By LAURA M. SIMONELLI
Contributing Writer
Directed by Josh Trank, and written by Max Landis, Chronicle is delves into the curiosities of being human, questioning the benefits and the repercussions of some of those very wonders. If you have ever considered what could be done with one such ability or another, be it telekinesis, or invisibility, Chronicle is a definite must-see. Chronicle has the ability to make you ponder your values, the nature of those you surround yourself with, and the essence of your own being.
Taking us on the journey of three high school boys Andrew Detmer, Matt Garetty, and Steve Montgomery, the film’s title derives from Andrew “chronicling” the events before, during, and after their gain of telekinetic abilities with a camcorder he carries everywhere. Two of the main characters contrast drastically: Andrew is a shy, unsocial teen in an abusive home, and his cousin Matt is popular among his peers. The two boys, along with Matt’s friend Steve literally stumble into what becomes the beginning of their tale one fateful night at a rave.
After their night of debauchery, the three soon learn they have somehow acquired telekinetic abilities. At first, the power they acquired seems harmless, as are the acts they perform with it. Naturally, they trifled with the telekinesis, floating simple objects and playing pranks on strangers. The more they practiced, the stronger the power became. Despite the initial harmless appearance of this new skill, it soon became clear it was dangerous when the power was pushed too far.
As violent nature of the telekinesis became apparent, rules were put into place. They included: never use the power on a living thing; keep it quiet and secret; never use it when in public; and to never, under any circumstances, use it when one was angry.
After these rules were put into place, all was calm and well for a time, until eventually the strength of the mysterious power reared its ugly head in a way none had been able to expect. This results in tragic death that sets the tone for the remainder of the film.
In a cross between first person and third person film style, and a somewhat narrative nature, Chronicle is mind-bending, and, at times, heart-wrenching film. The acting and portrayal of the main characters was much better than what was to be expected from watching the trailers. The display of personality for most all main and supporting characters was fantastic. The acting did not make you question for even a moment the nature of a character, as it was crystal clear they were who they were intended to be.
Dane DeHaan as Andrew Detmer made it obvious his character was an introvert, as intended by the writer. His character’s reactions (or lack thereof) were all clear and purposefully presented. The same applies to the actors portraying Matt and Steve. Alex Russell as Matt Garetty was spot-on showing us the various facets of Matt’s personality.
The excitement of the telekinesis, the suspicion he came to acquire, and the fear and sadness he ultimately faced were never over the top, nor less than what you would expect in his situation.
Michael B. Jordan, as Steve Montgomery did not have as big on an impact, personality-wise initially. Though he was a main character, the fact that most of the film surrounded Andrew and his trials and tribulations as Matt watched over him, Steve fell to the background for a short while, eventually displaying his imperative presence in the film.
Chronicle was a grand film, and the trailer did not do it justice. The rollercoaster of happiness, sadness and loss, forgiveness, temptation of power, and ugliness of anger were vividly presented.
This film is a must see, pulling you in from the very first scene, and leaving you glued to your seat even after the credits begin to roll. What would you do with such power? Would you use it, trust yourself with it? Would you fear it? Do you think power, in the hands of fragile minded or bitter persons, could become a terrible wrath?
