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"Divergent" is all about identity—about searching your soul and determining who you are and how you fit in as you emerge from adolescence to adulthood. So it's all too appropriate that the film version of the wildly popular young adult novel struggles a bit to assert itself as it seeks to appeal to the widest possible audience.

It's the conundrum so many of these types of books face as they become pop-culture juggernauts and film franchises: which elements to keep to please the fervent fans and which to toss in the name of maintaining a lean, speedy narrative? The "Harry Potter" and "Hunger Games" movies—which "Divergent" resembles in myriad ways—were mostly successful in finding that balance.

In bringing the first novel of Veronica Roth's best-selling trilogy to the screen, director Neil Burger (" Limitless ") and screenwriters Evan Daugherty and Vanessa Taylor have included key moments and images but tweaked others to streamline the mythology and move the story along. The results can be thrilling but the film as a whole feels simultaneously overlong and emotionally truncated.

Folks who've read the book will probably be satisfied with the results, while those unfamiliar with the source material may dismiss it as derivative and inferior. (Stop me if you think you've heard this one before: "Divergent" takes place in a rigidly structured, dystopian future where one extraordinary girl will serve either as its destroyer or its savior.) But the performances—namely from stars Shailene Woodley and Theo James and Kate Winslet in a juicy supporting role—always make the movie watchable and often quite engaging.

In the fenced-off remnants of a post-war Chicago 100 years from now, society has been broken down into five factions—groups of people arranged by a primary, defining trait. The Amity are happy, hippie farmers who dress in shades of sorbet. The Candor run the judicial system and value truth about all else. The Erudite are the serious-minded scholars who wear conservative, dark blue. The Abnegation are known for their selflessness and modesty. And the pierced-and-tatted Dauntless are the brave soldiers who protect the city from … who knows what? Whatever the perceived threat is, it requires them to run, scream and practice parkour wherever they go.

Woodley's Beatrice Prior is a member of the Abnegation alongside her brother, Caleb ( Ansel Elgort ), and their parents ( Ashley Judd and Tony Goldwyn ). They dress in drab colors, eat simply and are only allowed to steal a quick glance in the mirror once every three months when it's time for a haircut. Basically, they're no fun, and Beatrice has a wild streak in her that she's been forced to suppress.

When she undergoes the aptitude test required of all teens, which determines which faction is the best reflection of one's true nature, her results are inconclusive. She's got pieces of a few different places in her, which makes her what's known as Divergent, which makes her dangerous. Thinking for yourself is a naughty thing in this world, apparently; plus, the angsty inner conflict that rages within Beatrice is something to which the target audience for the book (and the movie) surely can relate.

At the annual Choosing Ceremony, where the teens use their test results to pick the faction they want to join for the rest of their lives—like the last night of sorority rush, mixed with the "Harry Potter" sorting hat—Beatrice dares to choose Dauntless. This means she can never see her family again. (Man, the rules are strict in dystopian futures.) But it also means she gets to train to unleash the bad-ass that's been lurking inside her all along.

Renaming herself Tris, our heroine must learn how to fight, shoot, jump from moving trains, throw knives and control her mind in a series of harrowing simulations, all while competing against a couple dozen other initiates in a demanding ranking system. Eric (a coolly intimidating Jai Courtney ) is the merciless Dauntless leader who's taking the faction—which was founded on the notion of noble courage—in a more militant and vicious direction.

But the hunky trainer who goes by the name Four (James) is the one who will have a greater impact on the woman Tris will become. Quietly and generically brooding at first, James reveals more depth and shading to his conflicted character as the story's stakes increase. He and Woodley have an easy chemistry with each other, but the romance that took its time and smoldered on the page feels a bit rushed on the screen.

Similarly, the supporting figures who had identifiable personalities in the book mostly blend into the background here, including Tris' best friend, Christina ( Zoe Kravitz ). But it is extremely amusing to see Miles Teller , who played Woodley's first love last year in the wonderful " The Spectacular Now ," serve as her enemy here as the conniving fellow initiate Peter. The smart-alecky Teller is also the only actor here who gets to have much fun. With the exception of a few major set pieces—the zip-line ride from the top of the John Hancock Center, for example—"Divergent" is a rather dark and heavy endeavor.

Woodley, though, by virtue of the sheer likability of her presence, keeps you hanging on, keeps you rooting for her. She may not have the blazing, rock-star power of Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss in " The Hunger Games ," but there's a subtlety and a naturalism to her performance that make her very accessible and appealing. And when she needs to crank it up and kick some butt—as she does in a climactic scene with Winslet as the evil Erudite leader who's hell-bent on eradicating Divergents and maintaining control—she doesn't oversell it.

Plus, there could be worse role models for the eager adolescent audience than a young woman who's thoughtful, giving and strong—all at once. The inevitable sequel will show us what else she's got in her.

Christy Lemire

Christy Lemire is a longtime film critic who has written for RogerEbert.com since 2013. Before that, she was the film critic for The Associated Press for nearly 15 years and co-hosted the public television series "Ebert Presents At the Movies" opposite Ignatiy Vishnevetsky, with Roger Ebert serving as managing editor. Read her answers to our Movie Love Questionnaire here .

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Divergent (2014)

Rated PG-13

143 minutes

Shailene Woodley as Beatrice Prior / Tris

Theo James as Tobias "Four" Eaton

Kate Winslet as Jeanine Matthews

Miles Teller as Peter

Jai Courtney as Eric

Zoë Kravitz as Christina

Ansel Elgort as Caleb Prior

Ray Stevenson as Marcus Eaton

Maggie Q as Tori

Neil Burger
Evan Daugherty
Vanessa Taylor

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‘Divergent’ movie review: Better than the book? Believe it.

It’s rare that a movie is as good as the book on which it’s based. It’s even more unusual when it’s better.

With the film adaptation of " Divergent ," the first novel in Veronica Roth's trilogy of dystopian thrillers , director Neil Burger (" Limitless ") has crafted a popcorn flick that's leaner, more propulsive and more satisfying than the bestseller that inspired it. Screenwriters Evan Daugherty and Vanessa Taylor have cut the fat, picked up the pace and sharpened Roth's themes celebrating individualism and ingenuity, which were muted in Roth's somewhat sluggish and overlong telling. Daugherty and Taylor have even come up with an ending that more cleverly utilizes the story's teenage heroine Tris (Shailene Woodley) without changing the outcome.

It’s still cliffhanger-ish, in a way that makes this first installment of the trilogy feel more like an appetizer than a full meal. But the movie’s plot tweak alleviates the sense of mild disappointment generated by the book’s conclusion.

Set in a post-apocalyptic Chicago that is walled off from the rest of the world by a massive rampart, “Divergent” imagines a society in which the citizenry is divided into five monolithic factions according to personality. Municipal government is controlled by the Abnegation faction, an ascetic class given to self-sacrifice and altruism. Candor runs the courts; Amity, a commune of hippielike agrarians, works the fields; and the Erudite pursue scientific advancement. Security is left in the hands of the Dauntless, a group of soldiers so intrepid they might better be called the Young and the Reckless.

It’s the Dauntless faction that Tris joins when, at 16, she is allowed to declare a new allegiance. Although all adolescents are given aptitude tests to determine factional affinity, they are also allowed the opportunity to remain in the community of their birth or to select another, even if the test indicates they are not suited for it.

As you may have guessed by now, Tris — by birth a member of Abnegation — is “divergent,” meaning that she has equal aptitude for more than one faction.

Although that makes her merely human, it also means that she’s harder to corral and must hide her capabilities. In the world of “Divergent,” it’s human nature that got people into the mess they’re in. Segregating them into neat little pods, not by color, but by character, seems as good — or as bad — a solution as any.

Silly, I know. But the film actually does a pretty good job of articulating this rationale. If the absurd premise sticks in your craw, stay away. All others, sit back and enjoy the parable.

The first part of the film focuses mainly on Tris’s initiation as a member of Dauntless, during which time her unusual skills draw attention, both wanted and unwanted. A handsome, brooding trainer known as Four (Theo James) takes her under his bulging biceps, even as Tris earns closer scrutiny from some jealous recruits.

Later, Tris’s contrariness catches the eye of the evil Erudite leader, Jeanine (Kate Winslet), who is plotting a coup against Abnegation with the help of an army of doped-up Dauntless robots.

Visually, “Divergent” delights, creating a believably decaying Chicago and using a palette of black, white, blue, gray and saffron costumes to delineate the five factions’ uniform-like clothing. Woodley also makes for an appealingly complex Tris, a heroine whose sense of loss at leaving her family behind — along with her sense of identity — is tempered by the thrill of discovering new powers, both moral and physical.

The book spent a lot of ink exploring the romance between Tris and Four. Even if it didn’t use that relationship to define the young heroine, it seemed to be saying that sexual awakening is as much a part of Tris’s journey as anything.

There’s nothing wrong with that, but the movie serves up an even more fully fleshed version of Tris. She’s fascinating for what she does, not merely for whom she likes.

PG-13. At area theaters. Contains violence, some obscenity and disturbing thematic material. 130 minutes.

Divergent: 10 Big Differences Between The Movie And Book

The society author Veronica Roth created in Divergent is a complicated one, with five very different ideologies pieced together to create factions of humans who dress together, eat together and don’t really have much in common with outsiders. There is abnegation, a faction of selfless individuals who look to help others and run the government. Erudite is for the smarty pants. Candor is for the honest. Amity, the lighthearted and Dauntless is for the brave and selfish, the protectors of the city. It’s where our heroine, Beatrice, wants to be, but does she really fit in?

Director Neil Burger ’s big screen take on Veronica Roth’s story does diverge in some ways, but often attempts to keep the integral portions of the novel intact, changing details and dialogue to suit its own needs and whims. The biggest changes then, mostly stem from Lionsgate’s need to keep the movie at a PG-13 level when some of the dystopian content from the book is harrowing and ultimately unsettling. Most of the changes work, but fans of the novel might be a bit surprised when they first watch certain scenes play out.

Following are the ten biggest changes I noticed in my screening of Divergent . Feel free to remark on any changes you feel may have been more noticeable. There are many spoilers in the Divergent book to movie comparison. Do not delve in if you want the film to be a surprise.

No one fails out of Dauntless on the first day. While Burger’s vision still makes it clear that Dauntless is a tough faction, there are no recruits who become factionless. Additionally, there is no recruit who misses the building and plummets to her death.

Peter is less vicious and adds a tinge of humor to the movie. In the novel, he is a monster, cheating and using violence to ascertain his high ranking in Dauntless. At one point, he even stabs another trainee in the eye to keep his place in the rankings. In the movie, he is still despicable, but he has humor and an attitude that makes him a more complicated villain.

