Chronicle

Chronicle is a gripping science fiction thriller film directed by Josh Trank, released in 2012. The movie takes us on a thrilling journey of three high school students who stumble upon an incredible discovery that leads them to develop extraordinary powers beyond their comprehension. The film follows the story of three misfit friends - Andrew Detmer (Dane DeHaan), Matt Garetty (Alex Russell), and Steve Montgomery (Michael B. Jordan) - who have just started their freshman year in high school. Andrew, the angst-ridden outcast, is constantly bullied and intimidated by his older brother, Steve, and frustrated with his parents' neglect and lack of understanding. Matt is the star athlete and the heir to the school's football team, who is also bullied by the strict and cruel coach. Steve is the charismatic and confident popular kid who seems to have it all. The story takes a dramatic turn when Matt discovers an alien artifact while on an expedition with Steve. As soon as Matt touches the object, he experiences an incredible surge of energy, transforming him into a being with telekinetic and superhuman strength. However, Matt's excitement is short-lived as the newfound abilities rapidly escalate out of control, and things take a dark turn. As Matt experiments with his new powers, he struggles to control them, committing acts of vandalism and destruction that put him in immense danger. Meanwhile, Andrew is left watching the spectacle with extreme curiosity. Sensing an opportunity to gain power and revenge on those who have wronged him, Andrew eventually stumbles upon the same object and comes into contact with it. This unfortunate encounter unwittingly sets him on a similar path of developing extreme powers beyond his comprehension. The tension between the friends escalates as both Andrew and Matt compete to prove whose power is superior. Their endless pranks and reckless behavior cause destruction and chaos throughout their community. Steve, who initially thought he was better off without his alien-fueled friends, becomes increasingly worried about the potential consequences of their actions. However, instead of intervening and putting a stop to his friends' antics, Steve is drawn in by the endless possibility and escapism that the powers bring. As the events spiral out of control, the once-quiet high school setting is terrorized by the destructive feats of the 'gifted duo'. Andrew's use of his powers is accompanied by an air of paranoia, causing him to question his own sanity and sense of reality. His obsessive behavior with the powers and his jealousy and disdain for Matt's leadership take a toll on their fragile friendship. The dark consequences of their actions send shockwaves through the family and friends of the students. With death, destruction, and desperation looming over them, the question that looms large is whether the four characters can reconcile their fragile relationships or succumb to their demons. Chronicle delves into the chaos and turmoil that often accompanies unchecked power and the long-term consequences of obsession. Trank weaves a gripping narrative that not only pits rivalry, friendship, and family against each other but also against the ever-looming abyss of power's darker side. Throughout the climactic ending, the gripping chase continues, carrying the audience through heart-stopping leaps of intensity as the powers continue to wreak havoc. Ultimately, it leaves us pondering the true nature of power, its true price, and the desperation that usually comes with an uncontrolled amount of power.