Chronicle Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Teens find glowy space rock, get powers, one becomes an incel and ruins everything; it’s like if ‘Carrie’ had a shaky cam.

🍿 Chronicle: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Discovery

Andrew, a bullied high school student, starts documenting his life with a camera. He joins his cousin Matt and popular student Steve at a rave, where they stumble upon a strange hole in the ground in the woods. Inside, they find a glowing crystal-like object. This discovery changes their lives forever.

Developing Powers

After the encounter, the trio develops telekinetic abilities. They start small, moving objects with their minds, but their powers quickly grow. They learn to control their abilities, initially using them for fun and harmless pranks. They also experience nosebleeds when they overexert themselves.

Escalating Conflict

As their powers increase, the friends start to clash over the responsible use of their abilities. Andrew, facing problems at home and school, struggles with control. After an accident, Matt sets rules, but Andrew’s frustration grows. Eventually they learn to fly together and that’s when Andrew becomes even more reckless.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Andrew Detmer (Dane DeHaan): A bullied and troubled teenager who gains telekinetic powers and descends into a dangerous path.
• Matt Garetty (Alex Russell): Andrew’s cousin who tries to keep him grounded but ultimately has to stop him.
• Steve Montgomery (Michael B. Jordan): A popular and charismatic high schooler who befriends Andrew and shares the experience of gaining superpowers.
• Richard Detmer (Michael Kelly): Andrew’s abusive and alcoholic father who contributes to his son’s emotional instability.
• Karen Detmer (Bo Petersen): Andrew’s terminally ill mother for whom he desperately tries to find a cure.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Andrew: “I’m recording.” – Andrew says this frequently at the beginning of the movie as he attempts to document everything, often to the annoyance of those around him.
• Matt: “We have to have rules.” – Matt tries to instill responsibility and prevent abuse of their newfound powers.
• Andrew: “I’m an apex predator.” – Andrew’s justification for using his powers without restraint or remorse, adopting a nihilistic worldview.
• Andrew: “You can’t control things, Matt! That’s the point. You can’t control anything!” – Andrew shouts this during his final fight with Matt, encapsulating his descent into madness and rejection of societal norms.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $64,575,175
• Worldwide Gross: $126,636,097

💥 Chronicle Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Chronicle’ and being blown away by how real it felt. The way they handled the superpowers, the teen drama, the found footage style – it all just clicked. I felt like *I* was one of those kids, messing around with telekinesis in my backyard. It was such a unique take on the superhero genre, and the ending hit me hard. One of my all-time favorites, and something I still think about a lot. Plus, it’s cool to see Michael B. Jordan before he became a huge star.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of found-footage films.”
  • “Those who enjoy superhero stories with a darker twist.”
  • “Viewers interested in psychological thrillers.”
  • “Fans of the actors Dane DeHaan, Michael B. Jordan, and Alex Russell.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and disturbing content.”
  • “Teen drinking and partying.”
  • “Bullying and abuse.”
  • “Strong language.”

Professional Reviews

• ReillyReviews.wordpress.com: “Chronicle brings superhero questions into play through the eyes of three teenage boys. It’s realistic, with brutal bullying and believable character changes. Though the ending is lackluster, the film’s honesty and mix of humor and cringe-worthy moments make it worth seeing. The first-person perspective adds to the experience.
• N/A: “Chronicle breaks free from the usual constraints within that sub genre to concoct a truly memorable sci-fi thriller. The story focuses on the varying paths they take with their new found talent, but not until they have had some juvenile fun with it first. This is an amazingly accomplished debut feature for writer-director Josh Trank.
• tinribs27.wordpress.com: “Chronicle represents an evolution of the found footage genre, taking the character as cameraman conceit to interesting new places, and marking the director as a young talent worth monitoring. Chronicle differs in the sense that this handycam footage isn’t presented as ‘found’ per se, but rather is a stylistic and narrative choice which puts a refreshingly original spin on a well overdone story: the superhero origin.

Audience Reactions

The film offered a refreshing, realistic take on the superhero genre, showcasing believable reactions to gaining superpowers.: Viewers praised the found footage style, the strong performances of the young cast, and the film’s grounded approach to superpowers.

Overall Consensus: Chronicle is a well-regarded found footage superhero film that offers a realistic and engaging take on the genre, with strong performances and a compelling storyline.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Josh Trank had the three lead actors live together for two weeks prior to filming to build a genuine camaraderie and believable on-screen chemistry.”
• “The film’s found-footage style was a conscious decision to ground the fantastical elements in reality and make the superpowers feel more tangible.”
• “The script was co-written by Max Landis, son of director John Landis.”

🖥️ How to Watch Chronicle?

Chronicle is available for streaming and digital purchase on various platforms. You can find it on services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for rental options and availability. Also, check retailer sites like Amazon for purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Chronicle, you might like these similar films:

• Carrie (1976): Both films explore the darker side of telekinetic powers and the tragic consequences of bullying and social isolation.
• Brightburn (2019): A modern take on the superhero origin story, exploring what might happen if a child with powers from another world chose to be evil instead of good.
• Cloverfield (2008): Shares the found-footage format, creating a sense of realism and immediacy during extraordinary events.
• Jumper (2008): People with rare abilities try to live their lives; however, they are hunted by a secret society.

🛒 Chronicle Related Products

• Chronicle (Blu-ray): Own the film that redefined the superhero genre with the ‘found footage’ style. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and more. A must-have for any fan of the movie.
• Chronicle Inspired T-Shirt: Show your love for the movie with a cool Chronicle themed T-shirt. It’s a great way to express your fandom.
• The Chronicle – Max Landis Script: Get into the genius behind Chronicle – Max Landis’s script is a treasure-trove for young scriptwriters. The screenplay is full of drama, thrill, and is simply amazing for anyone willing to delve deeper into the world of writing and movies.

🎧 Soundtrack

Chronicle features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Ready to Roll” – performed by Philadelphia Grand Jury

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Everything Wrong With Chronicle In 8 Minutes Or Less

Wondering what the flaws are in Chronicle? This video has got you covered! CinemaSins goes through the movie with a fine-toothed comb, pointing out all the mistakes, plot holes, and cringe-worthy moments in just 8 minutes.

Everything GREAT About Chronicle!

If you enjoyed Chronicle, you’ll love this video! CinemaWins takes a deep dive into the movie, showcasing all the things that make it great. From the captivating story to the impressive visuals, this video will make you appreciate Chronicle even more.

Did You Know That Chronicle

Hey, did you know that Chronicle used a unique filming technique to create a more cinematic look? This short video reveals a fascinating fact about the movie that you probably didn’t know before!

✨ Rate