Actress Karen Gillan said working on director Mike Flanagan's new life-affirming film, The Life of Chuck, helped her gain a fresh perspective on her life.
The 37-year-old actress-turned-filmmaker, who is widely known for her roles in Doctor Who, the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Jumanji, said working on the adaptation of Stephen King's 2020 novella of the same name was "one of the most special projects" she's ever been involved in, and admits it made her "examine my own life".
Speaking to RTÉ Entertainment, Gillan, who plays a nurse named Felicia in the poignant, genre-blending tale, said she asked herself several questions throughout the filming process.
"My character is dealing with the end of the universe, and she knows that the end is here," she explains. "So I had to ask myself - what would that genuinely feel like? It kind of made me come to the conclusion that all of these things that we fixate on, whether it's accolades or money, all of that would just fade away," she said.
At its core, the 111-minute outing explores how one life can have a deep, unseen impact on others and how small, human moments can carry profound meaning.
"Preparing for this role made me reflect on how I've been living my life. Have I avoided things out of fear? And if so, is it time to finally do them? I started asking myself if I'm truly doing what I want to do - and I think that's an important question for anyone to ask," Gillan said.
Last year, Gillan welcomed a baby girl named Clementine with her husband, American comedian Nick Kocher. She revealed that becoming a parent has added a layer of meaning to the film's perspective, calling it a beautiful reminder of the things that truly matter.
"It just really helped me gain perspective on my life. It's a beautiful reminder of what matters," she explained. "I imagined being on my deathbed and the moments that I would return to in my memories. And it's not the things you're obsessed with in your life; it's the little moments like your kid laughing - I didn't have a kid then - but now it would be," she said.
All of those moments that are seemingly fleeting, but they are the most profound at the end of it all.
A Mike Flanagan and Stephen King collaboration usually screams horror - but The Life of Chuck is anything but.
"This movie couldn't have come at a better time. It's such a good reminder of the things that matter. It's a big celebration of life, it's filled with joy," Gillan enthused.
She added, "It deals with themes like the end of everything, but it's very uplifting and life-affirming. It's really resonating with people and audiences, and I think it's because we're living in a divisive time."
The Life of Chuck benefits from a stellar cast including Tom Hiddleston, Mark Hamill, Mia Sara, and the younger versions of Chuck - special mention to 11-year-old Benjamin Pajak. However, it was her on-screen co-star Chiwetel Ejiofor whom Gillan admired the most.
"All I had to do was watch him and listen to him, and my job was easy because he's so good at his," she said.
With The Life of Chuck, the less you know, the better. Thankfully, Gillan is a pro at keeping her lips sealed and steering clear of spoilers during promotional interviews.
"I guess I'm used to it with Marvel but this is one of the more unique films I've ever been in. It's sort of the indescribable," she laughed. "It's hard to talk about, it's just something that needs to be experienced."
The Life of Chuck took home the Audience Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, winning over viewers with its heartfelt story. Gillan admits the win was completely unexpected.
"It's not something that was anticipated at all," she said. "It was definitely a bit of an underdog at the Toronto Film Festival, and then it won the Audience Award - which was so cool because it wasn't a jury or anything; it was genuine moviegoers that really connected with the film, and that is the most important thing to us," she continued.
So why has the highly-anticipated movie created such a buzz? Gillan reckons it indicates a time when people are really craving something "life-affirming, joyful, and celebratory".
The Life of Chuck is in cinemas nationwide now.
