Chronicle

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2:09

Chronicle

PG-13

2012

1h 24m

Drama

Sci-Fi

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

85%

Tomatometer

185 Reviews

72%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Andrew (Dane DeHaan) is a socially awkward, introverted teen whose main form of escape and expression is a video camera. But things begin to change when Andrew, his cousin Matt (Alex Russell) and popular classmate Steve (Michael B. Jordan) discover a mysterious substance that leaves them with incredible powers. As their abilities become more powerful, the teens' lives spin out of control when their darker sides begin to emerge. Andrew's camera captures the unfolding events.

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Critics Consensus

Chronicle transcends its found-footage gimmick with a smart script, fast-paced direction, and engaging performances from the young cast.

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Noah Berlatsky

The Atlantic

Happily, and to my surprise, Chronicle's turns out to provide quite a bit of genre fun, and a touching little parable to boot.

Aug 28, 2019

Full Review

Shubhra Gupta

The Indian Express

Yes, Chronicle is sort of sci fi, and reminded me of an old Stephen King novel called It. But what interested me most was the quick leaping interplay between the teens.

Rated: 2.5/5

Mar 27, 2019

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Ben Sachs

Chicago Reader

As pulp sci-fi this Fox release is pretty good, but it's also commendable for its sensitive depiction of adolescent behavior.

Jan 7, 2013

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

At first, you only catch the self-documentary/"found footage" gimmick, but the movie elevates its game, literally and figuratively, as it progresses, creating an entertaining, interesting, and compelling addition to the genre.

Rated: 3/5

Jul 17, 2025

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Chronicle should be the shining example for any filmmaker or studio wanting to make a “found footage” movie that’s more than just a gimmick.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 1, 2023

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

There are some good lines in the picture, and the final action sequence is fantastic. It’s just a shame that this "fresh" look at super-powers features so many things we’ve seen before.

Rated: 2/5

Aug 19, 2022

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Obi-wan K

"Im a Apex predetor" goes on to die 3 mins later 😂💔

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/18/25

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George M

Every bad trope in a superhero/horror movie is present. Outside becomes evil? Check! Jock becomes a hero? Check! Black guy gets killed? Check! Not an original idea in this.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

10/14/25

Full Review

Jeremy

Chronicle is one of the best pieces of media in my opinion. Yes it has its flaws but it is still a near perfect and sad movie that delivers it and executes it perfectly. It is a light hearted movie at first but then it slowly turns into chaos and a cousin trying to help his other cousin who is losing control. The end is just sad because it makes you think about what’s happened throughout the whole movie and makes you sad. One of the best pieces of media and you can’t change my mind.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/25/25

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Lex V

The style of the film is unique, combining found footage and super powers together is a duo that was needed for sure.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/30/25

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Aj W.

I very tragic case of treating people horribly and then unfortunately misusing their good fortune once they receive it. Roller coaster of emotions but I loved it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/16/25

Full Review

Mirocko B

The best origin story you will ever be told.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/12/25

Full Review

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Josh Trank

Director

Dane DeHaan

Andrew Detmer

Alex Russell

Matt Garretty

Michael B. Jordan

Steve Montgomery

Michael Kelly

Richard Detmer

Ashley Hinshaw

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Chronicle: Trailer 1

2:09

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Synopsis

Andrew (Dane DeHaan) is a socially awkward, introverted teen whose main form of escape and expression is a video camera. But things begin to change when Andrew, his cousin Matt (Alex Russell) and popular classmate Steve (Michael B. Jordan) discover a mysterious substance that leaves them with incredible powers. As their abilities become more powerful, the teens' lives spin out of control when their darker sides begin to emerge. Andrew's camera captures the unfolding events.

Director: Josh Trank
Producer: John Davis, Adam Schroeder
Screenwriter: Max Landis
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Dune, Twentieth Century Fox, Davis Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Sexual Content|Intense Action and Violence|Some Language|Teen Drinking|Thematic Material)
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 3, 2012, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 25, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $64.6M
Runtime: 1h 24m
Sound Mix: Dolby, SDDS

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