There is more division between the factions. Assumedly to highlight the fact that the factions live very separate lives, we don’t get to see them interact much. Tris doesn’t spend time at school with other factions and when her mom visits, it is shown as a dangerous, secret act rather than one committed openly and deliberately.

There is less fighting in the pits. While the Divergent movie does a good job of explaining how new faction members will live and die by their rankings, we are less clued in to the absolute violence in the pit. Additionally, we don’t get to see what most of Tris’ friends, foes and companions are capable of in the ring.

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Tris’s projection from near-failure to Dauntless success is streamlined and changed . We only get to see the young woman fight once or twice, and at one point she is even told her tenure in Dauntless is over. Tris manages to magically redeem herself during the capture the flag game when she, not Christina, holds up the flag.

Al’s betrayal is pretty sudden . In the novel, we know that initially he felt protective of Tris and even had a desire to date her. In the movie, we know Al and Tris hang around with one another, but his involvement with Peter and his cronies comes a little more out of left field.

Speaking of betrayal, Tris’ near-death experience with Al, Peter and the gang is tamed quite a bit. Peter never feels her up, making comments about her body and toying with the possibility of a rape along with the murder. It makes it easier to see Peter and Al as human beings instead of monsters.

Tris’ final simulation is different. Evan Daugherty and Vanessa Taylor’s script helps to explain the danger Tris is in going into her final test to join Dauntless. Just as in the book, Tris gets some help from Four going into the final. However, in the film, the two uncover more practical ways (fire, etc.) to beat the birds and the glass box that capably keep Tris’ divergent behavior hidden.

Erudite Jeanine is present when Tris and Four square off at the end . After beating the new version of her serum, they force the woman to shut down the program controlling the Dauntless. This should give the viewers a little more satisfaction, since moviegoers will get to see the villain fail.

Four shows his father kindness at the end of the movie. It’s a small moment, but instead of Tris showing Marcus disdain, Four helps his father onto the train. This illustrates that even though Marcus and his beatings instilled fear in Four’s mind, he is still willing to show a little abnegation and help his father to survive. The move makes Four seem like even more of a hero.

Jessica Rawden is Managing Editor at CinemaBlend. She’s been kicking out news stories since 2007 and joined the full-time staff in 2014. She oversees news content, hiring and training for the site, and her areas of expertise include theme parks, rom-coms, Hallmark (particularly Christmas movie season), reality TV, celebrity interviews and primetime. She loves a good animated movie. Jessica has a Masters in Library Science degree from Indiana University, and used to be found behind a reference desk most definitely not shushing people. She now uses those skills in researching and tracking down information in very different ways.

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DVD & Streaming
Action/Adventure , Drama , Sci-Fi/Fantasy , War

Content Caution

In Theaters

March 21, 2014
Shailene Woodley as Beatrice Prior/Tris; Theo James as Four; Ashley Judd as Natalie; Kate Winslet as Jeanine; Jai Courtney as Eric; Miles Teller as Peter

Home Release Date

August 5, 2014
Neil Burger

Distributor

Summit Entertainment

Movie Review

Beatrice Prior has a choice to make. And, frankly, it’s not a choice that the 16-year-old wants to make. She’d rather just keep living with her parents and not worry about where she “fits” in society.

But that’s not how things work these days.

It’s been 100 years since the war that wiped out most of humanity. The last remnants of civilization now live behind a giant wall in what was once Chicago. And in these trying times, survival of the human race demands structuring things a bit differently. To best help society, everyone is told, a person’s role must be made clear early on and remain consistent.

And so Beatrice must choose one of the five so-called factions in which she’ll spend the rest of her life. She can remain in the Abnegation faction with her parents, a group that sacrificially serves the world around them. Or she can opt for the Amity faction of kindhearted farmers, the honest Candor faction of judges, the Erudite thinkers and scientists or the Dauntless faction that bravely protects all the rest.

It’s obviously a huge decision.

Fortunately there’s a test that helps figure out each individual’s genetic and psychological strengths. You simply drink a serum, lay back, have a hallucination or two and let a special machine read you like a book. That’s how it’s supposed to work, anyway.

In Beatrice’s case, it doesn’t. When she comes to, the attendant looks at her nervously and suggests she slip out the back door right away. “And don’t tell anybody about this,” the woman warns her. Beatrice’s test, you see, suggests she’s equally adept at three different skill sets, that she could happily find a home in any of the three related factions.

Now, you might think that would give her an advantage. But in this society, that makes Beatrice something odd. Something dangerous. Something destabilizing to the well-defined social order. Something … divergent.

In short, Beatrice is the kind of person the factions can’t easily control. She doesn’t feel dangerous. But she is . She’s an anomaly that can threaten the whole system. And so she has to make sure she keeps her added abilities under wraps and not draw any attention to herself.

Because the so-called Divergents actually don’t get a choice.

They get to be … eliminated.

Positive Elements

But Beatrice does choose. She keeps quiet about her differences, picks the Dauntless faction of fighters and renames herself Tris. And though she struggles to keep pace physically with other trainees, Tris makes up for it by outclassing them when it comes to strategy and planning.

All of that puts her in a position to make a difference when one of the factions stages something of a civil war. Tris isn’t as mentally pliable as other Dauntless members, and she makes brave, self-sacrificial choices to protect literally thousands of innocents―circumventing a genocidal massacre.

A fellow Dauntless member named Four also puts his life on the line, stepping out of the ranks of soldiers to fight against impossible odds to support Tris’ heroic efforts. He also makes one of the movie’s most important speeches, declaring he would like to not just be brave, but also selfless, honest, kind and intelligent. It’s a mindset all of us can and should admire, not allowing ourselves to settle for just one quality characteristic, but aspiring to master them all.

Elsewhere, Tris’ family members repeatedly voice their love and support for one another. And when things get dangerous, both of Tris’ parents offer their lives to protect her and to save the lives of others. It’s said of their sacrifice, “They loved you. For them there was no better way to show you.”

Spiritual Elements

Divergent is set in a completely secular world, and there’s no real spiritual content to speak of. That said, the ceremony at which young people choose their faction has the feel of a religious rite. When each person’s name is called, he or she walks to a raised platform where five bowls represent the five factions. The choosing of a faction is done by taking a ceremional knife, cutting one’s hand and dripping blood into a bowl. The ceremony is meant to reinforce the idea that a person’s primary allegiance is now to a faction and no longer to a family. Accordingly, we repeatedly hear the phrase “Faction before blood.”

Sexual Content

New Dauntless pledges, both male and female, must all sleep in the same common area and use the same open shower area. We never see them do so, but we do see Tris, who’s clearly uncomfortable with the coed living arrangments, trying to change clothes while keeping as covered as possible. We very briefly glimpse her in a bra as she changes shirts, and others in the background are seen changing as well. When she slips off her jacket in another scene, a Dauntless teammate crudely yells at her, “Take it off!” She also wears a formfitting, cleavage-baring tank top at times (as do other Dauntless females).

Tris and Four (who’s her group leader), fall for each other. They hug and passionately kiss before she tells him, “I don’t want to go too fast.” At that point he backs off. Later, while under the influence of a hallucinatory drug, Tris envisions Four forcefully throwing her on the bed and moving toward her, then getting on top of her in a sexually threatening manner. (She knocks him away and escapes.)

Violent Content

Tris is a plebe in the soldiers’ ranks. As such, we see her and others go through painful training meant to shape them into unstoppable fighters. For instance, they bloody and bruise one another with vicious one-on-one beat-downs (including several guy-on-girl pummelings). Three hooded trainees threaten to throw Tris off a high cliff (before Four steps up to slam the offenders’ faces into a rock wall). A young woman is purposely left to dangle by her fingertips over a deadly precipice (to supposedly prove a point about never giving up). Another has her ear sliced by a thrown blade. In some cases, cadets are shot at close range with neuro-darts that simulate the writhing pain of being shot with a bullet. They jump on and off fast-moving trains. Initiation rituals include jumping several stories into a dark pit and rocketing down a precarious zip line between Chicago skyscrapers.

Part of the Dauntless training also includes a drug-induced psychological test. In these ominous hallucinatory visions, trainees are threatened with raging fire, smothering quicksand, attacking canines and birds, forceful drownings, slowly closing and crushing walls, and men with belts and bludgeons. We also repeatedly see needles being injected into people’s necks in order to administer the drug. In two cases, test subjects are forced to shoot innocents (even loved ones) in execution-style killings. (The fatal shots are delivered offscreen.)

Once the civil war breaks out, things get deadly in real life, too, with scores of soldiers and civilians alike getting shot and killed. Tris ends up having to kill one of her own friends by shooting him. She shoots and injures a teen guard to make him reveal a key logistic. Throngs of men, women and children are forced to their knees with guns to their heads. A woman has her hand impaled by a thrown knife. In a relatively bloody fight with drug-addled Four, Tris puts a gun to her own forehead as a means of shocking him out of his hallucination. A young man’s body is pulled up out of a watery pit after he commits suicide. (His face is distorted and bloody.) A woman sticks her finger into Tris’ bloody shoulder wound. We see other wounded and bleeding victims die.

Crude or Profane Language

One whispered f-word. A half-dozen misuses of God’s name accompany two or three each of “a‑‑hole” and “b‑‑ch.”

Drug and Alcohol Content

Many people receive injections of the dream-inducing drug that can also completely control them, removing their capacity to question or to disobey murderous orders. During a group celebration scene, several people raise the simple tin cups they drink from as if toasting someone.

Other Negative Elements

A particularly sadistic Dauntless leader named Eric takes pleasure in treating several new recruits (especially Tris) cruelly throughout the movie. (But not nearly so severely as in the book.) Not surprisingly, Eric is exactly the kind of soldier who’s easily manipulated by the film’s real power-hungry villain, a faction leader named Jeanine. Members of the self-sacrificing Abnegation faction are often mocked by the other groups because of their simple, pleasure- and vanity-eschewing ways, so much so that other factions use the slur “stiffs” to demean members of the group. One of Tris’ Dauntless teammates attacks her, then begs, “Can you ever forgive me?” Tris angrily replies, “If you even come close to me, I will kill you.” He then commits suicide (offscreen) by leaping off a tall wall.

Like the atomic bomb-laden sci-fi flicks of the past, today’s young adult, book-based movies offer themselves up as something more than just simple entertainment. In addition to a suspenseful, plot-driven story, they also offer broad allegories, fantasy filters through which viewers can ruminate on real-world issues.

In the case of Divergent (based on the novel of the same name by 25-year-old author Veronica Roth), it’s a teen in a dystopian future wrestling with her fate: being an outcast who can’t seem to figure out how to fit in. She frets over the fact that everyone wants to label her before she’s had the chance to figure herself out. And she grapples with high-stakes decisions in a high-conoformity world where you’re judged by every action.

