Chronicle
Directed by Josh Trank7.085%72%6.8
Three high school friends gain superpowers after making an incredible discovery underground. Soon they find their lives spinning out of control and their bond tested as they embrace their darker sides.
Where to Watch Chronicle
Chronicle Ratings & Reviews
- jackmeatNovember 8, 2025My quick rating - 6.9/10. Barely missing the 7 mark, and only because the camera sometimes forgets it’s supposed to help us see things. Chronicle takes the overused “teens get superpowers” setup and actually makes it feel fresh. So, suspend disbelief, grab your Dramamine, and dive in. Three high school buddies accidentally acquire telekinetic powers after poking around a glowing hole in the ground (always a great idea). At first, they’re just doing what any of us would—playing pranks, moving Legos with their minds, and recording everything on what must’ve been the busiest camcorder in Seattle. But soon, the fun turns darker as one of them starts to crack under the weight of, well, being a hormonal teenager with godlike powers. What makes Chronicle stand out is how it grounds its story. It’s not about saving the world—it’s about what happens when power amplifies insecurity, anger, and isolation. The whole thing feels uncomfortably real at times, like if Carrie met The Blair Witch Project but with better special effects and fewer people terrified of trees. Speaking of effects, they’re seriously impressive. The way the visual trickery blends into the found-footage style is seamless—so much so that it kind of sets a new bar for the genre. The flying scenes, the chaos, the destruction—it all feels immediate and raw. You believe these kids are actually doing this stuff, and that’s a credit to both the effects team and the actors, who sell the transformation from goofy teens to tragic figures with surprising depth. The pacing is near perfect; the 90 minutes fly by and build toward an emotional and inevitable finale that’s both thrilling and sad. If it weren’t for the occasional moment where you’re squinting at the screen, wondering who’s holding the camera—or which way is up—this would easily have broken into the 7s. I read some people even got motion sick in theaters, and honestly, I can see why. Still, Chronicle is one of the rare found-footage films that actually justifies its style. It’s bold, tight, and way more thoughtful than it has any right to be. This is the kind of movie that reminds you how good the format can be when someone actually puts effort into it. So fire up your streamer of choice, dim the lights, and enjoy the ride—just maybe keep a barf bag nearby. And ladies, if the rumored sequel ever materializes, I’m there day one.
- JakeAugust 27, 2025holy shit still holds up - 2025
- buford fernsbyApril 15, 2025One of my favorite movies conceptually. RIP to all those innocent ppl but if I was there it woulda been handled fr.
- HakihikoMarch 14, 2025A Fresh Take on the Superhero Genre "Chronicle" is a gripping and unconventional found-footage film that brings a unique perspective to the superhero genre. Unlike traditional action-packed blockbusters, it focuses on realism, exploring how extraordinary abilities could impact human nature, emotions, and relationships. The movie stands out for its creative cinematography, using the found-footage style in a way that feels natural and immersive rather than gimmicky. The special effects are impressive, especially given the film's budget, and they enhance the experience without overshadowing the story. Performances from the lead actors feel genuine, adding depth to the characters and making their journey compelling. One of the strongest aspects of "Chronicle" is its ability to blend different tones-starting with a sense of excitement and wonder before shifting into deeper, more intense territory. While the pacing is mostly strong, some elements could have been explored further, and the final act leans toward a more conventional approach compared to the rest of the film. Overall, "Chronicle" is a refreshing and thought-provoking take on the superhero concept. It's an engaging watch that offers a mix of action, emotion, and originality, making it a solid choice for fans of sci-fi and character-driven storytelling.
- Eric CharlesFebruary 21, 2025Hadn't seen this since it came out, and I remembered the broad strokes (found footage take on a fairly grounded "superhero" story) but had forgotten the intricacies. That it's centered on a bullied kid with an abusive father, balanced by his philosophy reading cousin and a popular boy with a good heart, makes clear sense of why there's always a camera on and... well... a lot of teenage behavior. If anything, its failing is that it's a little too obvious and over-explained, but not so much that it would ruin what is otherwise a really solid little movie. It cherry-picks its references (too many to count, but a certain anime springs immediately to mind) but it still stands near the front of the pack of "powers, but not comic book heroes" movies that the post-Marvel success propagated in the early 2010s
