--- title: "Chronicle" year: 2012 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/chronicle" fi1m_id: "chronicle" imdb_id: "tt1706593" tmdb_id: 76726 wikidata_id: "Q1087883" fi1m_score: 72 critics_score: 76 critics_reviews: 21 published: "2026-10-06T04:27:40.117818+00:00" updated: "2026-10-06T04:27:40.861758+00:00" region: "SA" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Chronicle (2012) Directed by Josh Trank · 1h 24m · Science Fiction, Drama, Thriller ## Identity Chronicle - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/chronicle - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** chronicle - **IMDb ID:** tt1706593 - **TMDB ID:** 76726 - **Wikidata ID:** Q1087883 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1706593/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/76726, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1087883 **Fi1m score: 72** · Critics 76 from 21 reviews *In a sentence:* Found footage finally has a reason for the cameraman to keep filming: he no longer needs his hands > Josh Trank’s first film hands three teenagers telekinesis and a camcorder, and for an hour it makes something lively and odd out of both. The final stretch is louder and more familiar, and the coda is softer than it earned. ## Synopsis Andrew Detmer (Dane DeHaan), a quiet, bullied teenager, buys a camcorder and starts filming everything: his mother Karen (Bo Petersen), ill in a back bedroom; his father Richard (Michael Kelly), a drunk who comes at him with his fists; the school corridors where he is shoved into lockers. His cousin Matt Garetty (Alex Russell) drives him in and quotes philosophers at him. At a barn party in the woods, Matt and Steve Montgomery (Michael B. Jordan), the popular boy at school, fetch Andrew and his camera to film a hole they have found in the ground. Something down there is glowing. Afterwards the three can move things with their minds: a baseball, a Lego brick, a shopping trolley, a car. They agree on rules. They do not keep them. ## Review Josh Trank’s first film takes the oldest story in the superhero book, three ordinary kids find something in the ground and come out changed, and tells it through a camcorder held by the one you would least want to have the power. It runs 84 minutes, written by Max Landis from a story by Landis and Trank, and for most of it it is quicker, funnier and nastier than the premise suggests. The last stretch is a loud fight over a city centre, and the film gets more ordinary the louder it gets. The camera is the idea. Andrew Detmer (Dane DeHaan) buys one to put between himself and a father who hits him, and he films everything because filming is the only way he can look at anything. When the powers arrive, the camera stops needing a hand. Andrew floats it over his shoulder, hovers it above the three boys as they walk, parks it in a corner of his bedroom and talks to it. Matthew Jensen gets shots out of this that found footage normally cannot: a slow drift round a kitchen, a steady view from forty feet up. It also answers the question that sinks most found-footage films, why anyone is still filming: he cannot stop. The three boys are well chosen. DeHaan plays Andrew with his hood up and his mouth closed, and lets you watch the pleasure arrive in his face the first time he moves a baseball without touching it. Alex Russell’s Matt is the cousin who quotes philosophers in the car and means well in the way of someone who has never been hit. Michael B. Jordan’s Steve is the popular one, and Jordan plays him so openly, so pleased to have found two new friends, that the film is warmest whenever he is in it. The first flight, above the clouds with a football, is the scene people remember, and rightly; we grinned through all of it and were sorry when they came down. On the ground it is darker. Stephen Altman’s production design gives the Detmers a small house with the curtains drawn, Andrew’s mother Karen (Bo Petersen) in a back bedroom with an oxygen line, and Michael Kelly’s Richard drinking in the front room. Kelly is good, but the part has one setting, and every time the script needs Andrew pushed it sends Richard through his bedroom door. The scene we have not shaken is quieter: Andrew alone with a spider, taking it apart in the air and talking evenly to the camera. We were chilled, because of how little it cost him, and because DeHaan plays it like a boy doing his homework. That scene also shows the script’s problem. Landis knows where Andrew is going and marks each step so plainly, a speech about apex predators, a bully dealt with in a corridor, that the second half has the shape of a diagram. The girls, Casey Letter (Ashley Hinshaw) and Monica (Anna Wood), exist to hold a second camera or to be impressed. When the finale comes the film drops its own rule, cutting between phones, news helicopters and security cameras so the fight can be seen from everywhere. Elliot Greenberg stitches it cleanly, but a found-footage film that can see from anywhere is just a film, and a smaller one than the version with one boy and one lens. Youssef Guezoum’s music is barely there, rightly. *Chronicle* owes something to *Carrie*, to [*Akira*](https://film.one/film/akira), and to every lonely boy with a gift since, and it does not pretend otherwise. Where it beats most of them is in scale: these powers are used for pranks in a supermarket before anything else, because a teenager handed a gift will first use it to show off. Where it falls short is the ending, and a coda gentler than what came before, as though someone had decided the audience needed a hand on the shoulder on the way out. Watch it with a teenager if you have one. At 84 minutes it does not outstay anything, and the hour before the shouting is as good a case for the camcorder as the genre has made. *Fi1m score 72, published 6 October 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics like Chronicle, and the praise clusters around two things: the found-footage approach, which several reviews say turns a tired device into something inventive once the camera floats free of the boy holding it, and the flight and climax set-pieces. Dane DeHaan’s Andrew is the performance most often singled out, with Michael B. Jordan close behind. The Guardian and Empire are among the warmest, calling it a fresh take on the lonely superpowered teenager. The reservations gather at the end. Several critics find the final stretch rough, saccharine or off the rails, and a few think the film’s ideas about power and bullying are older than its camera trick. Slant is the firmest dissenter, calling it a stale morality play that frames Andrew’s violence too sympathetically, and Paste thinks the cast outshines the script. The spread is narrow: nobody dismisses it, and the mixed verdicts mostly concede it is fun before noting what it is not. ## Straight answers **Is Chronicle worth watching?