Thus, I suspect most teens who see Divergent will readily nod and say, “Yep, I feel ya’.” Like Slate film reviewer Dana Stevens says, “It’s not a mystery why so many young-adult best-sellers (and the lucrative movie franchises based on them) would take place in post-apocalyptic societies governed by remote authoritarian entities and rigidly divided into warring factions. The word dystopia comes from a Greek root that roughly translates as ‘bad place,’ and what place could be worse than high school? Adolescence is not for the faint of heart. The to-do list for the decade between ages 10 and 20 includes separating from your parents, finding your place among your peers at school, beginning to make decisions about your own future, and—oh yes—figuring out how to relate to the world, and yourself, as a suddenly and mystifyingly sexual being.”

Admittedly, Divergent ‘s futuristic dystopian premise feels stretched to the point of being ridiculous. I mean, who’s really going to swallow the idea of a society where everybody has to fit into only one of five primary-color categories? Still, if a movie showcases the right stars, delivers the right CGI action and adds in the right kind of romance … well, as the old movie line goes, “If you build it, they will come.” And from that perspective, Divergent delivers exactly what teens seem to be coming for.

Is it a truly immersive moviegoing experience, a film that will inspire viewers to greatness? No, not quite. In fact, the misogynistic pummeling of its female lead can feel more than a little disquieting at times. Like the Hunger Games movies before it, one can’t help but wonder if the teens-beating-teens cinematic tack shouldn’t have been avoided altogether. (A few other moments in the film, including some wince-inducing images of wounds and mass atrocities, as well as a glimpse of the film’s young star changing clothes, also need to be called out here in terms of content worth considering before heading off to join up with your own faction.)

Then again, this is an allegory, a fantasy that throws a young woman into the roiling waves of figuring out who she is, how she fits, and what’s right and wrong. It ultimately shows her meeting those challenges with a heart of self-sacrifice and heroism and an impassioned concern for those she loves. And it advocates for us all to be more than one-dimensional beings, to strive for well-roundedness as we practice a wide array of positive characteristics.

As allegories go, that might not be very, um, divergent from the norm, but neither is it all bad.

After spending more than two decades touring, directing, writing and producing for Christian theater and radio (most recently for Adventures in Odyssey, which he still contributes to), Bob joined the Plugged In staff to help us focus more heavily on video games. He is also one of our primary movie reviewers.

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Divergent Reviews

There have been far more compelling metaphors for the trials of adolescence.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Aug 15, 2022

This slick-looking, but shallow slice of sci-fi features a certain amount of Harry Potter-esque HufflePuff...

Full Review | Mar 8, 2022

Divergent is Hunger Games light, but Woodley and James bring some heat to the leads and it's fun watching Kate Winslet sneering her way through a villainous role.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 1, 2021

Falling victim to the same problem of many science-fiction or fantasy epic startups, the story is 90% introduction.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/10 | Dec 4, 2020

It doesn't help that the music by Junkie XL is overwrought and dominating in the worst of ways.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4.0 | Sep 6, 2020

Despite a good lead performance, what we have is a glossy shell but not much underneath.

Full Review | Original Score: C+ | Jul 21, 2020

It is glaringly obvious that the movie version of Divergent is influenced by the success and popularity of The Hunger Games and sadly this underwhelming film did not deliver.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Jul 16, 2020

Bland, clunky, and lifeless.

Full Review | Original Score: C- | Jul 8, 2020

I was bored.

Full Review | Apr 27, 2020

It's like Hunger Games, meets Enders' Game, meets every YA book you've ever read.

Full Review | Mar 26, 2020

Divergent suffers in comparison to Hunger Games. But when judged alone, Divergent makes a strong case for the entertainment value of an empowered young female hero attempting to survive and resist in a dystopian society.

Full Review | Mar 11, 2020

A possibly compelling idea gets lost in the mire of trying to be appealing to a core audience that doesn't want to work hard for narrative reward.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Aug 29, 2019

The film is more interesting than the average bad movie precisely because it so gratuitously, and even thematically, fails to fit together.

Full Review | Aug 28, 2019

This is a rite-of-passage film, with action, romance and self-realization woven in. But unlike some others of this genre, Divergent is thought-provoking teen sci-fi.

Full Review | Aug 14, 2019

Saved by Woodley and James' performances, Divergent has every trope a teenage fan could ask for, and not much else.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Jun 17, 2019

Divergent is chock-full of holes, but Woodley and her bright band of co-stars try valiantly to save the day.

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10 | Apr 3, 2019

The story is told in a much too clinical fashion.

Full Review | Mar 7, 2019

Divergent doesn't have the same mass appeal, but it doesn't make it any less impactful than the best that this genre - the science fiction genre, not the young adult subgenre - has to offer.

Full Review | Feb 5, 2019

While I can't recommend "Divergent" to anyone not already fans of the novels, I will say I'm interested in where this series goes.

Full Review | Feb 1, 2019

Woodley makes things believable... and she and James sell their understated relationship.

Full Review | Jan 25, 2019

Why Divergent fails at everything it sets out to do

by Constance Grady

Divergent is that YA novel series and film franchise where everyone’s sorted into groups by personality. No, not Harry Potter . It’s a dystopia. No, not The Hunger Games . The less famous one. No, not The Maze Runner .

In both the books and the movies, Divergent borrows heavily, and poorly, from other YA franchises, and this is its Achilles' heel. It clearly does not understand the tropes it borrows, and this is why the Divergent films — the third of which is in theaters now — have never performed as well as studio executives expected them to, and why the books have been largely forgotten after their early robust sales. As much as it might have had the superficial trappings of the next big thing, it never laid the groundwork it needed to to become a bona fide phenomenon.

Divergent was supposed to be the next Hunger Games. It’s not.

When Divergent emerged on the pop culture scene, it was expected to be the next Hunger Games : a YA book-to-movie franchise that's set in a dystopian universe, features a butt-kicking female lead, and stars a promising, up-and-coming young actress.

Instead, Divergent became an also-ran. It’s certainly not an embarrassment to its studio on the level of Vampire Academy, but each new installment of the series has made less money than the one before, and now the Hollywood Reporter reports that the budget of the final movie will be slashed .

Perhaps more importantly, the Divergent franchise has nowhere near the cultural impact of its peers. No one is graffiti-ing quotes from Divergent around Ferguson , Missouri, as a political protest. No one is making millions by self-publishing their Divergent fanfic . No one hates Divergent as much as they hate Twilight, and no one loves it as much as they love The Hunger Games or Harry Potter.

Divergent fails because it doesn’t understand how to use the YA tropes it borrows

What makes Divergent such an anemic excuse for a pop culture phenomenon is that it borrows popular tropes from other YA franchises without understanding what makes them compelling. The Hunger Games became a runaway hit and is a dystopia, so Divergent is a dystopia. Harry Potter fans love talking about which Hogwarts house they’d belong to, so Divergent gives us the faction system. But Divergent fails to include the political commentary that gives a dystopia its power or the world building that gives personality sorting room to breathe.

A true dystopia exaggerates a trait in our own society, taking it to its worst possible extreme. If we don’t do something about this misogyny, we’ll become The Handmaid’s Tale ; if we don’t do something about this communism, we’ll become 1984 ; if we don’t do something about this anti-intellectualism, we’ll become Fahrenheit 451 . The Hunger Games, which contains some surprisingly sophisticated political commentary, includes among its targets income inequality, celebrity culture, and the glamorization of war.

Divergent takes place in a society where all citizens are sorted into five factions based on their dominant personality trait: The selfless are sent to Abnegation, the intellectual to Erudite, the kind to Amity, the honest to Candor, and the brave to Dauntless. Leaving aside the sheer laziness of naming two factions with adjectives and three with nouns, what trait could this faction setup possibly be mirroring in our own society? If we don’t do something about these BuzzFeed quizzes, Divergent warns us, we may find ourselves going down a dark path.

If we don’t do something about these BuzzFeed quizzes, Divergent warns us, we may find ourselves going down a dark path

Of course, Divergent didn't invent personality sorting in YA: Harry Potter famously has the Hogwarts house system, and regardless of your feelings about the series , no one has ever claimed that Harry Potter is a failure because of it. On the contrary, fans are constantly sorting themselves and each other into Hogwarts houses; Tumblr is full of indignant posts about whether the world needs hybrid houses like Slytherclaw or Griffinpuff.

But unlike Divergent, sorting is not the single distinctive trait of the world of Harry Potter ; it is one aspect of a carefully textured, well-developed world, and that allows Harry Potter to hand-wave the parts of the system that don't make sense. (It's so reductive! And are Slytherins evil or just misunderstood?) By making the faction system the sole defining attribute of its world building, Divergent puts pressure on the trope that it is not able to bear.

Divergent ’s Tris is a poor copy of The Hunger Games ’ Katniss

The world of Divergent is not designed to make any kind of meaningful comment on our own society. It’s designed for character study. And in theory, the protagonist’s journey from self-sacrificing Beatrice of Abnegation to badass, pleasingly selfish Dauntless Tris to serves-no-master-but-herself Divergent Tris could be compelling. The key word here is could. Instead, Tris is paper-thin — a flat, blank excuse for a Strong Female Character. She’s clearly modeled on The Hunger Games ’ deliberately cold Katniss Everdeen, but that characterization is not earned.

There’s a telling moment early in the first book, on Tris’s first night at Dauntless headquarters, when she listens to one of her fellow Dauntless transfers cry himself to sleep. Tris knows she should want to comfort him, but instead she’s filled with loathing and disgust: "Someone who looks so strong shouldn't act so weak. Why can't he just keep his crying quiet like the rest of us?" It’s strikingly similar to Katniss Everdeen’s first night in the Hunger Games arena, which she spends filled with disgust for a fellow tribute who lights a fire. "You might as well be waving a flag and shouting, ‘Come and get me!’" Katniss fumes. Before long, she’s contemplating murder: "Obviously this person’s a hazard. Stupid people are dangerous. And this one probably doesn’t have much in the way of weapons, while I’ve got this excellent knife."

So what makes Katniss’s murderous rage work while Tris’s silent hatred falls flat? The Hunger Games grounds Katniss’s disgust in everything we know about her: She has a well-established survival instinct, honed through years of subsistence living. We hear her repeated admonitions to herself that emotion is a weakness she cannot afford, and we recognize that her life is literally on the line. All this groundwork makes Katniss’s anger understandable, even endearing.

Divergent is a character study about a blank and boring character

In contrast, Tris’s anger depends on one thing: the fact that she resents being raised to put others' needs before her own. Now that she has left Abnegation for Dauntless, she is ready to be brave and selfish and put herself first. And her needs, apparently, include indulging a deep and profound hatred for weakness.

Tris’s hatred for weakness is what animates her through the first book, convincing her that it is a good idea to demonstrate her own strength by repeatedly jumping onto and off of high-speed trains and trying to take down the corrupt government. It is her single distinctive character trait: She is not clever, she is not kind, she is not a survivor, she is not a hero, she is not manipulative, she is not a leader, she is not interesting. She just hates weakness.

