Divergent is the much-anticipated first movie in what projects to be the next huge successful franchise in the young adult film market.
Much like the young adult fiction upon which they are based, young adult films appear to be making a resurgence (and a killing at the box office). Thankfully, for anyone who is set to accompany a young person to see Divergent, a quality film awaits.
Divergent is set in a futuristic, post-war Chicago, where all the people have been divided into factions to ensure harmony is maintained. Each of the factions has a role, and their members are selected based on their own desire to serve the faction’s purpose.
When a child becomes an adult, they must choose their faction (which is considered a tie and loyalty greater than blood). This decision is assisted by a strange test, which involves in ingesting a serum to reveal their natural association.
Beatrice (Shailene Woodley) has never felt at home in her faction, Abnegation, but struggles with the thought of leaving behind the ones she loves to pursue the excitement and adventure she is drawn to in the faction of Dauntless.
In her selected faction, Beatrice will face many life-threatening challenges. The greatest challenge, however, will be concealing the truth about who she really is.
Regardless of the reviews, there’s little doubt that teenagers will swarm to see Divergent. And they should. Despite its lightly juvenile tone, it’s a well-made film with interesting characters and plot.
There’s lot of action, a wickedly cold performance by Kate Winslet, and a strong young female lead in the talented Shailene Woodley (who first made her mark in The Descendents).
I’m unable to comment on how it compares to the Veronica Roth novels, but no doubt it will be a welcome new series for young people to embrace.
Directed by: Neil Burger
Starring: Shailene Woodley, Kate Winslet, Theo James
Rating: M
Runtime: 140mins
Release Date: April 10
Reviewer rating: 3.5/5