** *Chronicle* is worth watching for anyone who likes a superhero story told small and from the inside, and we scored it 72. The first hour, in which three teenagers discover telekinesis and use it to show off in a supermarket and fly above the clouds, is quick, funny and nasty; the finale is louder and more ordinary. At 84 minutes it does not outstay anything. **How long is Chronicle, and what is it rated?** *Chronicle* runs 1h 24m. It is a science fiction and drama film. **Where can I watch Chronicle in Saudi Arabia?** *Chronicle* is not on any streaming or rental service in Saudi Arabia at the moment. It is available in 48 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily. **How violent or frightening is Chronicle, and is it suitable for children?** *Chronicle* carries a UK 12A certificate and is not a film for young children. It contains a father who beats his son, school bullying, and a quiet scene in which Andrew takes a spider apart in the air that chilled us more than the fight over the city at the end. We would watch it with a teenager, but the squeamish should know the darker moments are domestic rather than spectacular. **How does Chronicle compare to Carrie?** *Chronicle* and [*Carrie*](https://film.one/film/carrie) tell the same story of a bullied teenager with telekinesis, but De Palma's film is the more frightening and the better of the two, because Sissy Spacek makes the girl matter. *Chronicle* is warmer and funnier for its first hour, with powers used for pranks before anything else, and its camcorder framing gives it shots the earlier film could not have. Watch *Carrie* for the dread and *Chronicle* for the friendship. **What should I watch after Chronicle?** After *Chronicle*, try [*Carrie*](https://film.one/film/carrie) (1976, Fi1m 86): The bullied teenager with telekinesis, done first and with a prom to end it. Then [*Akira*](https://film.one/film/akira) (1988, Fi1m 83): A boy’s power outgrows him and takes a city with it; Trank plainly watched this; and [*Unbreakable*](https://film.one/film/unbreakable) (2000, Fi1m 81): Shyamalan’s quiet origin story, where discovering the gift is the whole film. ### Reviews we read (21) - **Total Film**, Kevin Harley (5/5): Harley gives the film an enthusiastic verdict, calling it an inventive, satisfying challenge to superhero conventions. He especially praises the energized found-footage approach and its thrilling climax. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/chronicle-1-review/) - **Empire**, Mark Dinning (90/100, inferred): Dinning finds the film fresh, exciting and memorable, calling it an essential leftfield experience. He especially praises its spectacular climax and the director’s astonishing set-pieces, while noting that the teenagers’ delayed temptation to abuse their powers strains credulity. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/chronicle-review/) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (90/100, inferred): Bradshaw calls the film crackingly good and says it refreshes the lonely-superpowered-guy story. He particularly praises its confident pacing and the way the floating camera turns found-footage limitations into inventive out-of-body scenes. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/feb/02/chronicle-film-review) - **The New Yorker**, Richard Brody (90/100, inferred): Brody finds the film a nearly unmitigated delight, despite a slow start and its ominous turn. He praises its exhilarating airborne camerawork and its psychologically resonant portrayal of a frustrated intellectual’s growing violence. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/culture/richard-brody/chronicle-teens-and-their-pepys) - **The AV Club**, Scott Tobias (B+): Tobias finds the film a remarkably effective, grounded take on a dark superhero story. He praises how its found-footage approach makes supernatural events feel human, while noting the contrivances required to keep every moment on camera. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/chronicle-1798171381) - **Little White Lies**, Adam Woodward (2/4/3): The review finds the film inventive and energetic, though ultimately more novelty than lasting achievement. It praises the smooth, headache-free camera work and the leads’ charisma, while criticizing the saccharine ending. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/chronicle) - **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (80/100, inferred): Ebiri finds Chronicle an effective, unusually grounded take on superpowers and adolescent temptation. He singles out its provincial focus and Andrew’s wish-fulfillment revenge as the film’s strongest elements. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2012/02/chronicle-movie-review.html) - **Los Angeles Times**, Betsy Sharkey (70/100, inferred): Sharkey finds the film smart and fresher than its found-footage premise suggests, though it becomes rough and somewhat off the rails near the end. She especially praises the inventive framing and the lead actor’s energetic portrayal of teen repression and rage. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-xpm-2012-feb-03-la-et-chronicle-20120203-story.html) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Todd McCarthy (70/100, inferred): McCarthy finds the film clever and better than average, though its final stretch undermines its impact. He praises the seamless effects, especially the trio’s exuberant flight through the clouds. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/chronicle-film-review-286829/) - **Variety**, Peter Debruge (70/100, inferred): Debruge finds the film a clever, plausible take on found footage and a chilling story about bullying. He praises its inventive visual approach, while noting that Andrew’s arc limits the other characters and the story’s scope. [Read](https://variety.com/2012/film/reviews/chronicle-1117946985/) - **Screen Daily**, Brent Simon (64/100, inferred): The page identifies this as a review, but its text is hidden behind a registration prompt. The critic’s verdict and any specific praise or complaint are not available. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/chronicle/5037331.article) - **Time Out**, Cath Clarke (3/5): The printed three-star rating indicates a mixed verdict. The review questions the familiar found-footage setup while focusing on schoolkids in Seattle with superpowers. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/chronicle) - **Evening Standard** (55/100, inferred): The critic finds the film fun, though it falls short of comparable found-footage films and does not quite earn its franchise potential. They single out the shy, camera-obsessed boy’s early use of his powers as particularly effective. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/chronicle-review-7439758.html) - **Slant Magazine**, Andrew Schenker (2/4): Schenker finds the film a stale morality play that ultimately fails to deliver enough genre thrills. He praises the exhilarating flight and urban-destruction sequences, while criticizing the film’s overfamiliar ideas and its sympathetic framing of Andrew’s violence. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/chronicle/) - **Den of Geek**, Ryan Lambie (5/5): Lambie gives the film an enthusiastic endorsement, calling it a must-see and praising its intelligent, character-led storytelling. He especially singles out the inventive use of cameras as an integral part of the film’s storytelling. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/chronicle-review/) - **NME**, Owen Nicholls (90/100, inferred): The critic strongly recommends the film, praising its balance of character development and inventive superhero spectacle. They single out Michael B. Jordan’s charismatic performance and the affecting relationship between Steve and Andrew. [Read](https://www.nme.com/blogs/the-movies-blog/chronicle-film-review-779416) - **Eye for Film**, David Graham (85/100, inferred): Graham finds the film an immensely enjoyable, engrossing take on familiar themes, praising its direction, script, and performances. He especially singles out Dane DeHaan’s nuanced portrayal of Andrew, while noting that the coda disappoints and women have marginal roles. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/chronicle-film-review-by-david-graham) - **/Film**, Russ Fischer (8/10): Fischer finds the film compelling and worth seeing, despite some doubts about the realism of its effects and the pace of one character’s downfall. He praises how the found-footage style creates expressive camera movement and sustains the story’s emotional highs and lows without a score. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/518898/chronicle-review-superpowered-teenage-riot/) - **Digital Spy**, Mayer Nissim (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the film an engaging, distinctive debut whose unlikely mix of realism and superhero spectacle works. They especially praise Dane DeHaan’s convincing performance and the naturalistic acting that makes the fantastical story feel possible. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a362462/chronicle-review/) - **Paste**, Shannon M. Houston (7.2): Houston finds the film uneven: its character-focused approach has promise, but clichés and an unconvincing transformation weaken it. She praises the cast, especially the trio’s enjoyable ensemble dynamic, while noting that the performances outshine the script. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/chronicle) - **The Playlist** (64/100, inferred): The page is blocked, so the critic’s verdict cannot be determined. No specific praise or complaint can be verified from the available text. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/review-teens-superpowers-are-a-volatile-mix-in-refreshing-clever-chronicle-20120202/) ## Details - **Director:** Josh Trank - **Director:** Josh Trank - **Screenplay:** Max Landis - **Story:** Max Landis, Josh Trank - **Cinematography:** Matthew Jensen - **Editor:** Elliot Greenberg - **Music:** Youssef Guezoum - **Production design:** Stephen Altman - **Costume design:** Dianna Cilliers - **Producer:** John Davis, Adam Schroeder - **Cast:** Dane DeHaan as Andrew Detmer; Alex Russell as Matt Garetty; Michael B. Jordan as Steve Montgomery; Michael Kelly as Richard Detmer; Ashley Hinshaw as Casey Letter; Bo Petersen as Karen Detmer; Anna Wood as Monica; Rudi Malcolm as Wayne - **Runtime:** 1h 24m - **First release (France):** 28 January 2012 - **Genres:** Science Fiction, Drama, Thriller - **Budget:** $15 million - **Box office:** $145 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQ9XG-j4kvU ## Where to watch in Saudi Arabia Not streaming, renting or buying in Saudi Arabia at the last check. Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *Carrie* (1976), Fi1m 86: The bullied teenager with telekinesis, done first and with a prom to end it — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/carrie.md) - *Akira* (1988), Fi1m 83: A boy’s power outgrows him and takes a city with it; Trank plainly watched this — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/akira.md) - *Unbreakable* (2000), Fi1m 81: Shyamalan’s quiet origin story, where discovering the gift is the whole film — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/unbreakable.md) - *Attack the Block* (2011), Fi1m 84: South London teenagers meet something from the sky and handle it their own way — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/attack-the-block.md) - *Let the Right One In* (2008), Fi1m 88: A bullied boy, a strange new friend, and snow; the gentlest horror film about revenge — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/let-the-right-one-in.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/chronicle