In a dystopian future where everyone must conform, unlikely heroine Beatrice “Tris” Prior discovers that being different can change everything in this latest instalment in the Divergent series.
The film takes place several days after the events of Divergent (2014), with both films based on Veronica Roth’s young-adult novels set in post-apocalyptic Chicago, where citizens are split into factions based on the results of personality aptitude tests.
Having been exposed as a Divergent – meaning she doesn’t fit into any faction – and narrowly escaping the clutches of power-hungry Erudite faction leader Jeanine, Tris (Shailene Woodley), her brother Caleb and boyfriend Four are now on the run, ruthlessly hunted by Jeanine and her army of Dauntless soldiers led by the unlikable Eric (Jai Courtney).
As the trio seek sanctuary among the remaining factions, they learn that Jeanine is rounding up all Divergents and using them in her plot to gain ultimate control over the ruined city of Chicago. Fearing that more lives will be lost, Tris and Four embark on a dangerous mission to stop Jeanine’s reign of terror – but Jeanine has uncovered an ancient secret that could change their world forever.
This instalment has a stronger emotional element than its predecessor. Tris’s fragile mental state is pushed to the limit as she struggles to come to terms with the deaths of her parents and friends, and Woodley handles well the demands of her character. Theo James reprises his role as fellow Divergent Tobias “Four” Eaton, while Kate Winslet returns as the film’s antagonist, Jeanine Matthews. A brunette Naomi Watts stars as Evelyn, the leader of the factionless, while Miles Teller is the dubious Peter.
While Divergent focussed largely on the Dauntless faction, Insurgent concentrates more on the Abnegation (who value selflessness), Amity (who value peace), Candor (who value honesty) and Erudite (who value intelligence). Audiences also get their first real glimpse into the gritty world of the factionless.
Superbly crafted special effects bring the world of Insurgent to life and Tris’s nightmarish landscapes are particularly stunning. Expertly choreographed fight scenes keep the plot moving at a steady pace, and there are plenty of twists and revelations. However, Insurgent never generates the same sense of danger, excitement and audience investment as fellow adventure/sci-fi series The Hunger Games.
