Rewind
Chronicle (2012)
Released in 2012, Chronicle redefined what a superhero film could be. Blending the raw intensity of found footage with the emotional depth of a psychological thriller, the movie marked the feature directorial debut of Josh Trank and was written by Max Landis, based on a story they co-conceived. Rather than following the glossy, larger-than-life tone of traditional comic book films, Chronicle explores what happens when three ordinary teenagers are suddenly given extraordinary powers—and how easily power can corrupt.
Set in Seattle (but filmed mostly in Cape Town, South Africa, for budgetary reasons), the film introduces us to three high school seniors: the socially isolated and emotionally tormented Andrew (Dane DeHaan), his more stable cousin Matt (Alex Russell), and the charismatic, popular Steve (Michael B. Jordan). The three teens stumble upon a mysterious underground object that gives them telekinetic abilities. At first, the newfound powers are a source of fun and bonding—levitating objects, flying through the air, pulling pranks. But as the powers grow stronger, so does the temptation to use them in darker ways.
Andrew, who has long suffered bullying at school and abuse at home, begins to spiral. His powers become a coping mechanism and, ultimately, a weapon. As his mental state deteriorates, what began as a thrilling ride of adolescent wish fulfillment turns into a chilling descent into chaos. The film’s final act is explosive, both emotionally and literally, as the bonds between the three friends are tested beyond repair.
Chronicle stood out from its contemporaries by framing its story through a found-footage lens, offering a gritty, realistic perspective on the superhero genre. This style—popularized by films like The Blair Witch Project and Cloverfield—can be polarizing, but here it works to great effect. It makes the extraordinary events feel grounded and intimate, immersing the audience in the characters’ experiences. Josh Trank cleverly uses various cameras, including smartphones and security footage, to create a seamless narrative that never feels like a gimmick.
Critics praised the film’s originality, pacing, and strong performances. It currently holds an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus noting that Chronicle “transcends its found-footage gimmick with a smart script, fast-paced direction, and engaging performances from the young cast.” The film was also nominated for Best Science Fiction Film at the 39th Saturn Awards.
Dane DeHaan delivers a haunting and layered performance as Andrew, capturing the character’s slow unraveling with both vulnerability and menace. DeHaan would go on to star in films like The Amazing Spider-Man 2, A Cure for Wellness, and Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. Alex Russell, as the moral compass of the trio, brings emotional weight to Matt’s journey and later found success in television with S.W.A.T. Michael B. Jordan’s turn as Steve showcases his natural charisma and early acting prowess. Chronicle was one of the roles that helped catapult him to fame, eventually leading to standout performances in Fruitvale Station, Creed, Black Panther, and the recent Sinners movie currently in theaters.
In 2021, a sequel was officially announced, reportedly focusing on a new, female-led cast set ten years after the original events. It aims to tackle contemporary themes like misinformation and media manipulation, though no substantial updates have followed since.
For fans of found-footage storytelling and grounded science fiction, Chronicle is a standout. Its blend of realism, teenage drama, and escalating superhuman stakes places it alongside genre favorites like Project Almanac, Cloverfield, and The Blair Witch Project. More than a superhero story, it’s a cautionary tale about trauma, power, and the fragile boundaries of friendship.
Highly recommended for fans of intense, original sci-fi thrillers. Be kind—rewind, and revisit Chronicle to witness the rise of Michael B. Jordan and a fresh take on the superhero origin story. With Sinners in theaters now, it’s the perfect time to look back on his path to stardom.