That is not enough to build a compelling character out of — but it’s all Divergent has. And because Divergent is designed primarily as a vehicle for character study, the entire franchise feels empty.

Here's what we're left with: a dystopia that has no political statement to make; a flat world built around a single, flimsy plot device that can't support it; and a character study of a dull and unlikable one-note character. It's Harry Potter without the detailed world building, The Hunger Games without the social commentary or the charismatic lead character. Divergent didn't become The Hunger Games because, in the end, it doesn't understand what makes The Hunger Games compelling. It can only manage incoherent and superficial similarities.

Correction: An earlier version of this article said that there are four factions in the Divergent world. There are five.

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<i>Divergent</i> Movie Review: Readers Will Love It (Spoiler Free)

Uppercase Box Founder

As a longtime fan of any book series, there is often trepidation when you hear your favorite novels are being made into movies. This is because... well, we've seen what can happen.

You can either get The Hunger Games version, which is pretty true to the books and one of my favorite book-to-movie adaptations yet, or you can get the Eragon version. If you don't know what I'm talking about then think about keeping it that way. Definitely read the book, but just skip the movie. Forever.

So, when I got the chance to see an early screening of Divergent at the Orlando red carpet premiere, I was definitely excited. But I was also nervous.

Would the cast really embody the characters I imagined in my head? What would be cut or changed, and would I mind?

The short answer is: I loved it. Although I didn't mean to copy Divergent author Veronica Roth's own reaction to seeing the movie, I can't help it. It's just true.

The long answer is...

Divergent as a Movie

I think it's important to consider a movie apart from its book. Obviously they are a package deal, but for the mental sanity of any hardcore book fans, this is a good practice.

The cinematography of the movie is beautiful. Divergent is set in a futuristic version of Chicago, and I'm sure natives will be thrilled to see their beautiful city looking CGI-tastic and a bit emptier.

I think the casting was spot on. Shailene Woodley really embodies the spirit of Tris, the young girl who's trying to make the biggest decision of her life and is thrown some serious complications.

Plus, Theo James as Four was just brilliant. He simply IS Four, and manages to capture the tough exterior of the character while showing that Four does in fact have a softer side (it's true!).

As a Divergent book fan, there are so many scenes you cannot wait to see played in real life outside your head. There are so many amazing moments in the book -- those Dauntless know how to keep their hearts racing -- and all my favorites not only made it in but were performed beyond my wildest imagination.

Not wanting to spoil anything for Divergent newcomers, I'll share more details for other book fans on my young adult book review site, Read.Breathe.Relax.

As I continued to watch the movie, I kept thinking that it reminded me of how much I loved the book when I first read it and how the story delves much deeper than a simple coming-of-age tale.

It's about family and choices and wanting to feel like you belong. It's about community and our innate fear of being alone. And most importantly, it's about fighting what's expected to be who you really are.

This is a film that will inspire viewers to pick up the book immediately after watching it.

Divergent as a Book Adaptation

Again, to avoid spoilers I won't go into much detail here. I'll suffice it to say that there are definitely some things that were changed and a few characters left out.

It's bound to happen. It's always hard for fans to understand because why mess with an already amazing thing, right?

But with all the details filmmakers inevitably have to leave out, changes have to be made for the storyline to continue to make sense and segue into forthcoming movies.

I will say that I was surprised how much of a role Jeanine Matthews had in the movie -- I certainly didn't remember her being so prevalent in the book. That being said, Kate Winslet acted beautifully, so my concern was washed away quickly (and I was distracted by her American accent).

I'm never really sure how readers will take changes to the movie, but for me, I wasn't overly upset about the alterations that were made. I was far too busy fawning over Four and feeling the rush of crazy Dauntless antics.

Divergent hits theaters March 21, and tickets are now on sale. I think book fans and dystopia lovers alike will be thrilled with this adaptation.

The Divergent movie truly captures the spirit, adventure and excitement of the book, and I cannot wait to see again once it's out.

Divergent book fans: What scenes are you most excited to see on the big screen?

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Film Review: ‘Divergent’

This latest attempt to cash in on the YA craze fails to work as an engaging standalone movie.

By Andrew Barker

Andrew Barker

Senior Features Writer

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Even though it stretches to nearly two-and-a-half hours and concludes with an extended gun battle, by the time “ Divergent ” ends, it still seems to be in the process of clearing its throat. Blame it on burdensome commercial expectations, perhaps: Adapted from the first novel in Veronica Roth ’s blockbuster YA series, this film has clearly been designated an heir apparent to Summit-Lionsgate’s massively lucrative teen-targeted “Twilight” and “Hunger Games” properties. Yet director Neil Burger seems so concerned with laying franchise groundwork that he neglects to create an engaging standalone movie, and “Divergent’s” uncertain sense of setting, bloated plot, drab visual style and solid yet underwhelming lead turns from Shailene Woodley and Theo James don’t necessarily make the best case for series newcomers. Fans of the books will turn out for what should be a very profitable opening weekend, but with future installments already on the release calendar, the film’s B.O. tea leaves will surely be read with care.

While the obvious takeaway from the successes of “Twilight” and “The Hunger Games” would seem to be that properties once considered the domain of teenage girls have every bit as much crossover potential as those marketed to their brothers, a number of studios have instead simply opted to stripmine serialized young-adult fiction for stories with superficially similar elements. Set in a dystopian society with a “chosen one” heroine and prominent time given over to a moony, chaste romance, “Divergent” certainly fits that bill.

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The film takes place in a decaying futuristic version of Chicago, where society has reorganized itself into five distinct factions based on personality types, and named after words that “Divergent’s” target audience will soon need to learn for their SATs: Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless and Erudite. (Why some factions are named with adjectives and others with nouns is a mystery that future installments will hopefully unravel.)

Speaking of the SAT, a standardized test is of paramount importance to teenage life in the film’s universe as well. At the age of 16, all youths must pick the faction where they will spend the rest of their lives, after a hallucinatory exam recommends where they are best suited. Of course, the results are secret, the test-takers are free to choose whichever faction they like, and the majority simply elect to stay right where they were born, which does call into question the test’s importance.

Protagonist Beatrice Prior (Woodley) is the daughter of an Abnegation official (Tony Goldwyn) who lives with her nurturing mother (Ashley Judd) and twin brother, Caleb (Ansel Elgort). She has never felt at ease with her faction’s modest, self-denying lifestyle, and when she takes the test, her results prove inconclusive, suggesting she’s equally adept at three different skillsets. Her tester (Maggie Q) hurries her out of the building, explaining that she is a rare species of “Divergent,” and must keep this information secret lest terrible consequences befall her. This is the first of many doom-laden warnings she’ll be given by characters who don’t have the time to explain them in any detail.

When Choosing Day arrives, the Prior twins shock the whole city by both opting for new factions. Caleb selects the snobbish Erudite faction, lead by the oleaginous, power-hungry Jeanine Matthews (Kate Winslet, doing what sounds conspicuously close to a Hillary Clinton impression). Beatrice defects to the warrior class Dauntless, a whooping, hollering, aerially detraining bunch with a fashion aesthetic that falls midway between “UFC fighter” and “Hot Topic clerk.”

Initiation into the new faction begins immediately, and Beatrice (now taking on the newer, hipper name of Tris) finds herself taking skyscraper trust falls and participating in brutal sparring matches with fellow initiates. She soon learns that those who fail to pass muster with the Dauntless clique are cast out (un-Daunted?) to join the untouchable “factionless” caste who live on the streets. Further complicating matters is her pair of bickering instructors: the hunky, granite-jawed Four (Theo James) — who shoots Tris the sort of pensive glances that suggest he’s struggling to decide on a font for their wedding invitations — and the serpentine Eric (Jai Courtney).

Meanwhile, as the initiation rituals take up most of the film’s focus, a power struggle deepens between Erudite and Abnegation, and Tris slowly starts to piece together why being outed as Divergent could prove so perilous.

If the story seems to be diverging into too many narrative factions at once, indeed it is. And by trying to cram in as many explanatory info dumps as possible, Burger neglects to tend to the elements of the film that could easily make up for any narrative deficiencies: namely, a sense of place and a feeling of urgency.

Despite all the tidings of war and eminent threat of banishment, the initiates rarely seem particularly nervous. It doesn’t help that scripters Evan Daugherty and Vanessa Taylor excise a number of the darker sequences from Roth’s book, while Burger conspires to show nothing more sanguinary than minor nosebleeds and bruises for the first two acts, even when characters are putting each other into the hospital with great regularity. And for a hyper-militarized, technologically advanced, segregated dystopian society on the verge of factional conflict, the city’s various zones seem to have all the security and surveillance capacity of a Club Med.

Unlike the “Harry Potter” series’ tangible, fully dimensional Hogwarts or “The Hunger Games’” colorfully variegated districts, “Divergent’s” vision of new Chicago doesn’t have much to distinguish it from a standard-issue post-apocalyptic pic. Shot on location in the Windy City, the film rarely lingers for too long on urban exterior environments, with interiors sometimes appearing very much like soundstages, and the decor in the Dauntless faction’s social hub, dubbed “the Pit,” looks like it might well have been leftover from a Syfy original movie that shot there the week before.

Tackling her first leading role in a project of this size, Woodley can be wonderful when she’s allowed to show a bit of sass, but while she easily nails the film’s most emotional, actorly moments, her Tris hasn’t quite fully gelled as an autonomous character. Woodley’s “The Spectacular Now” co-star, Miles Teller, gets most of the film’s laughs as Tris’ antagonistic fellow initiate, while her friends played by Zoe Kravitz and Ben Lloyd-Hughes are left mostly spinning their wheels.

Though its largely handheld camerawork is always competent, the film displays an ungainly sort of beige sheen throughout: Backgrounds often appear washed-out and featureless, and actors’ faces sometimes display the lifeless aspect of overdone digital touchups. A trance-infused score by Junkie XL is appropriately youthful, while music supervisor Randall Poster has assembled a clever collection of indie rock, electronica and hip-hop.

Reviewed at AMC Century City 15, March 13, 2014. MPAA Rating: PG-13. Running time: 140 MIN.

