Chronicle (2012) — The Superpower Movie That Felt Too Real

Before superhero films became the billion-dollar spectacles they are today, Chronicle (2012) arrived with something refreshingly different — a grounded, gritty, and emotional look at what would really happen if ordinary teenagers suddenly gained extraordinary powers. Directed by Josh Trank and written by Max Landis, the film turned the superhero genre on its head by combining found-footage realism with a deeply human story about friendship, pain, and power.

A Found-Footage Twist on the Superhero Formula

Chronicle follows Andrew Detmer (Dane DeHaan), a socially awkward high school student struggling with bullying, an abusive father, and a sick mother. His only real connection is with his cousin Matt (Alex Russell) and their charismatic classmate Steve (Michael B. Jordan).

One night, the trio discovers a mysterious glowing object buried underground. After exposure to it, they wake up with telekinetic powers — the ability to move objects with their minds. At first, it’s all fun and games: playing pranks, flying through the sky, and testing the limits of what they can do.

But as Andrew’s home life deteriorates and his anger grows, his powers begin to manifest darker impulses. What starts as an exhilarating discovery slowly spirals into tragedy as Andrew becomes something no one can control.

The Cast That Brought It to Life

The strength of Chronicle lies in its small but powerful cast:

• Dane DeHaan gives a haunting and layered performance as Andrew Detmer, portraying the character’s descent from lonely teen to unstable antihero with chilling precision.
• Alex Russell as Matt Garetty serves as the moral center of the film — a cousin trying to help Andrew control his powers while grappling with his own fear of what they’ve unleashed.
• Michael B. Jordan, as Steve Montgomery, shines as the confident and popular class president whose charm balances the group’s dynamic. His charisma adds heart and humor to the film’s early scenes, making his fate all the more impactful.

What Made Chronicle Stand Out

Unlike traditional superhero films, Chronicle focused less on costumes and villains and more on the psychological consequences of power. The found-footage style gave it a raw, immersive feel — making the audience experience every moment of wonder and fear through the characters’ cameras.

The film’s visual effects were also praised for their realism, especially considering its modest $12 million budget. Every telekinetic stunt — from floating Legos to chaotic mid-air battles — felt natural and believable within the film’s grounded world.

Reception and Legacy

Upon release, Chronicle was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $126 million worldwide and earning praise for its originality and emotional depth. Critics highlighted Trank’s direction and DeHaan’s performance as standout elements, with many calling it one of the best superhero origin stories of the decade.

However, despite the film’s success, plans for a sequel stalled. Reportedly, creative differences between the studio and filmmakers — along with Trank’s later involvement in Fantastic Four (2015) — kept Chronicle 2 from materializing.

Still, Chronicle remains a cult favorite, often cited as one of the most innovative superhero films ever made — a movie that proved you don’t need capes or famous characters to tell a powerful story about power, pain, and responsibility.

Why Chronicle Still Deserves Attention

More than a decade later, Chronicle continues to stand apart from the crowd. It’s a film that asks — what if having powers didn’t make you a hero?

It’s this grounded, human angle that makes it resonate even today. In an era dominated by cinematic universes and endless sequels, Chronicle reminds audiences that some of the best stories come from ordinary people facing extraordinary choices — and sometimes, the real monster isn’t the power itself, but what lies within.