Chronicle (2012)
“Chronicle,” directed by Josh Trank, is a found footage science fiction film that follows the lives of three high school friends—Andrew Detmer, Matt Garetty, and Steve Montgomery—who gain telekinetic powers after discovering a mysterious crater during a night of partying in the woods. Andrew, who struggles with an abusive home life and feels isolated from his peers, documents their experiences through his video camera.
As the trio learns to harness their newfound abilities, they begin to have fun and experiment with their powers, showcasing their levitation and telekinesis in increasingly ambitious ways.
Their friendship deepens as they share their struggles and triumphs, but the dynamics begin to shift when Andrew becomes increasingly consumed by anger and frustration due to his troubled home life and social isolation.
As Andrew’s emotional state deteriorates, he struggles to control his powers, leading to tragic consequences. A climactic confrontation exposes the darker side of their abilities, resulting in chaos and devastation. The film culminates in a tense showdown where Andrew’s rage culminates in a destructive rampage, forcing Matt and Steve to confront their friend and stop him before he can cause further harm.
“Chronicle” explores themes of friendship, power, and the consequences of unchecked emotions. Through its innovative found footage style, the film presents a compelling and thrilling narrative that raises questions about the ethical implications of power and the impact of personal trauma on relationships. Ultimately, it is a cautionary tale about how extraordinary abilities can amplify human flaws and vulnerabilities.