On the surface, "Chronicle" appears to be a simple tale of three teenagers navigating the consequences of having god-like powers. However, upon closer inspection, the film reveals itself to be a nuanced exploration of the human condition, probing the complexities of adolescence, power, and accountability. The movie's use of found footage, shot primarily through a handheld camera, adds to the sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the viewer into the world of the characters.
The story follows three Seattle high school seniors: , a socially awkward, abused teen who uses his father's camcorder to document his miserable life; his popular cousin Matt , who tries to look out for him; and charismatic, confident Steve , who is running for class president.
The story follows three high school students— (Dane DeHaan), his cousin Matt Garetty (Alex Russell), and the popular Steve Montgomery (Michael B. Jordan)—who discover a mysterious crystalline object in a sinkhole. Soon after, they develop telekinetic abilities that grow stronger the more they use them.