What Is Chronicle About?
The premise of Chronicle in 344 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the gray‑toned suburbs of Seattle, a generation of restless teens seeks meaning beyond the ordinary rhythm of school, parties, and family expectations. The world feels simultaneously mundane and charged with the promise of something unseen, a place where whispered rumors of a mysterious glowing stone echo through the woods and linger in the back of every hallway. The film’s visual style leans into handheld documentary footage, giving the audience a raw, intimate glimpse into the lives of its youthful protagonists while hinting at a larger, unsettled mystery humming just beneath the surface.
Andrew Detmer records his daily struggles with a camera, chronicling a home life shadowed by a terminally ill mother and an abusive, alcoholic father. An outsider at school, he navigates bullying and isolation with a quiet intensity that makes his yearning for connection palpable. Across the street, his cousin Matt offers a glimpse of camaraderie and an escape from the ordinary, while the star quarterback Steve embodies the charisma and confidence that Andrew both envies and desires. Together, they form a fragile bond that feels both inevitable and precarious, each aware that their differences might be the key to something greater.
When the trio stumbles upon an enigmatic, humming crystal hidden in the woods, a sudden spark of the extraordinary ignites. The object bestows them with a subtle, mind‑bending power that initially feels like a playful extension of teenage imagination—moving objects, bending the rules of physics, even glimpsing the thrill of flight. Their newfound abilities quickly become a secret language, a shared experiment that deepens their friendship while also sowing the seeds of curiosity about what limits, if any, they truly possess.
As the powers grow, so does the sense of unease. The film balances moments of exuberant discovery with an undercurrent of looming responsibility, exploring how young people grapple with impulses that could reshape their world. The tone shifts between the bright, kinetic energy of youthful rebellion and a more contemplative, suspenseful atmosphere that asks what happens when limitless potential collides with the fragile, often painful reality of growing up.
What Happens in Chronicle?
The complete story of Chronicle, from the first scene to the last, in 583 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
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.
Chronicle Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Introduction to Andrew's Life” to “A Promise to Andrew”. 11 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Introduction to Andrew's Life
Andrew Detmer, a high school student in Seattle, begins documenting his life through video recordings. His home life is challenging, as he deals with his mother's terminal cancer and his father's alcoholism, which subjects him to constant emotional abuse.
Where:Seattle
- 2
Invitation to the Rave
In an effort to find a sense of belonging, Andrew's cousin Matt invites him to attend a rave. Despite his hopes for connection, the event ends poorly, and Andrew is left feeling disheartened after filming the chaotic scene and facing confrontations from others.
- 3
Discovery of the Crystal
While outside after the rave, Andrew meets Steve, the popular quarterback, who encourages him to explore a mysterious hole in the woods. Inside, they uncover a glowing blue crystal that reacts to their presence, inflicting pain and causing alarming nosebleeds.
Where:Woods
- 4
Emergence of Telekinetic Powers
A few weeks later, Andrew and his friends demonstrate their newfound telekinetic abilities, moving objects with their minds. They quickly realize that using these powers excessively leads to painful consequences, like nosebleeds, but the thrill draws them closer together.
- 5
Sealing of the Hole
Upon returning to the site of their discovery, the trio finds it sealed off due to safety concerns. Matt theorizes that their powers are like muscles, growing stronger with use, which leads them to engage in harmless pranks to test their limits.
Where:Woods
- 6
Flight and Aspirations
As their powers evolve, the boys discover they can fly, igniting dreams of adventure after graduation. Andrew expresses a desire to visit Tibet, a place he believes embodies tranquility, while the dynamics among the friends begin to shift with growing tensions.
Where:Tibet
- 7
School Talent Show
Encouraged by Steve, Andrew participates in a school talent show, where he presents an impressive array of magic tricks. His moment in the spotlight comes crashing down shortly after when he suffers an embarrassing incident involving a classmate, Monica.
Where:School
- 8
Emotional Downward Spiral
Andrew's emotional state deteriorates following a violent confrontation with his abusive father. His increasing aggression escalates into dangerous outbursts that injure both Matt and Steve, revealing a fracture in their friendship.
- 9
Tragedy Strikes
During a fierce storm, tragedy unfolds when Steve tries to calm an irate Andrew but is struck fatally by lightning. This catastrophic event sends Andrew into further emotional chaos, leading to a confrontation at Steve's funeral where tensions rise between the remaining friends.
Where:Funeral
- 10
Escalation of Violence
With their friendship hanging by a thread, Andrew spirals deeper into darkness after his mother's death. His reckless actions lead to a gas station explosion, resulting in severe injuries and legal complications, as he struggles to cope with his grief and power.
