The Divergent series has always been about the dangers of labeling people. Each film is a heady exploration of political and scientific ethics dressed up as an action-romance. At the conclusion of the last film, Insurgent, Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley), her boyfriend, Four, and his mother, Evelyn, led a rebel army to destroy the factions that divided dystopian Chicago.
In Allegiant, the latest installment in theaters now, Tris, Four and their friends discover the world outside Chicago, which is technologically advanced, but not as evolved as a society. Instead of being identified by a dominant personality trait as they were in Chicago, this new realm identifies people by their genetics: “pure” or “damaged.” It seems that “divergent” – a dirty word in dystopian Chicago – is a positive quality in this new city.
The film also explores how power can corrupt, despite good intentions. The community leaders fall into this trap and find themselves headed for a bloody, deadly war – each sure their way is the best way. That perspective shift can help teens explore the motivations of world leaders and world events: Do even the most evil rulers truly believe that their actions are for the greater good?
In terms of violence, as in all Divergent movies, guns are prevalent. Once again, someone is shot point blank in the head (off camera). Once again, we lose a major character. But comparatively, this is the least graphically violent movie of the three. And it also has the least sexual content. Even when the outline of Tris’ nude figure is seen in the shadows, it's more matter-of-fact than provocative.
Allegiant is full of complicated conversations about DNA and genetics and some are a little hard to follow. Not only was I confused, my 15-year old daughter and her friend Joelle – who is devoted to the Divergent book trilogy – were lost as well. In fact, Joelle told me that the third film was nothing like the third book, which only confused her more.
This is likely a result of the final novel being divided into two films, much like The Hunger Games, Twilight and the Harry Potter series. Similarly, this penultimate film is a lot of setup and talk. Unlike those first-half movies, though, the ending does have a resolution. It’s not a cliff-hanger, although it leaves a hint that more is to come.
At this point, moviegoers are either hooked on these films or not. Few are probably diving in for the first time, except for maybe parents who are accompanying their kids. No worries, the introductory voiceover does its best to catch viewers up, although you may not feel as invested in the characters or the storyline if you haven't read the books.
Ultimately, the Divergent films are about what makes us human. Allegiant is thought-provoking because it shows our humanity is what makes us great as well as weak – but no matter what, we can’t escape who we are.
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Mom reviewer Angela Hoover offers her take on Allegiant in this week’s episode of Mom’s Movie Minute.
