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.
