‘Divergent’ diverges from average to spectacular

Dozens of dystopian novels and movies follow a formulaic plotline where the protagonist stands out in society by doing something that forever changes the dysfunctional system.

Although "Divergent," the movie, which came out on March 21 and is based on Veronica Roth's nationwide bestseller (2011), follows the same plotline, its twists and turns make it very unpredictable — and well worth watching. 

The movie is set in dystopian Chicago, the only known remaining place on post-apocalyptic Earth. The city is divided into five factions —  the selfless government Abnegation, the honest judges Candor, the courageous police Dauntless, the kind farmers Amity and Erudite, the faction dedicated to knowledge. 

In this city, every teenager take an aptitude test 16 which determines which faction they will be placed into. Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley) tests as divergent, meaning she places in multiple factions. She chooses Dauntless, where she learns of a conspiracy led by Erudite leader, Jeanine Matthews (Kate Winslet), to eliminate all Divergents.

 In my case, I read the novel so long ago that I didn’t remember many of the book’s details or even the ending, so the movie held a ton of surprises.

"Divergent" does a wonderful job playing with the audience's emotions. Embarrassingly enough, I cried three times during the film. As the beloved characters are constantly put at risk of death, the movie pulls on the viewers' heartstrings.

Additionally, characters’ relationships in this film are developed and genuine. For example, when Tris gets beaten by Peter, her enemy (Miles Teller), her love interest Four (Theo James) can’t stand to watch her get hurt. 

This scene alone develops the plot in three ways. For one, Peter’s evil personality exemplifies his hatred. Additionally the scene exploites Tris’s weaknesses and also gives the audience a hint that Four may care for Tris. 

And as a bonus, the movie’s soundtrack is brilliant, consisting of popular artists such as Ellie Goulding, Zedd and Snow Patrol.

“Divergent” does a wonderful job of mixing unique and creative relationships with a beautiful blend of music that enriches the scenes. It’s a definite must-watch movie that will leave audience captivated.