‘Divergent’ Review: It Divides Media Factions, But Still a Worthy Choice It seems you only need to place an exuberant teen girl on the cusp of womanhood in a dystopian future to make any sort of pop culture impact these days. That said, existing fans of author Veronica Roth’s contribution to the genre, “Divergent,” will have no need to read further. They are already at the multiplex, taking in the long- awaited screen version. (Rest assured, fans. This is the most faithful adaptation you could have expected.) But for the rest of the world who has yet to read a sentence from Roth’s page-turner of a trilogy, you will find yourself entertained and engrossed by “Divergent.” It’s been four years since Roth’s first novel became an international best seller, adding plenty of color and fire to the post-“Twilight” and “Hunger Games” literary world. So, it is no coincidence that the studios behind both billion-dollar franchises (Lionsgate & Summit) would jump at the chance to see if the third time is the charm. And, guess what? It is. What helps “Divergent” is a narrative that is timely and fantastic, as well as infinitely more interesting to read and now watch. More, the incandescent presence of rising star Shailene Woodley at its center gives tangible emotional strength to book’s key theme most of us will address more than once in our lives: Where do I fit in? Set in a futuristic but familiar Chicago, “Divergent” chronicles the life of Tris Prior (Woodley). Society has been greatly modified in the aftermath of horrible conflicts. Now, to ensure a harmonious existence, citizens are divided into five factions based on specific human virtues. Tris, who has come of age to choose, is revealed during her state mandated test to be “divergent” or possessing the aptitude to be part of multiple factions. Not understanding it’s meaning, she opts to surprise her family by leaving their faction to join another. As she faces the scrutiny of her new faction and a powerful leader (Kate Winslet), Tris discovers how being divergent is a threat to the stability of the factions, a distinction that could cost the teenager her life. Hollywood economics are the reason why formulas exist because they want a guaranteed return. And plenty of formula is at play with the “Divergent,” beginning with its airbrushed images of an indie star turned franchise heroine to its action-heavy trailers and TV spots. But, “Divergent” is not “Hunger Games” and that’s a very good thing. What has bothered me about the “Hunger Games” films is how they sanitize an ugly, violent premise. Instead, “Divergent” honors the strengths of its literary source to come across like the thinking person’s genre film. This isn’t about blood lust and hot babes with a bow and arrow. Here, ideas from the personal to the political take center stage. Much like the novel, it is also a thoughtful film that gives the narrative plenty of room to breathe and move. Early reviews faulted “Divergent” for playing it too safe or for being divergent itself with the amount of genres contained in its meaty 140 minutes of running time. True, “Divergent” does feel like it is a big set up for the next installment in the trilogy. Also, at times Roth’s themes on the dangers of conformity buck against the rules of studio filmmaking that control big budget risks to deliver on certain expectations and adhere to their rules. But, director Neil Burger never takes its audience for granted and it helps he steered most of the cast to infuse the film with a sense of believability and commitment to the material. That’s no mean feat when you have an ensemble cast of epic proportions. Giving them all screen time was going to be a challenge and more than a few make their presence known, particularly such vets as the steely Winslet and Ashley Judd. The youthful contingent are a bit of a mixed bag, but credit Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Jai Courtney, Maggie Q. and, especially Theo James, for staking credible ground on screen. However, “Divergent” is truly Woodley’s show, emerging as the reason why the film commands attention. It’s interesting to note she actually questioned whether or not to take on the role of Tris. She anchors the film with such grace and humanity; it seems tailor made to her strengths. Woodley’s careful journey forward is one of a young woman sorting out the various aspects of herself to discover her true essence. It is a bold and impactful performance, full of truth and conviction. Should “Divergent” crossover to reach a mainstream audience, and chances are mighty strong it will, expect its success to add further momentum to Woodley’s trajectory as a star. “Divergent” is in theaters and IMAX® now.
