Chronicle (2012)
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The story
In Seattle, three high school seniors—Andrew, Matt, and Steve—discover a glowing crystalline object in a hole in the woods. The object reacts violently, and the trio begins to develop telekinetic abilities. While they initially use their powers for pranks and fun, Andrew begins to spiral into a darker path. As the trio navigates the complexities of their new reality, the line between using their abilities for good and succumbing to their darker impulses begins to blur, leading to escalating tensions and dangerous consequences for the three friends.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
After discovering a glowing crystalline object in a forest, three teenagers—Andrew, Matt, and Steve—gain telekinetic powers. While they initially use their abilities for pranks and a magic act at a school talent show, Andrew becomes increasingly obsessed and aggressive. After a violent confrontation with his father leads him to flee into a storm, Steve is struck and killed by lightning. Following this, Andrew becomes more isolated and views himself as an 'apex predator.' He eventually robs a gas station and is hospitalized, where he learns his mother has died. In a fit of rage, he destroys his hospital room. Later, Matt finds Andrew flying through the city. The two engage in a destructive fight across Seattle, ending when Matt realizes Andrew is beyond saving and fatally impales him with a statue spear. The film ends with Matt traveling to Tibet, recording a final message on Andrew's camera before flying away.
- First release year
- 2012
- Runtime (minutes)
- 83
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Josh Trank
- Writers
- Max Landis · screenplay; Josh Trank · story; Max Landis · story
- Cast and characters
- Dane DeHaan · Andrew; Alex Russell · Matt; Michael B. Jordan · Steve
- Genres
- science fiction; action; thriller; psychological thriller; coming-of-age
- Themes
- power and responsibility; addiction; isolation
- Tone and mood
- dark; intense
- Premise and plot tags
- found footage; superhero; telekinesis
- Reception
- The film received generally positive reviews and was praised for its script, direction, and performances.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 69 · scale: 100 · review count: 31
- Awards and nominations
- Best Science Fiction Film · Saturn Awards · Nomination; Best Most Original Trailer · Golden Trailer Award · Win; Best in Show · Golden Trailer Award · Win; Best Sci-Fi Movie · IGN Summer Movie Award · Win; Best Movie Poster · IGN Summer Movie Award · Win; Breakthrough Performance of the Year · Golden Schmoes Awards · Win
- Production trivia
- The 'Seattle' bedroom was a set constructed in Cape Town.; American-style vehicles were shipped to South Africa for the production.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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