Film Review: Divergent

What is the story of a teenage girl thrust into an inordinately cruel environment as a result of government ordinance where she must learn to survive or die, and she ends up joining a resistance movement intent on stopping the elitist powers-that-be from assuming all the power and oppressing the people?

If you guessed Hunger Games... Well now, I've fooled you, haven't I? (Not to mention it would mean it took you approximately ten words to forget the BLOOMING TITLE OF THIS POST!)

Yes, I am talking about Divergent. Yes, I realize the similarities to Hunger Games. Especially when you compare the basic plot according to the movie adaptations.

Kudos to Veronica Roth, however, because anyone who has actually read the book knows that pretty much all of her series is distinct from "Hunger Games" in many ways, in spite of having roughly the same appearance onscreen. (for which I think we ought to blame the filmmakers, not the author!)

The society in Divergent is "sorted," yes, but by personality type instead of natural resources. A little over one hundred years prior, humanity underwent a Purity War that attempted to genetically eliminate violence and negative personality types from society. Those who believed that the worst harm in society was ignorance started the Erudite faction, devoting themselves to the pursuit of knowledge and science. Those who blamed greed united in Abnegation, the selfless, ultra-humble, "plain" faction. If the culprit of societal ills was lies and deception, those people belonged to the Candor faction, who always told the truth and always said exactly what they thought. Another group believed it to be anger and cruelty, and thus formed the Amity faction, devoted to peace and promoting happiness. Lastly, those who believed that the worst aspect of society was cowardice formed the Dauntless faction.

The main character, Beatrice, is from the Abnegation faction. Now, before anyone gets the idea that there is any similarities between District 12 and Abnegation, actually this is where Roth was very clever. Abnegation lives simply, yes, but by choice and personality inclination, not by forced poverty. Actually, Abnegation are the government officials, since a selfless government is usually the safest. So that would make Beatrice more like District 1—but not like the fussed-up Capitol of Panem, right? 

The story of Divergent is the process of Beatrice learning the deeper reasoning behind the Faction system that she has always taken for granted and of the looming threat to the "status quo" from the Erudite leaders, who do not appreciate Abnegation's notoriously lenient leadership style. Candor is on board with this as well, and being the ones in charge of the media are not hesitant to engage in a smear campaign against the established leadership, unearthing rumors of child abuse and flaunting the growing departure of Abnegation kids from the faction of their parents as a sign that the faction is weak and should be disabled.

But all the factions are agreed that the most dangerous threat to the otherwise well-arranged society is the Divergents—those that don't fit into any one faction, and don't respond to mental manipulation like the others do. Of course, this is who Beatrice is, so she and her friends in Dauntless have to figure out what to do with this information, all the while staying secret from Erudite, who have taken it upon themselves to remove Divergents from society and declare war on Abnegation.

I felt, on the whole, the movie was a fairly good adaptation. After the success of Hunger Games (as far as adaptations go) I look forward to each successive installment because I know it's just going to keep getting better. The main story points were there, all pared down as narrowly as the screenwriters dared. Long scenes of internal monologuing and drawn-out conversations from Tris' point of view were compressed to a few expository lines from a character, just so the mention could be there in preparation for the outcome of it. A few of the secondary characters were shuffled to the background because of timing  limitations, but at least the casting was solid enough that the first impression for the characters that mattered was the right one. The stunts and effects in the action scenes were great. There are a couple scenes that escalate toward a rather graphic nature, but luckily do not quite get there, and tactful camera work keeps things moderate. This film is enough to satisfy fans of the series with it's fantastic visuals, and encourage those who haven't read the books to go and do so at once.

***SPOILERS AHEAD! This is where the spoilers start; if you haven't watched the film (or read the book) I strongly recommend you do so before reading anything beyond this point!)

The "Good Parts" Version:

-Okay, for starters, the casting I felt was awesome. Shailene Woodley was just the right mix of insecure and determined for Tris; Theo James made a great taciturn, sensitive Four; Miles Teller was suitable in his filter-less, say-what-you-really-think, heartless-bully role as "that jerk from Candor," Peter. The actors for characters like Will, Al, and Christina were equally as fabulous, and you instinctively felt good about them... If only they'd gotten the chance their characters are given in the book to really let the roles shine. And of course, you know that Kate Winslet has the gumption to set herself up as the "Boss Lady."

-One aspect in particular that the film seemed to highlight better than I could tell from the books was the effect of genetics on human nature, and in turn, human nature on society. According to the movie's antagonist, "Human nature is the problem." While the factions may have been established to allow people to flourish according to the natural bent of their personality, over time the separation between the categories hardened into a rigidity that dictated a specific set of responses allowed according to the predetermined stereotype of that faction's personality. In fact, this might also be a call-out concerning the issue of stereotyping. How many times have we thought, "Oh, so-and-so affiliates with this group, so that means he/she is a [label]." This happens in the movie: One parent abuses their child, it is assumed that all children of that faction are abused. Abnegation members are reserved, stoic, and silent, so the other factions give them the label "Stiff." Once the label is applied, it is easy to dismiss the ones we don't like, to view them as expendable or insufficient. Yet we see in this story how important camaraderie and cooperation is, for the success of a community.

-Beatrice's test was orchestrated really well, I think. I could see exactly where she made the choices for Abnegation (disturbed when her reflection multiplies, and when she decides to yield herself to being torn up by the dog instead of fighting back), for Erudite (she wants to know the reasoning behind having to choose between the knife and the meat), and for Dauntless (she would not fight the dog to protect herself, but when it goes after the little girl, she does not hesitate to stop it at any cost). As such a pivotal scene, I think it was a good choice--in terms of what to cut out due to time restraints--to leave that in there in its full detail. 

Best. Quote. Delivery. Ever.

-I love how everybody in Dauntless and Erudite is underestimating Tris all the time--and yet she doesn't back off from showing what she's really made of. Both Eric and Peter think they can get away with mistreating her just because she was raised Abnegation? They've got another "think" coming... And Tris' response is brilliant. She chose Dauntless, people! She's not gonna stay soft just because that's what she was!

-Listening to Jeanine go on and on about how the faction system was an attempt to "correct human nature" and how it's "human nature" that is the problem... and I just can't help thinking, "Man... has anybody told you that maybe it's your human nature that's screwing everything up in the name of science?" Because really, when you think about it, the Abnegation way of life ain't half bad, as far as the community goes... It was only when Erudite and Candor decided that they didn't agree that flagrant selflessness was a "danger" and "must be stopped." Because why? You suddenly grew a conscience and feel guilty that Abnegation is being nicer to people than you are? Seriously, what part of the Abnegation lifestyle might be considered an actual detriment to society? (Other than diet; I know I couldn't go vegan...) They are giving to others less fortunate than themselves, they are the most impartial faction, and not all Abnegation members are abusive or cruel at all. So why slaughter them? I guess that's where the story falls apart, and the movie didn't really do a great job of picking up that loose thread either... oh well.

-For all of whatever it cut out, skimmed through, or didn't do "exactly like the book," I have to say that most of what this movie has was done very well: the zip-line scene, Capture-The-Flag, Christina's "Bravery Test," and best of all, the takedown of Jeanine. I can forgo and forgive the omitted scenes and misplaced lines just on the quality of everything else.

All things considered, I'd give this movie an 8/10 and encourage anyone who hasn't to go and see it, for sure!