Review: ‘Divergent’ falls short introducing trilogy

The Hunger Games and Twilight have definitely set the bar, either for  better or worse for younger adult audiences in recent years.

Divergent is a 2014 American science fiction action film released on March 21, 2014 directed by Neil Burger and produced in collaboration with Summit and Red Wagon Entertainment. The film stars The Descendant’s Shailene Woodley and Underworld’s Theo James in the lead roles of “Tris” Prior and Four as the two try to cope with being individuals in a dystopian post-apocalyptic Chicago.

After a quick display of neatly designed graphics, the film opens with 16-year old Beatrice Prior, played by Woodley, living in a newly rebuilt society where five factions based on personality-types, Abnegation – selflessness, Amity – peacefulness, Candor – truthfulness, Erudite – intelligence and Dauntless – braveness to keep the peace.

On the day of her test to determine which faction she will transfer to, Beatrice’s proctor informs her that she is a “divergent,” one who has several attributes, and that she should keep her results secret. Because the government cannot control her thinking, she is thought to be a “threat” to society.

Divergent is based on the book of the same name by American novelist Veronica Roth, published by HarperCollins Children’s Books in 2011. Just like the book, Divergent explores themes similar to other young adult works such as The Hunger Games. The film deals with themes such as the transition from childhood to maturity and blindly following authority. Unlike most modern movie adaptations, the film primarily stays true to the novel and only cuts or rearranges several scenes during the near the two-hour runtime.

One of the positive aspects of the film is the wonderful performance of the rising-star cast. The two leads are excellent in breathing  life into an otherwise average script. When first introduced to each other, it is obvious that something will change to bridge the divide between both Tris and Four, played by James.

During one scene near the climax of the film after the two have experienced the other’s fears, Four shows Tris a tattoo on his back, showing her that despite his aloof attitude, he wants to be more than just one faction. He wants to be brave, selfless and intelligent to protect those he cares for.

Another enjoyable aspect was the cunning use of visuals and the aspect of fear to create a more intense scenario for the audience. Throughout the film, the characters are constantly injected with serums to test their fears, control them or gauge their strengths of character.

During some of these scenes, the audience is often shown a seemingly real but very dreamlike landscape where anything can become reality if imagined. Even the sets that are used to create the testing rooms themselves are intimidating. They are white and barren except for a chair and a computer, showing that there is no escape from fear itself. It is actually reminiscent of Tarsem Singh’s The Cell, but better, as it actually conveys the power of the mind and imagination without overpowering the audience with artistic effects.

Final verdict – is Divergent worth the price of admission? In all honestly, despite its underlying message on discovering yourself and unique storytelling, the film does have little staying power with the audience as the script doesn’t provide any other message besides being yourself in the face of authority. Despite this flaw, Divergent does make up for it with good characterization and action. With the sequel already being confirmed, it definitely worth viewing.