sort of) musical, but don’t expect the glitz of Singin’ in the Rain here. Instead, the film follows a woman named Helen who works at a chicken family in North Wales and awkwardly cohabitates with her ex, his much younger girlfriend, and their baby. However, her life starts to change for the better when her old crush Joanne comes back on the scene, and her renewed sense of joy is perfectly conveyed by Pugh’s unique use of music.
With a sincere tone, plenty of laughs, and a heartfelt sapphic romance at its centre, Chuck Chuck Baby is another British cinematic success, elevated to memorable heights by the lead performances of Louise Brealey and Annabel Scholey.
Chuck Chuck Baby runs from 9th - 14th August.