Production: A Lionsgate/Summit Entertainment release of a Summit Entertainment presentation of a Red Wagon Entertainment production. Produced by Douglas Wick, Lucy Fisher, Pouya Shahbazian. Executive producers, John J. Kelly, Rachel Shane. Co-producer, Veronica Roth.
Crew: Directed by Neil Burger. Screenplay, Evan Daugherty, Vanessa Taylor, from the book by Veronica Roth. Camera (Deluxe color), Alwin Kuchler; editors, Richard Francis-Bruce, Nancy Richardson; music, Junkie XL; music supervisor, Randall Poster; production designer, Andy Nicholson; art director, Patrick Sullivan; set decorator, Anne Kuljian; costume designer, Carlo Poggiolo; sound (Dolby Digital/Datasat), David Obermeyer; supervising sound editors, Wylie Stateman, Harry Cohen; re-recording mixers, Mike Prestwood Smith, Michael Keller; special effects supervisor, Yves DeBono; senior visual effects supervisor, Jim Berney; visual effects, Method Studios, Scanline VFX, Soho VFX, Wormstyle, CoSA VFX, Lola VFX; stunt coordinator/second unit director, Garrett Warren; assistant directors, Vincent Lascoumes, Artist Robinson; second unit camera, Jake Polonsky, Paul Hughen; casting, Mary Vernieu, Venus Kanani.
With: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ashley Judd, Jai Courtney, Ray Stevenson, Zoe Kravitz, Miles Teller, Tony Goldwyn, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, Mekhi Phifer, Kate Winslet.

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{Book vs. Movie Review} Divergent by Veronica Roth

April 19, 2014 Michelle @ Book Briefs Reviews , Young Adult 18 ★★★★★

This first book in Veronica Roth's #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy is the novel the inspired the major motion picture starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James, and Kate Winslet. This dystopian series set in a futuristic Chicago has captured the hearts of millions of teen and adult readers. Perfect for fans of the Hunger Games and Maze Runner series, Divergent and its sequels, Insurgent and Allegiant, are the gripping story of a dystopian world transformed by courage, self-sacrifice, and love. Fans of the Divergent movie will find the book packed with just as much emotional depth and exhilarating action as the film, all told in beautiful, rich language.One choice can transform you. Beatrice Prior's society is divided into five factions—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). Beatrice must choose between staying with her Abnegation family and transferring factions. Her choice will shock her community and herself. But the newly christened Tris also has a secret, one she's determined to keep hidden, because in this world, what makes you different makes you dangerous.Supports the Common Core State Standards.

I have no idea why on earth it took me so long to finally get around to reading Divergent. I loved the book. The movie was good too, but as usual, I thought the book was better. It was both a blessing and a curse to have read the book right before I watched the movie. It was cool because I was really pumped up and excited with the story fresh in my mind, but at the same time- the book was fresh in my mind. So every time they deviated from the story line, I instantly noticed. The book was wonderful in it’s own right. This is one fast paced story line. The action never stopped. I couldn’t believe how much stuff happened in just one book. I mean we went from setting the stage in this new dystopian world all the way to war in one book. It was a lot. I loved Tris. What I love the most about her was what made her a Divergent in the first place. She questions things. She can’t be labeled. And she doesn’t just accept answers on their face value. She wants to know why, and I would be lying if I said that I was any different. And like Tris, it has gotten me into trouble a time or two also. I’m going to spare you some of the details about what happens plot wise, because I am assuming that I am last person in the YA world to read this book. There were so many things that I liked about the book. I loved watching Tris adapt to dauntless. She really is pretty incredible. She isn’t automatically great at everything she tries, but she is not afraid of working hard and practicing. and she is really brave. I also loved seeing how some of the other dauntless initiates handled the faction change as well. Al was really interesting, and what happened with him made me so sad.

I thought the movie did a great job with the sets and making Veronica Roth’s world come to life. I thought they did a fantastic job portraying the different factions. I thought the castings were also great. They were just how I pictured the characters in the book. Tris was fantastic in the movie, just as plucky and brave as she was in the book. Four, Christina and Peter were also all wonderful. (or wonderfully awful in the case of Peter.) Eric was also creepy as heck. I was super pleased with all of the castings and the world building and the factions. I also thought the relationship between Tris and Four was really well done in the movie. Four was hot! Some smaller storylines were cut out and shifted around for the sake of getting everything into the movie. That didn’t bother me too much. Like I said, there is a TON of stuff that happened in this one book and at 500+ pages, I knew there is no way all the details would make it into the film. But a couple of changes irked me a bit. I was really disappointed that the “test” was cut short. And maybe the most disappointing of all was that we barely got to see Al. We didn’t get to see anything about him and Tris, and we didn’t get to see how he struggled with the initiation. I thought that would have added to the movie overall, and it was a part that I really enjoyed in the book, so I was bummed that they cut that whole storyline out. One change that I was pleased to see, was that they didn’t really make notice of Tris’ plain or not so pretty appearance. When Four admitted that Tris was not that pretty in the book, it made me sad, so I was happy I didn’t have to relive that in the movie. The obvious change in the ending of the movie was surprising, but I am not sure whether I am annoyed with it or if I like it. I think that might have been a good choice movie wise, but I am still such a fan of staying true to the book. I am still conflicted on this one. It turned out pretty cool, but it was so, so different.

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18 Responses to “{Book vs. Movie Review} Divergent by Veronica Roth”

I always watch the movies first and read the book afterwards – otherwise, you’re guaranteed to be disappointed. Thanks for the post !

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ERMERGERSH!!!!! I’m a HUGE Divergent fan and yes you are the last person in the YA world to read this…LOL okay so I’m totally with you I loved the book and I loved the movie even though they LEFT so much stuff out!! **spoilers ahead** Like Christina is supposed to grab the flag and they didn’t even show her bond with will…and Peters epic butter knife scene! I think Edward had like ONE line in the whole movie but he is going to play a HUGE ROLE in the next :0) OH AND at the end WTF!!! That sooooo did not even happen Four was ALONE!!! OH and they didn’t round up Abnegation it WAS OPEN FIRE!! GAH!!!!!! lol sorry I did love it though!! Both book and movie, I am also onboard of the “Divergent is better than Hunger Games” train…Mostly because Tris has a trillion more redeeming qualities than Katniss…Alright doll I’m out have an awesome weekend!!

This was a great post. I was nodding along to everything you said and I completely agree with everything. There were things that I had wished made it into the movie (Tobias wanting Tris to not call him Four, for one thing) but even with the changes, I was very pleased with the movie. I really liked the book as well so all in all, this first installment of the series was a complete delight for me.

Michelle @ Book Briefs

I was too Rowena. I knew some changes would have to be made, and I was happy with the result. The book was awesome. I can’t wait to see what is going to happen in the next one.

I loved the first book so I am super excited to watch the movie now as well, in fact I read this just so I could watch the movie when it came out. 😉

Christina T @ Creating-Serenity

Ha! If it makes you feel better I JUST finished this one. I loved it also and instead of doing a normal review wound up doing the top 10 things I loved. I just loved that much of it!!

I also have not seen the movie and I’m glad I’m going to wait. I want to support the book but this is one where I knew I probably didn’t want to see it right after reading, although, you have me curious about the ending now!

Great review!

I can’t wait to see what you think of it Christina. I thought it was really well done but I feel like I was extra picky about it because I watched it 5 days after reading the book. Maybe you have the right idea about waiting. haha

Valeria @ A Touch of Book Madness

Wow! I’m glad you did this! I haven’t read, nor watched the movie yet. But I’m planning to, really soon! I just need to know what all the fuss is about. And now, it’s hard for me to wait.

Yay! I am glad that I am not the only one that has yet to read the book. The book is so great, you would love it. I can’t wait to see what you think of it Valeria 🙂

I love love love love love Divergent but I haven’t had a chance to see the film yet! Super excited though. 😀

I think you will like the movie. It was well done!

I really liked the movie, but have not read the books (so you’re not the last one :)The movie made me more likely to read the series since I want to know what happens next, and I know there’s so much in the books that got left out of the movie. I know there was a lot of controversy about book three, but I may still read these to get the full story. It sounds like from your post that they changed the ending, so now I’m curious about that. 🙂

I think it is a great movie, and looking back I think Movie first and book second would be the better order. (and I almost never say that!)

A couple weeks ago I read the trilogy back-to-back because I wanted to be finished before I saw the movie. I regret doing that. I really liked Divergent, but the 02nd and 3rd book had me so annoyed. So I haven’t even watch the movie yet. I learned my lesson. lol.

My friend just finished the trilogy and told me that I would probably be upset with book 3. I have steered clear of reviews for books 2 and 3 because I wanted to go into this series blind because it is so popular so now I am super curious about the next books.

I can’t believe it took you so long to get around to reading Divergent! I also really enjoyed it, but wasn’t sure if the movie would be as good. After reading your review, I think I’ll check it out!

La La in the Library

I loved this entire trilogy much better than the Hunger Games trilogy. Although I do admit I liked The first Hunger Games book better than Divergent. My son has read THG books,but not these. I am hoping he will read them this summer. 😀

Sue @ Crushingcinders

I loved Divergent too. Reading the book just before the movie is risky but we all live on the edge! I had at least a year between the two and I thought the movie was well done.

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"Divergent" reviews: Critics say film isn't as good as the book

By Ken Lombardi

March 20, 2014 / 12:50 PM EDT / CBS News

Watch out "Hunger Games."

A new film about a teen girl trying to survive a post-apocalyptic world is coming to the big screen.

Theo James plays Tobias "Four" Eaton, a love interest for Tris.

"Divergent" stars on Shailene Woodley and why this isn't "The Hunger Games"

Zoe Kravitz, Miles Teller , Ashley Judd, Mekhi Phifer, Jai Courtney, Maggie Q and Kate Winslet also star.

The film comes from Lionsgate, the same studio behind the highly successful "Hunger Games" franchise.

"Divergent," however, has not been garnering the same critical acclaim that was bestowed upon the "Games" films when they were first released.

Critics have taken "Divergent" to task for its script written by Evan Daugherty and Vanessa Taylor, and its direction by Neil Burger ("The Prestige"). The movie has only received a 26 percent rating on movie review aggregator site, Rotten Tomatoes .

If the reviews are to be believed, the performances from Woodley and James are this film's only saving graces:

Andrew Barker, Variety : "'Divergent's' uncertain sense of setting, bloated plot, drab visual style and solid yet underwhelming lead turns from Shailene Woodley and Theo James don't necessarily make the best case for series newcomers."

Lou Leminick, New York Post : "'Divergent' is a clumsy, humorless and shamelessly derivative sci-fi thriller set in a generically dystopian future."

Mike Ryan, TIME : "It's impossible to ignore the overwhelming sense that we've seen all this before, only with better execution."

Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter : "Woodley, a sensitive performer, is hamstrung by the screenplay but lends her role relatability and a convincing athleticism. Burger and [cinematographer Alwin] Kuchler's unfortunate preference for mascara-ad close-ups, however, detracts from the character's grit."

Moira Macdonald, Seattle Times : "Woodley has a scratchy little voice and a way of clamping her eyes on her scene partners as if they might catch fire if she looked away; she also has that rare quality of utter likability, and of making preposterous situations seem believable simply because she's there. Without her, 'Divergent' would be a grim slog indeed."

Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune : "James is the best thing in 'Divergent.' Imagine the pain and suffering this film might've inflicted with Taylor Lautner of 'Twilight' in the male-lust-object role, and you especially appreciate James' wry, offhanded charisma."

Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly : "I'm glad to see the launch of a dystopian franchise in which individuality, as embodied by Shailene Woodley, looks like it could mean something beyond hiply propping up the status quo."

Manohla Dargis, The New York Times : "Yea for 'Divergent,' a dumb movie that I hope makes major bank if only as a reminder of the obvious: Women can drive big and little movies, including the pricey franchises that fire up the box office and the culture."

"Divergent" opens in theaters on Friday.

Ken Lombardi is an entertainment reporter for CBS News. He has interviewed over 300 celebrities, including Clint Eastwood, Oprah Winfrey and Tom Hanks.

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Arts & Entertainment

Divergent: Book vs Movie

BOOK REVIEW BY VIVIAN TRAN / MOVIE REVIEW BY NATASHA BRENNAN

BOOK REVIEW

The setting takes place in the future run-down Chicago and is separated into five factions: Abnegation, Dauntless, Erudite, Amity, and Candor. The teens of this place are to choose a faction they want to continue their life as. As for Beatrice (Tris) Prior, she doesn’t know where to go or start, after going through the simulation that helps her choose her future faction; she finds who she is, but not fully. As the story goes on Tris reveals her secrets, finds new friends, enemies, a lover she does not want to lose, how much her family means to her, who she is, and what she is fighting for.

This book is an overall emotional, suspenseful, and action pack rollercoaster that will have you at the edge of your seat. It is a book that is worth reading over and over again to go through the many feelings expressed that can’t be shown through the film. So, if you have nothing to do and enjoy reading (or even listening to the audio), pick up “Divergent” and get pulled into this crazy world.

The movie for “Divergent” has recently come out and many did not expect how close the movie would be to the book. Watching the trailer many were disappointed that the actors & actresses were not how they imagined they would be, but onscreen it was almost perfect. The movie expresses the story very well only missing a few parts many enjoyed. You still get the same feeling when watching the film, but it’s not the amazing feeling you get reading the book itself.

MOVIE REVIEW

“Divergent,” starring Shailene Woodley as Tris/Beatrice and Theo James as Four/Tobias, is an action-packed, fast-paced movie with a twist of romance and the difficulties of cutting family ties. In a dystopia post-war Chicago, the government constructed a large wall and divided the population into five factions based on the virtues of the person: Abnegation, the selfless who are trusted to run the government, Candor, the honest, Erudite, the intelligent who work in the scientific field, Amity, the peaceful who work the land to provide food for the city, and Dauntless, the brave, fearless warriors and protectors of the city.

When one turns 16 they are sent to take a test that tells them where they belong within the factions. Although most people test into the faction they were born to, the person still gets to make the choice whether to go with their test result or their heart. When Beatrice finds out her test result was inconclusive her test administrator hurries her out of the exam room and manually inserts her result as Abnegation before authorities are alerted. Realizing Beatrice won’t leave without knowing why her test results came out the way they did, the examiner tells her that every once in a while a person is born who does not fall into a faction, they are called divergent. Although extremely rare, they threaten the system and are eliminated if discovered.

Beatrice goes home, but come choosing day she is troubled on what to choose- stay in Abnegation where she never really felt like she belonged but be with her family, or follow her heart and switch factions. Beatrice chooses to switch into Dauntless. Being the only one of the new recruits from Abnegation, that the rest of the city nicknames “stiffs,” she is determined to prove she belongs by always being the first to volunteer and changes her name to Tris. Her and the other new recruits are put to the test to prove themselves. At the end of testing the lowest scoring recruits are marked to be kicked out and deemed “factionless,” or the homeless whose food only comes from the selflessness of Abnegation when available.

Tris gets to a rough start being that she is weak in body, but not in mind. She practices harder than anyone else and challenges the authority of her superiors, one being Four, who has become interested in her tough personality. He takes her under his wing and teaches her how to fight the right way, helping her get above the factionless cut-off line. On the last stage of testing the new recruits are to drink a serum that will show the examiner their fears and how they would deal with them in real life. Tris, with Four as her examiner, understands that she is being tested, reminding herself over and over again “this is not real,” and finishes the test in record time. Four, suspicious of how she finished the test so fast, has caught onto her being a divergent. Tris is faced with another choice- deny and possibly live or come clean and suffer the consequences.

Erudite thinks Abnegation is unfit to run the city and is fighting them for power. They develop a mind-controlling serum they inject into the whole Dauntless faction, making them zombie warriors with the mission to invade Abnegation and exterminate them. Being divergent, the serum doesn’t work on Four and Tris, and they plot how to get to the Erudite command center in a protected part of the Dauntless faction and shut the whole system down. But first, Tris needs to save her Mom and Dad from the executions.

Will they shut it down or will Erudite’s mind-controlled zombies stop them in their tracks?

“Divergent” has been regarded as a Frankenstein mash-up of other movies, however I personally feel it’s in a classification of its own. The movie has been criticized for its similarities to the Hunger Games series as there is a division of people and issues with the government. To me the differences definitely outweigh the similarities, such as the plot, romance, and there being a sort of civil war in “Divergent” while “Hunger Games” has an over-controlling government.

The filming of “Divergent” is much cleaner and professionally shot than “Hunger Games,” without the shakiness of the camera that had many upset, dizzy, or feeling sick when watching it in theaters. Although there have been complaints about the casting of the leads, as there always are with book adaptations, Woodley and James did a phenomenal job. The acting is much more believable and flows undeniably better than its teen-raged predecessor “Hunger Games.”

“Divergent” definitely had me on an emotional rollercoaster- crying, squealing, screaming at the screen, and squeezing my friends on either side. It’s a movie you must have the full cinematic experience with, or you’ll regret it. I strongly recommend you watch this in theaters while it’s still available.

As for comparing to the book, there’s always the complaints and the praise. I’ve heard it’s pretty similar, only a few minor things, but I have nothing negative to say at all. As a movie-buff, I greatly admire the impeccable acting, special effects, set and costume design, and screenwriting. It’s an A+, five out of five stars, two-thumbs up movie for me that is bound to become a cult classic faster than “Twilight” and “Hunger Games” combined. I will definitely be adding the DVD to my collection when it comes out and to my list of all-time favorites. Watch it and you will too.

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DIVERGENT (2014) review

written by: Evan Daugherty and Vanessa Taylor

produced by: Douglas Wick, Lucy Fisher and Pouya Shabazian

directed by: Neil Burger

rating: PG-13 (intense violence and action, thematic elements and some sensuality

runtime: 139 min.

U.S. release date: March 21, 2014

Based on the best-selling trilogy from Veronica Roth, “Divergent” is the latest addition to the YA movie adaptations. Studios are aware of the potential for success these books offer, as they cater to established fans and aim to attract a predominately young audience. While the dystopian near-future sci-fi premise shows promise, it unfortunately delivers a bland and derivative movie on many levels. It’s a movie that will unlikely be accepted by viewers unfamiliar with the source material and will predictably be embraced by those who are.

And most likely, those who are will scoff at the movie’s detractors, will claim “well, you haven’t read the book, so….” in defense of “Divergent”. I speak from experience. To those fervent fans I usually reply with, “No, I haven’t read the books, but I saw this movie.”

A movie should not require a built-in audience as a prerequisite for enjoyment. It stands on its own. As a comic book fan, I know what it’s like to be lost in the excitement of your beloved characters and stories coming to life on the big-screen. I also know what it’s like to be severely disappointed in how they are adapted, as well.

“Divergent” takes place in a future Chicago. So right there, you have my interest. For once, it’s not New York or L.A. getting the post-apocalyptic treatment, but rather my hometown. Expectedly, this Windy City looks quite different here. It’s unclear why or how Lake Michigan and the Chicago River have both dried up to mere swampland. There’s a reference to a war that took place one hundred years ago, but no explanation of what it was about, who fought in it or what the outcome was.

One result of that mysterious war, was the erection of an enormous man-made wall off the shore of the city. It’s a mystery what this wall is keeping out, but inside we’re introduced compartmentalized society where people are grouped into factions based on their personality traits.

There are five factions to choose from (or that choose you, possibly): Abnegation (selflessness), Amity (kindness/peacefulness), Erudite (intelligence), Candor (honesty) and Dauntless (fearless bravery). Every faction has their purposed function – Erudite handles science and technology while Abnegation runs the government due to their disposition for serving the public. It’s “explained” that Amity are some kind of farming hippies and Candor “speak their mind”. Talk about generalizations. Then there are the soldiers of Dauntless, who must run, jump and climb wherever they go – they cannot walk anywhere. I don’t know why. They immerse themselves in combat training and convey a convincing military presence, but it’s unclear who/what they are ready to defend or who/what they are prepared to fend off. Then there are those called the Faction-less, who either did not choose or were banished from a faction. They’re the homeless of the population, living off the streets while receiving some charity from Abnegation, led by Marcus Eaton ( Ray Stevenson , ironically a one-time Punisher).

Everyone has to choose their faction when they turn sixteen. It’s a big event called Choosing Day (creative, I know), where everyone lines up as if they’re choosing college classes or careers. Actually, that analogy isn’t that far off. To help them decide (and to build a Big Brother database for the Erudites) the teens are given a test to determine where they would fit in best – it’s like a hi-tech What Color is My Parachute? exam. When someone’s test results reveal an aptitude for more than one faction, they are considered Divergent. This is a huge no-no, like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, that person will not fit in one particular function. Or maybe – gasp – they are individuals with more than just one-dimension.

Born and raised in an Abnegation family, Beatrice Prior ( Shailene Woodley ) must partake in Choosing Day, along with her brother, Caleb ( Ansel Elgort ). Her parents, Natalie ( Ashley Judd ) and Andrew ( Tony Goldwyn ), are council members and vocalize support for whatever faction their children select with an understandable amount of trepidation. Beatrice tests as Divergent and is told by Tori ( Maggie Q ), the one who performs the test, to keep the results to her self, for life-and-death reasons unknown. When it comes time to choose, Beatrice chooses Dauntless and Caleb becomes an Erudite, both rejecting their family.

Changing her name to “Tris”, Beatrice is swept off on a train to a dilapidated South Side where her initiation and training will begin. She befriends other newbies, like Christina ( Zoe Kravitz ) and Will ( Ben Lloyd-Hughes ) and steers clear of antagonist, Peter ( Miles Teller ), while attracting the attention of Dauntless leader, Four ( Theo James ) and the patronizing eye of cocky instructor, Eric ( Jai Courtney ). The training Beatrice and her new friends endure is intense, brutal and cruel, involving various forms of combat and psychological simulations of fear.

