Chronicle (2012)

Josh Trank’s Chronicle (2012) is a found-footage-style science fiction thriller that mixes teenage angst with superhero tropes. Rather than a glossy, comic-book vibe, it grounds superpowers in a gritty, emotional, and ultimately tragic story. Here’s everything you need to know about the film, from its plot to hidden details.

Detailed Summary

Andrew’s Life Before Powers

Andrew Detmer (Dane DeHaan) is a troubled high school student. He lives with his abusive, alcoholic father and his terminally ill mother. He’s socially awkward, bullied at school, and increasingly isolated. Early on, he decides to film his daily life with a camera, giving the movie its “found footage” style.

Discovery of the Mysterious Object

Andrew, his cousin Matt (Alex Russell), and popular student Steve (Michael B. Jordan) discover a strange glowing crystal-like object underground. The entity emits energy that causes their noses to bleed, but after exposure, they develop telekinetic powers. At first, they play with their new abilities like kids with toys—moving Legos, pranking people, and flying.

The Rules of Power

The three establish ground rules: don’t use powers on living beings, don’t use powers when angry, and keep the abilities a secret. Their bond grows as they train, with Andrew finally feeling a sense of belonging. But cracks begin to show. While Matt and Steve are cautious, Andrew struggles with emotional control.

The Spiral of Anger

Andrew’s life at home worsens. His father’s abuse escalates, and his mother’s condition deteriorates. Meanwhile, Andrew’s powers grow far beyond Matt and Steve’s. During a talent show, he impresses the crowd with his abilities disguised as magic tricks, briefly enjoying acceptance. But humiliation at a party reignites his bitterness.

The Turning Point

Andrew begins seeing himself as an apex predator—justified in using his powers however he wants. After a confrontation with bullies, he lashes out and injures them. In one chilling moment, he pulls a man’s teeth out telekinetically. Steve tries to help him, but during a thunderstorm, Andrew accidentally kills Steve with a lightning strike. This is the breaking point.

Movie Ending

The climax takes place in downtown Seattle. Andrew, consumed by rage, unleashes his powers destructively across the city. Cars fly, police are powerless, and chaos spreads. Matt tries to stop him, begging him to regain control, but Andrew insists no one understands his pain.

Their confrontation becomes a superpowered showdown in the middle of the city, with Andrew hurling buses and tearing through buildings. Eventually, realizing Andrew won’t stop and innocent lives are at stake, Matt impales Andrew with a spear from a statue, killing him. The camera lingers on Andrew’s body as it falls from the sky—a tragic reminder of his downfall.

In the final scene, Matt travels to Tibet, a place Andrew once dreamed of visiting. He sets the camera down in front of a temple and speaks directly to it, promising to use his powers responsibly and to honor Andrew’s memory. He raises the camera into the sky before flying away.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. Chronicle ends with Matt flying into the distance. There is no post-credits scene, tease, or continuation hint.

Type of Movie

A mix of sci-fi, superhero, thriller, and found-footage drama. It takes the superhero origin template and twists it into something darker and more realistic.

Cast

• Dane DeHaan as Andrew Detmer
• Alex Russell as Matt Garetty
• Michael B. Jordan as Steve Montgomery
• Michael Kelly as Richard Detmer (Andrew’s father)
• Ashley Hinshaw as Casey

Film Music and Composer

The film doesn’t have a traditional orchestral score. Instead, it uses atmospheric sound design and licensed music to maintain its documentary-like realism. The minimal soundtrack intensifies the raw, unpolished tone of the story.

Filming Locations

• Cape Town, South Africa doubled as Seattle, Washington.
• Several key downtown scenes were filmed in Vancouver, Canada.
• The choice of South Africa helped with budget constraints while still creating a believable “Seattle” atmosphere.

Awards and Nominations

• Won Best Science Fiction Film at the Saturn Awards.
• Nominated for multiple categories at the Empire Awards and Teen Choice Awards.
• Widely praised for visual effects considering its relatively modest budget.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• The film had a budget of around $12 million but grossed over $120 million worldwide.
• Director Josh Trank and writer Max Landis wanted a “superhero movie if it happened in real life.”
• Most flying sequences were filmed with practical wire stunts combined with CGI.
• Dane DeHaan admitted that filming Andrew’s breakdown was emotionally draining.
• Michael B. Jordan, not yet a superstar, used this film as a breakout role.

Inspirations and References

• Inspired by superhero comics like Akira, X-Men, and Spider-Man, but with a darker twist.
• References to philosophy—Matt quotes Schopenhauer during one scene, connecting powers to existential thought.
• The “apex predator” idea is a nod to Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

• An alternate ending (not filmed) suggested Matt might be hunted by authorities after Andrew’s death.
• Several deleted scenes expanded Andrew’s home life, making his father’s abuse even harsher.
• A rumored sequel (Chronicle 2) was discussed but never materialized due to creative differences.

Book Adaptations and Differences

There isn’t a book adaptation prior to the film. However, a novelization was released after the movie’s success. The book explores more of Andrew’s inner thoughts and extends certain sequences, but the story remains largely faithful.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The first time the boys fly together, giddy with freedom.
• Andrew pulling a truck out of the road with telekinesis, terrifying bystanders.
• The party humiliation scene that accelerates Andrew’s descent.
• Steve’s tragic lightning death.
• The climactic battle in Seattle.

Iconic Quotes

• Andrew: “I am an apex predator. Nobody can stop me.”
• Matt: “It’s not a game. It’s not a joke. It’s dangerous.”
• Andrew (to his camera): “Why do you hate me?”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The underground crystal cave resembles alien tech, though it’s never explained—intentionally mysterious.
• Andrew’s constant filming symbolizes his need for control in a life where he has none.
• The repeated nosebleeds foreshadow the physical toll of power abuse.

Trivia

• The film was shot in only 18 weeks.
• All of Andrew’s floating camera shots were created using rigs rather than CGI alone.
• Josh Trank was only 27 when he directed the film.
• Dane DeHaan was often compared to a young Leonardo DiCaprio after this role.

Why Watch?

Chronicle is one of the most original superhero films of the 2010s. It strips away glossy costumes and moral simplicity, instead asking: What if teenagers really had superpowers? The answer is thrilling, terrifying, and deeply tragic.

Director’s Other Movies

• Fantastic Four (2015)
• Capone (2020)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Akira (1988)
• Brightburn (2019)
• The Blair Witch Project (1999)
• Unbreakable (2000)
• Project Almanac (2015)