Chronicle (2012) offers a unique twist on the superhero genre, blending the found-footage style with a coming-of-age narrative that’s as thrilling as it is introspective. Directed by Josh Trank and co-written with Max Landis, this sci-fi thriller centers around three high school friends who gain extraordinary telekinetic powers but struggle to handle the profound impact these abilities have on their lives and relationships.

Plot Summary

The story follows Andrew Detmer (Dane DeHaan), a shy and troubled teenager with a difficult home life. After discovering a mysterious object with his cousin Matt (Alex Russell) and popular classmate Steve (Michael B. Jordan), the trio develops powerful telekinetic abilities. Initially using their powers for fun and mischief, the friends soon find that their newfound abilities come with unforeseen consequences.

As Andrew’s personal struggles intensify, he begins to lose control, leading to darker and more dangerous uses of his powers. The film builds towards a climactic showdown that explores the line between human frailty and the corruptive nature of absolute power.

Key Themes

• The Corruption of Power: Chronicle explores how power amplifies personal vulnerabilities. For Andrew, whose life is filled with hardship, his powers become an outlet for his anger and frustrations.
• Friendship and Loyalty: The bond between Andrew, Matt, and Steve is central to the story, illustrating how shared experiences can both unite and test people’s limits.
• Responsibility vs. Temptation: The film delves into how the allure of unchecked power can lead to morally gray decisions, especially when responsibility is cast aside.

Notable Moments

• The Learning Phase: The trio’s initial experiments with their powers are fun and lighthearted, showcasing impressive and realistic uses of telekinesis in everyday situations.
• The Flying Scene: One of the film’s most iconic scenes is when they learn to fly, capturing the sheer exhilaration and freedom of their abilities.
• Andrew’s Transformation: As his internal battles escalate, Andrew’s increasingly reckless actions give the film a darker tone, highlighting the dangerous implications of power unchecked by accountability.

Impact and Reception

Chronicle received praise for its inventive take on the superhero narrative, realistic special effects, and strong performances, especially from Dane DeHaan, whose portrayal of Andrew captures the complex emotional turmoil of a young man spiraling out of control. The film was a commercial success and resonated with audiences for its grounded approach to superhuman abilities and its focus on character-driven storytelling.

For Fans Who Enjoy:

• Brightburn
• Cloverfield
• Jumper

Chronicle is a compelling exploration of power, friendship, and morality wrapped in a high-stakes thriller format. It’s a memorable take on the question of what might happen if ordinary people suddenly found themselves with extraordinary abilities – and how the results might not be as heroic as we often expect.