Chronicle

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2:09

Chronicle

PG-13

Released Feb 3, 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

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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

Full Review

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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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

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Mirocko B

The best origin story you will ever be told.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/12/25

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Jordan B.

Chronicle is not only one of the best found footage movies of all time, but also one of the best superhero movies of all time. The serious, down to earth and visceral storytelling captivates the viewer and the performances by Dane DeHaan, Michael B. Jordan and Alex Russell are gripping and beyond intriguing to watch. Andrew Detmer in particular is one of the most interesting main characters I've ever seen in a modern film, his journey throughout the story from being the quiet, awkward kid with no friends or social skills, to being one of the most popular kids in his class and finally a deranged apex predator who is out for nothing but blood and carnage is tragic to watch. The interactions between Andrew, Matt & Steve throughout the story and the way they discover and use their telekinetic powers together throughout the middle section of the movie truly makes the viewer believe they are just watching some home movies of teens who got lucky enough to get superpowers. 10/10 would highly recommend watching this movie before you die.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/10/25

Full Review

Derrick M

My biggest issue with this movie is how 2 regular looking guys who would pass as jocks in these sorta movies more often than not are friends with the clear loser loner otherwise this is a good film that i think ends just as quickly as it really starts to get good, also the ending coulda been a little longer or atleast more flushed out

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/04/25

Full Review

Kaleb M.

Fantastic movie well written and well directed

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/01/25

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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