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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

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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Kaleb M.

Fantastic movie well written and well directed

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/01/25

Full Review

Julian Rex M

A relentlessly dark thriller that often finds itself overdosing on sheer grimness, this Chronicle may not have the best-developed narrative or even the least-chintzy execution, but it's certainly an at least intermittently intriguing--if far from fully-realized--twist on the coming-of-age genre.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/22/25

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Luis C

Very original concept, a different superhero movie

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/16/25

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Sal D

Amusing film despite the few too many cliches and somewhat predictable plot. Would have been a boost to add a few more wrinkles than just the premise.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/04/25

Full Review

Calvin T

Feels like a 5th grader wrote and directed it, but the crazy thing is I watched the whole movie 🎬

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/25/25

Full Review

Paul M

Well executed fusion of Sci-Fi and horror. Quite a bit of young talent as well, and they absolutely flex their range in this. Dane shows that he is a future leading man while Michale proves why he’s one of Hollywoods most sought after commodities. This is dark, gritty and very unique… must watch if you love found footage.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/23/25

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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