As the latest popular young adult book series to hit movie screens, Divergent is an adaptation that feels like a late arrival to the party. The plot itself seems to combine elements seen in many recent multi-installment series, including The Hunger Games and Harry Potter. It’s a passable effort that shows some promise, but the clunky opening and derivative plot mechanics may ultimately keeps it from reaching as wide an audience as its similarly-themed predecessors.
Beatrice/Tris (Shailene Woodley) is a gifted teen living in a futuristic, dystopian city. As citizens come of age, their personalities are sorted into one of five separate factions that prize one trait above all others (they can be selfless, peaceful, honest, intelligent or brave). The trouble begins when Tris discovers that she is “divergent”, possessing traits that can’t be simply defined. Fearful of being discovered and facing banishment, she chooses to live with the brave tribe. Surviving with this group of warriors proves to be difficult, but the protagonist finds an ally in an instructor named Four (Theo James). Tris also discovers the nefarious plot of a politician (Kate Winslet) who yearns to seize control over all of the districts.
The biggest problem to newcomers is the movie’s exposition-heavy opening and a distinct lack of tension. It takes a long time to explain the factions and how this world operates, but beyond a few mutterings there’s no major threat. Additionally, some of the character introductions come across as silly. The brave are intended to display toughness and authority, but as the good-looking group hop off of a moving train and run down the city streets, they don’t make the most threatening of impressions. In fact, one immediately expects them to break into formation and an impromptu dance number. Thankfully, some nasty characters eventually come to light, but our first impressions do little to impress.
There also isn’t any major threat to the civilians introduced until far too late in the film. Indeed, as Tris initially joins her group she learns that if she doesn’t measure up, she’ll be cast out and homeless, but beyond this there isn’t any evil plot introduced. It’s all training and war game simulations. The major conflict isn’t introduced until late in the film and while it plays out entertainingly enough, it’s much too long a wait. At least there are a few interesting visual touches that may tide viewers over during the training sequences, involving the lead characters facing their inner fears.
Of course, there’s a budding romance between Tris and Four. It’s clearly intended for the young ladies in the audience and will result in eye rolling moment for other viewers. The cheesy apex occurs during a conversation with Four about his tattoos. This may have given the filmmakers an opportunity to get the shirt off of the male lead, but it also leads to a big plot hole. Four has information written on him that could implicate and expose him to others – in the group’s communal quarters, it’s truly a wonder how no one has seen it and grown suspicious.
Thankfully, as cornball as the romance is some credit must be given to the lead actors. It could all have turned into an unintentional comedy, but the performers manage to keep things grounded enough to stifle too much laughter and keep viewers engaged.
Perhaps the story will build momentum from this origin story forward. In the end, it’s a questionable call. As adapted for film, it requires those not already taken in by the book series to be very forgiving and shut off their brains. Readers dying to see Divergent on the big screen will probably give it a solid B, but anyone being introduced to the series may find it a tougher sell.