Ultimately the adaptation of “Divergent” is a mixed bag that left me conflicted toward the level of quality presented. The film is almost two and half hours in length that does nothing but set up the premise for future events, and yet I found the world unfolding to be pretty fascinating. When it tries to be anything other than simple science fiction fodder, it clubs us over the head with on the nose clunky metaphor and social commentary. When it stopped trying for profundity, it actually managed to entertain and kept me very engrossed in the events that unfolded. It’s not at all as intelligent as it thinks it is, but it’s a pretty solid epic all things considered.
Set in future Chicago after a big war (what kind of war occurred is never explained), the remnants of civilization live in a fenced off high security society. They’re split in to various factions that all serve their own purposes. Abnegations help society, Amity’s keep the peace, Candor’s display honesty and defense in law, the Dauntless are the brave soldiers that uphold the law, and the Erudite are the intellectuals. There are also the factionless, which is composed of aimless individuals without their own place in the world. Shailene Woodley is Beatrice, an aspiring Abnegate who is set to take a test with her brother to find her official place in the society. The problem is that Beatrice’s test is deemed inconclusive and she’s tagged a Divergent. A Divergent, you see, is dangerous because they think for themselves and have no assigned role in society. The individual thinkers are the biggest threat to the society.
Get it, yet? Test conductor Tori (Maggie Q) warns Beatrice to assign herself a role and keep her divergent status a secret, prompting Beatrice to become a Dauntless. There she aims to become a soldier, learning hand to hand combat, and gunplay, while also stirring up the ranks with her inability to be subservient and follow direct orders. Much of “Divergent” is based around Beatrice training and the audience having to know the ins and outs of the Dauntless. I’m assuming this is going to play a crucial importance in future events in the planned trilogy, so we have to watch Beatrice (now renamed Tris among her faction) rise to the ranks. For all intents and purposes, the interplay and dynamic within the Dauntless training facility is interesting. Woodley’s vulnerable yet bold turn transforms Tris in to an empathetic underdog who is anxiously trying to maintain her place among the Dauntless, while also keeping her secret role as a Divergent among her trusted comrades.
Director Neil Burger’s direction is also fantastic, unfolding a world that he adds a distinct flavor to, despite it not being the most original dystopia ever created. There are many breathtaking moments Burger directs with skill, including Tris’ zip line across the city, and a pretty aggressive game of capture the flag. That said, we’re never told what the point of the fear tests are, and what purpose they serve ultimately. The big uprising from the Erudites is also a big surprise considering the narrative almost never mentions it. Tris’ parents also are blank slates from beginning to end considering they have almost no focus and feel just like cannon fodder. The entertainment value behind “Divergent” also depends on how much you’re willing to take in terms of foreshadowing and propping up future events, because the movie really does nothing but set up a story for the sequels until the last half hour when there’s finally progress and forward movement. Despite its major caveats that almost destroy the experience out of the gates, “Divergent” is a solid science fiction film for younger audiences that manage to squeeze by thanks to strong performances, sharp writing, and great direction by Neil Burger.
Featured on the DVD is an audio commentary from director Neil Burger, who explores the film’s ins and outs with a lot of informative anecdotes. He discusses many of the seamless special effects, the stunt work, and how it was tough to find someone to play off of Shailene Woodley and pose an intimidating presence over her. There’s also an audio commentary with producers Douglas Wick and Judy Fisher, both of whom really don’t offer any new information that Neil Burger didn’t give. There’s a lot of dead air with this commentary and they both sound anxious to give something entertaining to the audience. There’s four minutes of deleted scenes that don’t add much to the story and just feel like padding. Finally, there’s the Beating Heart music video and the marketing gallery for the film.