I love futuristic, dystopian science fiction, but am always worried if a film is based on a book franchise aimed at teens. I have not seen the Twilight saga (2008-2012) but really did enjoy the Hunger Games films (2012/2013) so in truth it’s about having an open mind and giving a film a chance; judging it on its own merit.
It makes business sense to adapt best-selling books, as they already have an audience curious to see the transition to the big screen. However I don’t like films that are the first in a planned series and therefore never deliver a satisfying conclusion to part one, or at least deliver the sequels (like The Golden Compass (2007)). What a wasted opportunity.
Divergent is set in a futuristic post war Chicago where everyone is divided into five factions based on personality types: Erudite, the intelligent (scientists and doctors); Amity, the peaceful (farmers); Candor, the honest debaters; Abnegation, the selfless helpers and governing body; and Dauntless, the brave soldiers and protectors. When a member of society turns 16 they take an aptitude test to find their faction but are also given the choice to choose which one they wish to join.
Our protagonist, Beatrice (Shainlene Woodley), grew up in Abnegation and isn’t sure where to go. Her aptitude test show attributes of several factions and as such she is Divergent and doesn’t fit into a category. She is warned to keep that to herself as Divergent people are uncontrollable in the eyes of the government and as such pose a threat.
She joins Dauntless, who seem like the rebellious jock/Mountain Dew crowd and thus begins her boot camp to become a member. If she fails she will become faction-less, who are represented as worse than homeless.
During her training she shortens her name to Tris, makes a few friends and is tested by leader Eric (Jai Courtney) and their instructor Four (Theo James – who looks a bit like James Franco). Throughout her training she develops her unique abilities, gets closer to Four and generally tries to finds herself. She also discovers a plot to overthrow the current government, which may be led by Erudite leader Jeanine (Kate Winslet – who unfortunately is underused and doesn’t make much of a presence in this film).
I can see how this film relates to a teenage market, as we all remember the feeling of being unsure of ourselves and trying to find our place in the world. Fearing another war this faction system is in place to enforce everlasting peace and we are told that the future belongs to those who know where they belong. I get it, it’s the main theme. But this film is called Divergent, not Transparent.
The boot camp section serves its purpose but is overlong. Eric is the generic douche and Four is the sympathetic love interest who sees through Tris and has apparently refused leadership numerous times. Unsurprisingly we discover that he is more than his faction’s values and traits.
At first he seems a bit pervy towards Tris and their developing relationship is a bit awkward, but once we reach the third act their chemistry is convincing and they become a couple that the audience can root for. They find out who they are and find themselves in each other, through love and the fact they hope to stop a plan to overthrow the government.
It’s a shame that none of the other characters are fleshed out as without this we rarely care for anyone else and they are reduced to background fodder.
There are some really good ideas in this film but unfortunately it fails to deliver. I would have liked a bit more back story on the war, how this faction system came to be, who put up the giant fence around the city and what’s outside: questions which hopefully will be answered in the sequel. As an audience we already know how this saga is going to end, but I don’t really care about the ending: it’s the journey that’s important. Unfortunately this one seems a bit dragged out and dull.
Another good idea is how the aptitude test and training sessions are conducted within the candidate’s heads using a drug to delve in, face their fears and find their truth, which when presented is a little reminiscent of Inception (2010).
Sound wise the original score is fine but every now and then we have an overbearing pop song which is just distracting and cheesy.
This film is watchable and entertaining enough, the action scenes are alright but the violence is toned down for a younger audience (the camera pulling away whenever any really masty is about to happen gets repetitive) and the overall pace is a bit erratic. As I’ve stated the boot camp is drawn out and as such the ending seems rushed. Also, I wonder where all the adult Dauntless are?
The problem is that every studio wants a trilogy or franchise to earn as much money as the last success. As such they have to appeal to many demographics and you can’t please everyone.
In comparison the Hunger Games was layered and tense, but this seems by the numbers. It’s overly long and rushed in the wrong places; as such it lacks any emotional oomph and unfortunately feels a bit bland and predictable.
Special features include two audio commentaries, one with director Neil Burger and the other with producers Lucy Fisher and Douglas Wick. Faction Before Blood’ is a Making Of featuring interviews with cast and crew, as well as the author Veronica Roth, who sheds some light on her inspirations. The deleted scenes are a mixed bag and a few should have been left in to add some emotional weight. We also have a Beating Heart music video and a Marketing Gallery featuring 4 trailers and posters.
Overall Verdict: Divergent is a good idea which could have been better delivered and trimmed in the right places. It’s a long setup for already green lit sequels but doesn’t seem to grab your attention or add any emotional weight. The film is watchable but shamefully just not that entertaining.
Reviewer: George Elcombe