The cupola in Chuck's childhood home is a locked room that his grandfather forbids him to enter, claiming the floor is rotted and that it is 'full of ghosts.' When Chuck finally enters as a teenager, he finds the room empty but experiences a profound vision of his future self dying in a hospital bed at age 39. This vision reveals that the haunting is not supernatural but an echo of his own life and consciousness, symbolizing his awareness of mortality and the passage of time.

Chuck is raised by his grandparents after losing his parents. His grandfather Albie, an accountant, wants Chuck to follow in his footsteps, while his grandmother Bubbie encourages his love of dancing and classic musicals. This dynamic shapes Chuck's internal conflict between a conventional, narrow life and his passion for dance and joy. The grandparents also contribute to the mystery of the cupola and the themes of memory and legacy in Chuck's life.

Dance is a central motif representing joy, connection, and vitality in Chuck's life. There are two key dance sequences: one where adult Chuck spontaneously dances with a street busker, captivating onlookers, and another where young Chuck gains confidence at a middle school dance. These moments are portrayed as expressions of self-love and human connection, serving as emotional and narrative highlights that contrast with the film's darker apocalyptic elements.

Marty Anderson is a schoolteacher who witnesses the world's collapse in the film's apocalyptic third act. He becomes obsessed with a mysterious advertising campaign featuring Chuck's face and the message '39 GREAT YEARS THANKS, CHUCK!' Marty serves as a narrative observer of the world's decay and the symbolic importance of Chuck's life during the collapse, linking the personal story of Chuck to the broader cosmic events.

Although Chuck has a passion for dance, he ultimately chooses a more conventional and narrow life as an accountant, following his grandfather's path. This decision is bittersweet, especially given his knowledge of his limited lifespan. The film suggests that Chuck's choice reflects a desire to help others and find meaning in a practical way, even if it means sacrificing his artistic dreams. The reasons behind this choice are left somewhat open to interpretation and emotional processing.