Stunning Sci-Fi Thriller Puts a Refreshing Spin on a Tired Trope

Written by Robert Scucci | Published 26 seconds ago

My favorite kind of movie is the kind where not a single line of dialogue is given in explanatory notes, and in 2012. Histories is a shining example of the power of showing more than telling. A superhero type origin story, Histories tells a simple story about high school students gifted with mystical powers, and gives us a front-row seat to their exploration and exploitation of said powers. It is important to note, however, that we are not dealing with traditional heroism here, but rather with ordinary, everyday life, and how it is completely removed when such power is present in a situation where it is not needed.

A warning about teenage hubris, Histories it exposes the danger of flying too close to the sun, and makes it painfully clear how dangerous things can be when superhuman powers are given to emotionally unstable youth.

Andrew’s Icarus Arc

Histories it tells a simple story set in the real world, but filtered through a heroic mindset. It all starts when Andrew Detmer (Dane DeHaan) decides to start documenting his life with a portable video camera. Constantly urged by his cousin Matt (Alex Russell) to break out of his shell, Andrew goes to a party where he meets Steve Montgomery (Michael B. Jordan), the most popular kid in the group.

The three get separated from the party after Steve discovers an unknown hole in the woods that he wants to explore. Underground, they find a cluster of glowing crystals that react violently when touched, unaware that the fusion has given them telekinetic powers and enhanced powers.

Back home, Andrew must deal with his violent and alcoholic father, Richard (Michael Kelly), and his terminally ill mother, Karen (Bo Petersen). However, at school and on the streets, Andrew, Matt, and Steve begin to adjust their powers. They soon realize that the more they train, the stronger they become. What starts out as childish games, like moving cars parked so their owners won’t find them or pulling out party tricks, slowly turns into reckless behavior for Andrew as he begins to use his abilities to harm others.

While Matt and Steve hold back and guard to avoid detection, Andrew heads down a much darker path, pushing his powers to the limit. He’s always been an outcast with a miserable home life, and when that emotional damage is paired with the ability to manipulate objects, fly, and fight brutally, it’s only a matter of time before things end for good. As Andrew’s life spirals out of control at both home and school, he channels his rage into his own power, becoming a destructive force that cannot be contained or defeated.

Shot on a shoestring budget of $15 million, Histories it’s more visually impressive than it has any right to be. At its core, it’s a story about boys being boys, but in this context that means flying through the sky, smashing cars, and making things float with terrifying ease. The beauty of the characters allows the visual effects to come together seamlessly, something that might not have translated and used conventional filmmaking techniques.

The found footage method also enables some really clever camera tricks that expand the scope of the film. Andrew often lets the camera float and follow him, allowing the movie to move between first-person and observational in a way that feels natural rather than forced. It’s a smart workaround that provides Histories a visual freedom that most mainstream films never attempt.

A Perfect Twist for a Tired Type

Coming in at just 83 minutes, Histories it’s an easy watch, not just because of its solid timing, but because every actor brings their A-game. Dane DeHaan’s portrayal of a shy teenager who slowly transforms into a complete monster feels disturbingly believable, while Michael B. Jordan’s closeness to his love provides the perfect balance. Alex Russell bridges the gap between these feuding personalities, setting the story as the tension heats up.

The early sequences, where the three are just messing around and testing the limits of their powers, work so well because they feel like the kids are sneaking in to do something they know they shouldn’t. That feeling of freedom makes failure hit harder when everything finally falls apart.

If you’re looking for a fun twist on the superhero genre that still carries real emotional weight, Histories remains one of the smartest curveballs of the 2010s, and you can stream it now on Max.