Chuck Chuck Baby

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Chuck Chuck Baby

Released Aug 2

1h 41m

Drama

Comedy

LGBTQ+

Musical

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100%

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23 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Present day, industrial North Wales. Helen, late 30's, spends her nights packing chickens and her days caring for dying mother-figure Gwen. Helen's mundane world takes a surprising turn with Joanne's return; they were the objects of the other's secret teenage passions. Encouraged by Helen, Joanne starts a playful wooing game. As they fall in love, Helen's zest for life returns but Joanne feels the walls close in as she faces something darker from her past. Helen's world shatters when Gwen dies and Joanne's painful memories make her flee. Both women reflect on their unfulfilled chance before finding the courage to let go of the past and allow their love to win.

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Critics Consensus

Deftly balancing the moods of kitchen sink drama and buoyant romantic comedy, Chuck Chuck Baby is a winning first feature effort from writer-director Janis Pugh.

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Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

There’s nothing quite like the bittersweet, cathartic rush of belting out a ballad... First-time feature director Janis Pugh harnesses this to heart-swelling effect in a gorgeous celebration of female camaraderie, second chances and poultry processing.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 22, 2024

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Nicola Austin

Empire Magazine

An endearing tale of self-acceptance, wearing its heart fully on its sleeve thanks to the affecting central romance and joyous transformation of its protagonist.

Rated: 3/5

Jul 16, 2024

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

There is a terrific warmth and emotional generosity to this romantic comedy-drama from the Welsh film-maker Janis Pugh

Rated: 4/5

Jul 16, 2024

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Laura Clifford

Reeling Reviews

Backed by an almost all female crew, writer/director Janis Pugh’s musical ode to female sisterhood is a flawed but uplifting embrace of celebrating love where you find it.

Rated: B-

Jul 30, 2024

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Rich Cline

Shadows on the Wall

Writer-director Janis Pugh creates nuanced characters who pull us in with snappy wit and internalised feelings, finding emotions we can identify with. The narrative kind of meanders in circles, but this colourful film remains sweet and heartfelt.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jul 23, 2024

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Avi Offer

NYC Movie Guru

A poignant, audacious and exuberant amalgam of romance, comedy and musical. If The Umbrellas of Cherbourg had a baby with a Ken Loach film, it would look something like Chuck Chuck Baby.

Jul 22, 2024

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Alexandra G

Really engaging I felt like I was one of the group's friends and a part of what was going on. A brilliant spin on the standard British 'full monty' format and far more satisfying. Cried and laughed as I surfed on waves of differing emotions. Great use of music, treatment of which is so smart and choice of songs so pertinent to the story. Fabulous actors... really natural. Great script. I hope it can be on general release so I can see it again. Only dropped the half star because not everyone might want to see a lesbian love story.. though it is far more that that.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/10/24

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Rachel T

Chuck Chuck Baby is as heartfelt as it is unique. On top of being a refreshing take on a jukebox musical, it also has the perfect blend of drama, comedy, and lesbian romance. It has become an instant classic for me, I truly can’t recommend it highly enough. Louise Brealey and Annabel Scholey have amazing chemistry and give wonderful performances. Watch it, you won’t regret it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/09/24

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Rory K

Very moving with great performances all round!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/26/24

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Janis Pugh

Director

Louise Brealey

Helen

Annabel Scholey

Joanne

Sorcha Cusack

Gwen

Celyn Jones

Gary

Emily Fairn

Amy

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Synopsis

Present day, industrial North Wales. Helen, late 30's, spends her nights packing chickens and her days caring for dying mother-figure Gwen. Helen's mundane world takes a surprising turn with Joanne's return; they were the objects of the other's secret teenage passions. Encouraged by Helen, Joanne starts a playful wooing game. As they fall in love, Helen's zest for life returns but Joanne feels the walls close in as she faces something darker from her past. Helen's world shatters when Gwen dies and Joanne's painful memories make her flee. Both women reflect on their unfulfilled chance before finding the courage to let go of the past and allow their love to win.

Director: Janis Pugh
Producer: Anne Beresford, Adam Partridge, Andrew Gillman, Peggy Cafferty
Screenwriter: Janis Pugh
Distributor: Dark Star Pictures
Production Co: Artemisia Films
Genre: Drama, Comedy, LGBTQ+, Musical
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 2, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 27, 2024
Runtime: 1h 41m

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