Chronicle (2012)

User Review

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  TheMovieDiorama

  7 / 10

  Chronicle manages to utilise the "found footage" technique to create an effective teen sci-fi. It dabbles into various genres during its short runtime. Sci-fi, high school drama, thriller and even the superhero sub-genre. Surprisingly, despite the meaty contents, they all blend well. A small group of students stumble across a peculiar underground rock. They progressively start to realise they have acquired unique abilities and use them to their advantage, despite the consequences. At the centre of all the crazy happenings is Andrew, a troubled boy who lives a difficult life. His is unpopular at school, abused at home by his alcoholic father and is having to care for his ill mother. It details the effects of emotional trauma and how it can effect someone mentally. Andrew's troubled life has lead him to feel pure anger and hatred. We then view the positives and negatives of using telekinetic powers for one's own desire, falsifying a sense of popularity only for it to then come crashing down. It's a personal story, all captured on Andrew's camera, told through his perspective. The endearing aspect to this film is the chemistry between the three lead characters. They explore their powers together and form a close friendship, I found them to be relatable and incredibly lifelike. Dane DeHaan steals the film and portrays his character's development with ease. Also him saying "I'm feeling really spelunked out actually" just feels...satisfying. I don't know, I'm weird like that. Josh Trank's direction was solid where he really positioned the camera in inventive ways, particularly during the flying scenes. The low budget does unfortunately show during those scenes and the effects during the destructive third act detracted from the quality of the film. Also how they found the underground cavern to begin with felt coincidental and far too rushed. However, Chronicle is one of the better "found footage" films that genre enthusiasts will love. And if there is one thing it's taught me, never mess with an apex predator.

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