Where:Gas Station
Show the other 5 events of Chronicle Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Confrontation and Fury
After being hospitalized, Andrew awakens to his father's wrath, prompting him to utilize his abilities to break free. He is soon seen floating outside the hospital, unleashing his fury across the city as he struggles with his mounting rage and sense of loss.
Where:Hospital
- 12
Matt's Desperation
Concerned for Andrew and evaluating the chaos caused by his powers, Matt rushes to confront him in the midst of mayhem. Their encounter spirals out of control, leading Matt to realize that he must make a grave decision for the sake of safety.
Where:City
- 13
Tragic Conclusion
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Matt is left with no choice but to kill Andrew during their confrontation. This act of desperation marks a tragic end to their friendship and leads to profound feelings of guilt and sorrow for Matt.
- 14
Journey to Tibet
Following the chaos, Matt finds solace by journeying to Tibet, carrying Andrew's camera as a remembrance. Upon arrival, he reflects on their experiences while addressing Andrew through the lens, vowing to channel their powers for good in honor of their friendship.
Where:Tibet
- 15
A Promise to Andrew
As Matt gazes at the serene Tibetan landscape, he makes a heartfelt promise to Andrew, affirming his commitment to uncover the truth behind their abilities. The final scene captures Matt softly stating, 'You made it,' symbolizing hope amidst tragedy.
Where:Tibetan Monastery
Who Are the Main Characters in Chronicle?
3 characters, among them Andrew Detmer (Dane DeHaan), Matt Garetty (Alex Russell) and Steve Montgomery (Michael B. Jordan): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Andrew Detmer (Dane DeHaan)
Played by Dane DeHaan
Andrew is a troubled teenager dealing with a tumultuous home life, facing abuse from his father and the pain of his mother's illness. His journey from an isolated outsider to someone with incredible powers serves as a metaphor for exploring inner turmoil and the struggle for connection.
- 📹 Videographer
- 😞 Outcast
- 🔥 Reckless
-
Matt Garetty (Alex Russell)
Played by Alex Russell
Matt is Andrew's supportive cousin who tries to encourage him to embrace his powers responsibly. He finds himself torn between loyalty to Andrew and the need to stop his destructive behavior, embodying the theme of friendship and the impact of difficult choices.
- 🤝 Supportive
- 💔 Torn
- ⚖️ Balancer
-
Steve Montgomery (Michael B. Jordan)
Played by Michael B. Jordan
Steve is the charismatic quarterback who befriends Andrew, embodying the ideal of a popular high school student. His tragic fate acts as a catalyst for Andrew's descent into madness, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and the fragility of life.
- 🏈 Popular
- 🌟 Charismatic
- 😔 Tragic
Where and When Is Chronicle Set?
Chronicle is set in Seattle and Tibet. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie explores contemporary themes of adolescence, empowerment, and emotional struggles in a modern-day setting. The characters experience significant personal growth and challenges in a society marked by technology and social media influence.
Where
Seattle, Tibet
Seattle is a bustling city known for its iconic skyline featuring the Space Needle and a vibrant tech scene. It's a place where the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest meets urban life. In contrast, Tibet is renowned for its breathtaking mountainous landscapes and rich spiritual heritage, making it a serene destination for those seeking peace and introspection.
- 🏙️ City
- 🏔️ Serenity
What Are the Themes of Chronicle?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Isolation, Power and Responsibility and Tragedy.
-
01
Isolation
The theme of isolation is profoundly depicted through Andrew's struggles with bullying, family issues, and emotional turmoil. His growing powers initially create a bond with his friends but gradually push them away, leading to a tragic spiral into solitude and violence.
-
02
Power and Responsibility
Chronicle delves into the concept of power and its consequences. As the boys gain telekinetic abilities, they oscillate between using their powers for fun and grappling with the responsibility that comes with such strength, ultimately leading to devastating results.
-
03
Tragedy
A significant tragedy unfolds as friendships are tested by impulsive actions and emotional crises. The loss of Steve after a confrontation with Andrew marks a turning point, emphasizing the ripple effect of personal pain and the resulting consequences on those left behind.
What Kind of Film Is Chronicle?
Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A tense and dark found-footage thriller that charts a rapid descent from teenage wonder into tragedy, exploring the burden of immense power against a backdrop of domestic strife and bullying.
- tense
- anxious
- angsty
- isolated
- tragic
- unsettling
- superpowers
- coming of age
- friendship
- loss of control
Content notes: domestic abuse, bullying, terminal illness, death of a friend, escalating violence, alcoholism.
Quiz
How well do you remember Chronicle? Test yourself on the story.
