Chronicle

Chronicle

Year: 2012

Runtime: 84 min

Language: English

Director: Josh Trank

ActionSci-FiDramaThrillerHorror

After discovering a strange object, three friends gain telekinetic abilities. Initially using their powers for fun and personal gain, they soon find themselves dealing with increasingly complex and dangerous situations. As their abilities grow, so do the risks, and the group must confront the consequences of their newfound powers and the potential for them to be misused, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful exploration of adolescence and responsibility.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Chronicle yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Chronicle (2012) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Chronicle (2012), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Seattle high school student Andrew Detmer (Dane DeHaan) begins documenting his life on video. At home, his mother Karen (played by Bo Petersen) battles terminal cancer, while his father Richard (Michael Kelly) struggles with alcoholism and subjects Andrew to constant abuse. At school, Andrew is an outsider and faces regular bullying.

In an effort to connect with others, Andrew’s cousin Matt (Alex Russell) invites him to a rave. However, Andrew’s attempt to film the event results in a confrontation, leaving him feeling disheartened. Outside, he is approached by Steve (Michael B. Jordan), the popular quarterback, who encourages him to join Matt in investigating a curious site in the woods—a peculiar hole that produces strange noises. Inside the hole, they discover a mysterious, glowing blue crystal. As Andrew records, the crystal turns red, causing them immense pain and unsettling nosebleeds. The camera abruptly shuts off.

A few weeks later, Andrew films himself, Matt, and Steve revealing their newfound telekinetic abilities, which enable them to move objects with their minds—though excessive use results in painful nosebleeds. When they revisit the site, it’s been sealed off due to safety concerns. As their powers intensify, Matt speculates that they’re like muscles that grow stronger with usage. The trio forms a close bond, using their talents for harmless pranks. However, after Andrew recklessly pushes a rude driver into a river as a prank, Matt insists they limit their powers, particularly against other beings.

Realizing they can also fly, the boys are exhilarated, dreaming of global adventures post-graduation, including Andrew’s desire to visit Tibet for its serenity. Tension rises as Matt and Steve criticize Andrew’s reckless behavior, but he remains unrepentant. Encouraged by Steve, Andrew participates in the school talent show, impressing classmates with a facade of magic tricks. That evening, he becomes the star at a party, but after a disastrous encounter with a classmate named Monica (Anna Wood), who he accidentally vomits on, his initial excitement turns to embarrassment.

As Andrew becomes increasingly isolated and aggressive—especially following an altercation with his father—his emotional turmoil leads to explosive outbursts that injure both Matt and Steve. Tragedy strikes when Steve attempts to console an enraged Andrew during a storm, only to be fatally struck by lightning. At Steve’s funeral, tension mounts as Matt confronts Andrew over the incident. Andrew denies any wrongdoing but privately grieves at Steve’s grave.

With his friendships fractured, Andrew further spirals into darkness, lashing out at bullies and rationalizing his violent actions. After his mother’s passing and a series of criminal activities to support her medication, Andrew’s reckless behavior culminates in a devastating explosion at a gas station that leaves him hospitalized and under investigation. Awakening to his father’s rage, Andrew uses his abilities to escape and is soon found floating outside the hospital, wreaking havoc in a fit of rage.

Matt’s concern grows as he senses Andrew’s distress and learns of the explosion. Rushing to the scene, he finds Andrew unleashed, with their confrontation escalating into chaos across the city. In a tragic turn of events, Matt is forced to take drastic measures to stop Andrew, ultimately killing him.

In the aftermath, Matt takes to the skies, landing in Tibet with Andrew’s camera. Looking into the lens, Matt addresses Andrew, pledging to use his powers for good and to uncover the truth behind their strange origins. As he captures the serene view of a Tibetan monastery, he softly states, > “You made it,” before taking flight, leaving the camera to record the peaceful landscape behind.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 22:53

Unlock the Full Story of Chronicle

Don't stop at just watching — explore Chronicle in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Chronicle is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Chronicle Timeline

Track the full timeline of Chronicle with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Chronicle Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Chronicle

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Chronicle. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Chronicle

More About Chronicle

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Chronicle: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Chronicle

Similar Movies to Chronicle

Discover movies like Chronicle that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.