All of this is overseen by Max ( Mekhi Phifer ) of Dauntless, who keeps Jeanine Matthews ( Kate Winslet ), a well-spoken Erudite leader up to date with training. Obsessed with eliminating human nature, or all Divergents. Jeanine is secretly developing a way to control the Dauntless and topple Abnegation. Just as Beatrice is finding her place in her ruthless faction and love develops with Four, she learns of the plan for Dauntless and becomes swept up in a revolution that will disrupt this categorized society.

Primarily known for two of his previous films, “Limitless” and “The Illusionist”, director Neil Burger has the daunting task of making a movie out of a story that wants to be epic in scope, tone and themes. He’s commendably assisted in important areas like visual effects, production and costume design, as well as a propulsive yet mostly unnecessarily manipulative soundtrack by Junkie XL, but it’s the screenplay and maybe even the limitations of a required PG-13 rating with handicap Burger. His movie is overlong, filled with limp action and dull intensity.

Not having read any of the books, I’m unconvinced that the blame for the movie’s confusing and nonsensical storyline should be given to co-writers Evan Daugherty and Vanessa Taylor. I had a hard time believing these factions could actually function. Is Candor the only place for honesty? Why would selflessness be compartmentalized to Abnegation? It seems like Divergents, who come across as normal, multi-faceted individuals, would become the norm. If I lived in this future Chicago, I’d definitely be at home living off the grid in Lower Wacker. It seemed like all of the planning went into the production and design for “Divergent”, leaving us with an unconvincing world with a concept filled with flaws.

One major problem I had with “Divergent” was connecting with Beatrice. Other than showing occasional signs of empathy and compassion, she’s kind of a blank slate. I suppose that’s not too foreign for a teen trying to figure herself out, but her overall personality is hardly lead character material. Maybe Beatrice is supposed to be average and common so that anyone can find themselves in her and grow closer to her as she discovers herself. But it doesn’t feel like we ever really get to know her. We never learn why she chose Dauntless or completely believe that this directionless soul could become a gun-toting, knife-throwing soldier in a short amount of time. Ultimately, Beatrice’s character arch is unconvincing.

That’s not Woodley’s fault. In films like “The Descendants” and “The Spectacular Now”, the young actress has shown that she’s got a fine natural quality about her. In this case, Beatrice just isn’t a very unique character that earns and holds our interest. Woodley does the best with what she has and the rest of the cast follow in her steps. Some of them, though, like Jai Courtney, just wind up coming across as laughable stock character with no depth or dimension to them.

As for Winslet, who is usually compelling in everything she’s in, this role felt like she was crossing this genre off her filmography. Often reminding me of Jodie Foster’s role in last summer’s “Elysium”, Winslet does more with her role, injecting suspicion and curiosity the more we see her. Her reasoning my be thin and her methods formulaic, but her portrayal of Jeanine Matthews left me thinking there was untapped potential there.

The “Twilight Saga” kicked off the ceaseless YA movie adaptation craze, which caters to bringing a beloved series of books to the big-screen for a built-in fan base. What those movies lacked in quality they made up in box office and elation from a predominately female audience. Those unfamiliar with the books were left scratching their heads (or their eyeballs out) at the superficial characterizations, stiff acting and grating dialogue. “The Hunger Games” came along next, with better acting and a more intriguing premise. Those two movies still had the major draw of a loyal readership, but so far, the transition to film actually combines fully-realized world-building, characters that feel real and intense stakes. If we were to compare, this first “Divergent” film (regardless how well this is received, there will be more) lands somewhere between those two YA adaptations, yet easily resting toward the latter.

As I sat in the IMAX theater at Chicago’s Navy Pier to the screening for “Divergent” (ironically a location that is featured in the movie), my peripheral vision noticed two women sitting a couple seats to the right of me. I don’t make a particularly concerted effort to look around a theater while a movie is playing and I hope that can be said about you as well, but I was distracted at times by their shared cheshire grins and audible gasps. Clearly, they were experiencing something I was not.

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– Entertainment Analysis and Reviews

Exploring the World of Divergent (novel) by Veronica Roth

Veronica Roth’s debut novel “Divergent” has gained immense popularity since its release in 2011, captivating audiences with its dystopian setting and gripping storyline. Set in a future Chicago, the book follows the story of Beatrice Prior, a sixteen-year-old girl who must choose a faction to belong to, and the consequences of her choice. “Divergent” has been praised for its exploration of themes such as identity, conformity, and loyalty, making it a standout in the young adult genre. The book’s success has also led to a movie adaptation and a lasting impact on popular culture. In this article, we will delve into the different aspects of the book that have made it a fan favorite and a must-read for anyone interested in dystopian fiction.

Plot Summary of Divergent (novel)

Themes and meaning explored, analysis of characters:, critical reception, adaptations.

“Divergent” is set in a post-apocalyptic Chicago where society is divided into five factions: Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite. Each faction is dedicated to a particular virtue, such as selflessness, honesty, or bravery, and every sixteen-year-old must choose which faction to join for the rest of their lives. Beatrice Prior, the book’s protagonist, is born into Abnegation but feels like she does not fit in with their selfless values. During the Choosing Ceremony, she decides to join Dauntless, a faction known for their courage and fearlessness, but soon discovers that she is “Divergent,” meaning that she possesses traits from multiple factions. As Beatrice, now known as Tris, tries to fit in with her new faction and keep her true identity a secret, she becomes embroiled in a power struggle between the factions that threatens to tear society apart.

List of main events in the plot:

Beatrice Prior chooses to join the Dauntless faction
Beatrice changes her name to Tris and begins her Dauntless initiation
Tris befriends Four, a fellow initiate, and begins to develop feelings for him
Tris discovers that she is Divergent, a dangerous and feared trait in their society
Tris uncovers a plot by the Erudite faction to overthrow Abnegation and take control of the government
Tris and Four team up to stop the Erudite’s plan, but face many obstacles along the way
Tris is forced to confront her own beliefs and values as she fights for what she believes is right
The book ends with a dramatic climax and a twist that sets up the next book in the series.

Individuality and Identity: The book’s protagonist, Tris, struggles with finding her own identity and fitting into society’s expectations. As a Divergent, she doesn’t fit neatly into any one faction, and must reconcile conflicting parts of herself in order to find her place in the world.
Conformity and Societal Norms: The five factions in “Divergent” represent different societal norms and values that are expected of its members. The pressure to conform to these norms and the consequences of not doing so are explored throughout the book.
The Role of Government and Authority: The book raises questions about the role of government and authority in society. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the government has its own agenda and that those in power may not always have the best interests of its citizens in mind.
Loyalty and Betrayal: Tris must navigate complex relationships and shifting loyalties as she uncovers a plot to overthrow the government. Betrayal is a recurring theme in the book, as characters must decide where their loyalties lie and what they are willing to sacrifice for their beliefs.
Coming of Age: “Divergent” is a classic coming-of-age story, as Tris navigates the challenges of growing up and discovering who she is. The book deals with themes of maturity, responsibility, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.

These themes are skillfully woven into the plot and characters of “Divergent,” making it a thought-provoking and engaging read for young adults and adults alike.

“Divergent” is filled with complex and well-developed characters that bring the story to life. Here are some of the key characters in the book and what makes them so compelling:

Tris Prior: Tris is the protagonist of the book and a prime example of a strong female character. She is brave, intelligent, and willing to fight for what she believes in. As a Divergent, Tris is able to see things from different perspectives and is not limited by the faction system. She is a relatable and likable character who readers can root for throughout the book.
Four/Tobias Eaton: Four is a mysterious and enigmatic character who becomes Tris’s love interest. He is also a Dauntless instructor who helps train the initiates. Four has a troubled past and is dealing with his own demons throughout the book. He is a complex and well-rounded character who adds depth to the story.
Eric: Eric is a Dauntless leader who serves as a foil to Four. He is power-hungry and cruel, using violence to maintain control over the initiates. Eric is an antagonist in the book, but his motivations and actions are complex and interesting to explore.
Jeanine Matthews: Jeanine is the leader of the Erudite faction and the mastermind behind the plot to overthrow the government. She is intelligent and calculating, using her knowledge to manipulate others for her own gain. Jeanine is a formidable opponent for Tris and the other characters, making her an engaging villain.

“Divergent” has been both a commercial and critical success since its release in 2011. Here are some of the reviews and opinions of the book, as well as its success and comparisons with other popular young adult novels:

Reviews and Opinions of the Book: “Divergent” has received generally positive reviews from critics and readers alike. It has been praised for its strong and relatable female protagonist, as well as its exploration of themes such as individuality and conformity. However, some reviewers have criticized the book for its similarities to other young adult dystopian novels and its lack of originality.
Success of the Book and the Series: “Divergent” has been a huge commercial success, selling over 10 million copies worldwide. It has also been adapted into a successful film franchise starring Shailene Woodley and Theo James. The book’s success has spawned two sequels, “Insurgent” and “Allegiant,” as well as a spin-off novel, “Four.”
Comparison with Other Popular Young Adult Novels: “Divergent” has been compared to other popular young adult dystopian novels such as “The Hunger Games” and “The Maze Runner.” While these books share similarities, “Divergent” has been praised for its exploration of themes such as identity and individuality, which set it apart from other dystopian novels.

Overall, “Divergent” has been a successful and popular addition to the young adult dystopian genre. While it may share similarities with other books in the genre, its exploration of complex themes and well-developed characters have made it a standout novel for many readers.

Movie Adaptation: “Divergent” was adapted into a movie in 2014, directed by Neil Burger. The film starred Shailene Woodley as Tris Prior and Theo James as Four. The movie was generally well-received by fans and critics, although some fans of the book noted that some important scenes and characters were left out or changed in the adaptation.
Differences between the Book and the Movie: As with many book-to-movie adaptations, there were some differences between the book and the movie version of “Divergent.” Some of the key differences include:
The age of the characters: In the book, Tris and the other initiates are 16 years old, while in the movie they are portrayed as older teenagers.
The portrayal of certain characters: Some characters, such as Christina and Peter, were not portrayed as prominently in the movie as they were in the book.
Changes to certain plot points: The movie made some changes to certain plot points, such as the order in which Tris completes her simulations and the way in which the simulation serum is administered.

Despite these differences, the movie adaptation of “Divergent” was generally well-received by fans and critics. It stayed relatively faithful to the book’s plot and themes, while also making some necessary changes to fit the story into a two-hour movie.

The world-building in “Divergent” is intricate and well-crafted, creating a detailed and believable future society that readers can fully immerse themselves in. The fast-paced plot and action-packed sequences keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

The characters in “Divergent” are also a major highlight of the book. Tris Prior, Four/Tobias Eaton, Eric, and Jeanine Matthews are all complex and multi-dimensional characters with their own motivations and struggles. Their interactions and relationships drive the story forward and add depth and nuance to the novel.

