Sci-fi thriller ‘Divergent’ is not nearly as diverting as it should be
Despite strong stars, the young-adult story feels all too familiar
An anti-intellectual bias permeates the dystopian Divergent.
A faction of erudite folks are attempting to rid the world of those who think for themselves. Based on Veronica Roth’s popular young-adult trilogy, Divergent covers well-trod turf that brings to mind The Hunger Games, The Matrix and other post-apocalyptic tales. For a film about non-conformity, it adheres to the playbook rather slavishly.
Set in a futuristic Chicago, people are divided into five factions: Abnegation, Amity, Erudite, Candor and Dauntless. If somebody’s personality doesn’t fall into one of these categories, they are left marginalized and homeless.
At the core of the tale is Tris, played winningly by Shailene Woodley. Tris is one of the few Divergents: advanced, multiskilled people who can’t be controlled. Their thinking “goes in a hundred directions,” according to Tris’ mom (Ashley Judd).
Divergents are a threat to Erudite faction leader Jeanine (Kate Winslet), who is determined to destroy them. She has brainwashed other Erudites and enlisted Dauntless top brass in her nefarious plot.
Raised by Abnegation parents (Judd and Tony Goldwyn), Tris opts for Dauntless, which requires the most rigorous training, during which she meets Four (Theo James), a mysterious model Dauntless specimen. They are drawn to each other and have substantial chemistry, forging a bond that feels more believable than the competing love stories at the core of The Hunger Games.
Too much time, however, is spent on a tedious array of challenges, evaluations and psychological tests in dimly lit places.
Woodley, a shining presence in The Descendants and The Spectacular Now, is in the Jennifer Lawrence school of smart, plucky heroines. She carries the movie well, as does James ( Downton Abbey’s smoldering Kemal Pamuk).
Despite two strong leads and a welcome dose of female empowerment, this somber tale feels too familiar and formulaic.