The critical reception of “Divergent” has been generally positive, with the book being praised for its strong female protagonist and exploration of complex themes. The book’s commercial success has also led to a successful movie franchise and a spin-off novel.

Overall, “Divergent” is a must-read for fans of young adult dystopian novels. Its unique themes, well-developed characters, and exciting plot make it a standout addition to the genre. Whether you’re a fan of the book or the movie, “Divergent” is a thrilling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Divergent, book 1, common sense media reviewers.

Exciting, violent dystopian thriller is original, addictive.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

The author includes historical tidbits about real

The lead characters deal with important issues abo

Tris doubts herself sometimes but taps into her br

Some Dauntless are sadistic and vicious. People ro

Mostly lingering, intense looks, hand holding, and

Insults like "idiot," "stupid," "loser," "jerk," "

The Dauntless drink unspecified alcohol at parties

Educational Value

The author includes historical tidbits about real Chicago landmarks and challenges readers to think about what personal attributes are necessary for a cohesive society to succeed in peace.

Positive Messages

The lead characters deal with important issues about identity and controlling societies. They struggle with what it really means to be selfless, brave, smart, and kind.

Positive Role Models

Tris doubts herself sometimes but taps into her bravery and ingrained selflessness to protect others even when she doesn't realize it. Calm Four encourages Tris to use her upbringing's focus on selflessness to be even more courageous. Tris and Four are a good role model for a teen relationship; they treat each other as equals, defend each other (not just him defending her), and work through their problems with open, honest conversations. They also take their time with the romance and don't play games with each other.

Violence & Scariness

Some Dauntless are sadistic and vicious. People routinely have to fight each other -- regardless of size or gender -- and every character is beaten and bloodied at least once. Several characters die: one commits suicide by throwing himself off a ledge into rapids; one falls by accident in the gap between a train and a roof; and others are shot dead during an armed ambush. Two characters are nearly choked to death, and during training, a few characters have to visit the Infirmary due to their injuries. During one physical assault, two guys start groping a girl's chest and make rude comments about her body. In a calculated move, three initiates stab the first-ranked competitor in the eye.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Mostly lingering, intense looks, hand holding, and hugs, but toward the end of the book, there's kissing. Inexperienced Tris has a panic attack about Four's possible expectations for sex. In one scene, they kiss passionately (and in bed) after he removes his shirt. They admit they "want" each other, but vaguely agree to wait for "someday." Slightly disturbing jokes are made about Tris' petite size. A couple of guys ask her if she's 16 or really 12.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Insults like "idiot," "stupid," "loser," "jerk," "shut up," "freak," and the pejorative nickname for Abnegation members, "Stiff."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

The Dauntless drink unspecified alcohol at parties, dinner, and in one scene Four is seen looking tipsy.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this dystopian teen novel is the first of a trilogy. It includes the markers of the genre, including fantasy violence, a fractured society, Big Brother-esque monitoring, as well as romance. The 16-year-old protagonist chooses to live in the "brave" faction, where members routinely try to out-do each other physically and recklessly act like daredevils to prove their fearlessness. The initiation process is brutal and bloody, and kills or seriously injures a few characters. Violence escalates as the end of the book approaches, culminating in a blood bath. The romance is sweet and progresses from lingering looks to a few kissing sessions, but there's no sex and characters express fear of going too far, too fast. Like The Hunger Games heroine Katniss Everdeen, Tris Prior is a strong, generous, and beautifully flawed female protagonist.

Where to Read

Community reviews.

Parents say (72)
Kids say (530)

Based on 72 parent reviews

Amazing book set in dystopian future!

My current favorite book, what's the story.

In the Chicago of the distant future, society has willingly segregated itself into five "factions:" Abnegation (the selfless), Amity (the kind), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), and Erudite (the intelligent). All 16-year-olds take an aptitude test revealing their true faction and then choose one to join -- regardless of which one they were born into. When Abnegation-born Beatrice Prior's results are inconclusive, her tester informs her she's a "divergent" and should never mention her results to anyone. Believing herself too selfish to be any good in Abnegation, she chooses Dauntless, where she rechristens herself Tris. During the dangerous bloody Dauntless initiation process, she develops feelings for her handsome, mysterious instructor Four, who never fails to challenge her to perform her best, even as others grow jealous of her unexpected skills. And Tris beings to realize being a Divergent has both advantages and disadvantages.

Is It Any Good?

Roth, who wrote the book as a college student, has earned a tremendous amount of first book buzz, and the hype is well-deserved. She uses some devices that fans of dystopian novels will recognize -- a compartmentalized society, a misfit protagonist, dangerous secrets, and a cliffhanger ending -- but still manages to create an unstoppable plot that's remarkably original. Tris is a refreshingly smart and self-possessed 16-year-old protagonist, and readers will fall in love with her leading man right along with her. But the romance, while as swoon-worthy and fluttery as you'd expect from a teen novel, is actually secondary to the book's deep messages about identity and controlling societies. This is an impressive and provoking start to what should be a fascinating series.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about why so many books are coming out about teens growing up in dangerous futuristic societies, like Matched or The Hunger Games . Is the dystopian genre becoming overcrowded? What does this book have in common with other books you've read?

What did you think of the level of violence here? Does the fantasy setting make it easier to handle -- or are there details that you found disturbing? Is violence in books different than in other media, like movies or television shows?

Book Details

Author : Veronica Roth
Genre : Science Fiction
Book type : Fiction
Publisher : HarperCollins Children's Books
Publication date : May 3, 2011
Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
Number of pages : 496
Last updated : February 10, 2020

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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Divergent: 'Shailene Woodley is lovely, but this film is an endless slog' – first look review

Like the last Hunger Games movie, Neil Berger’s take on Veronica Roth’s bestselling novel is too long and poorly plotted

Divergent is out in the US on 21 March. It will be released in the UK on 4 April.

H ow Orwellian is college? Very, if Divergent is to be believed. Adapted from Veronica Roth’s bestselling novel , it stars Shailene Woodley as Beatrice, a 16-year-old girl trying to find her place in a world seemingly modelled on a series of giant frat houses, each named after an abstract virtue or noun. There’s Amity, whose people farm the land, Amish-style; there’s Abnegation, who think only of others and work in government; there’s Candor, who tell the truth, doubtless on course for a career in daytime TV; there’s Erudite, who like to show off their vocabulary but can’t for the life of them work out why they are an adjective and not a noun like everyone else.

Finally, there’s Dauntless, very much the extreme sports set, defined principally by their carelessness with regard to train timetables, since they always run, jump and leap for the train home to an accompaniment of Stomp-style drumming. These gonks are being groomed for jobs in the military, although how you would get them to show up on the battlefield is anyone’s guess. I’ve seen better discipline in the Keystone Cops .

Beatrice, who wears baggy skirts, boots and her hair in the loose bun of an Emily Bronte fan, jumps ship at her initiation ceremony and chooses Dauntless over her native Abnegation, and very soon, she is running and jumping for moving trains, too, all the while harboring a secret: her aptitude test revealed her to be “divergent”, a freakish original thinker, fated to be hunted and killed if she is ever found out. Quite why she faces this drastic a penalty is hard to fathom, given that the rest of Roth’s future society seems wholly bent to the task of identifying and nurturing the skillsets of its teenagers. Roth has filled out her world without thinking it through as a dramatic space. “They built fences for a reason,” Beatrice is told, which in any other story would be a prelude to monsters, but no more is heard of it.

Instead, the bulk of this 160-minute film is taken up with an endless slog of evaluations and physical aptitude tests in smoky, diffusely lit interiors that resemble a Bill Fitzgibbons art installation . Director Neil Burger amps up every snap, crackle and pop, but there’s no escaping the fact: what we have is science fiction that devotes its considerable resources to imagining the future of SAT tests. Maybe that’s why Winston Smith went awol: a droopy grade point average.

The centrepiece of these is The Matrix -style virtual reality immersion designed to “explore your worst fears,” administered by Beatrice’s instructor, Four (Theo James), a hunk who stares through his eyebrows without giving the impression of ever really seeing anyone. Her worst fears turns out to be a rather spiffy replay of Hitchcock’s The Birds, but bright spark that she is, she snaps out of it by muttering, “This isn’t real.” This causes Four to stare at his eyebrows with even greater intensity. “You can’t do that,” he fusses. “You have to pretend that it’s real.” And so she humors him.

If the aim is to dramatise the patience that smart children must martial to fake IQ tests that are dumber than they are, then point taken, but when are film-makers going to learn what a losing proposition virtual reality is at the movies? The movies are virtual reality enough, so the only possible development is for the images to prove less substantial than they already seem – the wrong direction, surely.

All of this is toughest on Shailene Woodley, a lovely performer with big, brown eyes that seem to drink in everything, and an edge of shyness that is never quite dispelled, not even by the kick-boxing scenes. “You’re not going to shoot me,” says her fratboy-ish nemesis, Miles Teller. “Why does everyone always say that?” she says, before shooting him. The plot wakes up in the last 20 minutes, though whether this is a touching recreation of the rhythms of adolescence or a python-like regurgitation of the book’s plotting is hard to say: mom ( Ashley Judd ) arrives with news of the revolutionary underground, swiftly followed by Kate Winslet , vowing bad things for mom. The same thing happened to the last Hunger Games movie , the first hour of which could easily have been removed without anyone noticing.

The filmmakers of these young adult novels would appear to be in something of a bind, with a loyal fanbase commanding fidelity to books whose plotting is not shaped for the screen. Spielberg had the right idea when he was in the frame to adapt the Harry Potter series: crunch the first two books into one, and break out of Hogwarts sooner, for a movie in which magic comes to muggle suburbia. Instead of which, it was back to bloody Hogwarts, in film after film. Don’t kids want to get out into the world these days? All their plots seem to be cuckoos, afraid or unwilling to leave the nest.

Kate Winslet
Science fiction and fantasy films

Comments (…)

The Divergent Book vs The Divergent Movie

However if you have not read the first book yet – please do that.

Okay, onto Divergent the book versus Divergent the movie.

I first read Divergent in September 2013. Much like most people after The Hunger Games, I was looking for a new Young Adult dystopian series to read. I happened across Divergent and wow – I was absolutely hooked. I ended up reading all the books very fast – with Divergent being my favourite. It was right up there with The Hunger Games in my opinion.

But what about the movie? Let’s go over some of the talking points:

True To The Book?

One concern everyone has when they read a book and then there’s a movie made – is how close it will be to the book. Thankfully The Hunger Games has seemingly set a trend – and the movie Divergent is EXTREMELY close to the book.

There’s a few changes – the ending goes slightly different for example – but it generally sticks very true to the book. Most of the major scenes are in it and they did a great job. One thing I was curious about was the amount of man on woman violence in the book and how they would handle that in the movie – but they managed to do it in a way that worked out well – raw, brutal but not bad enough that it takes you out of the movie.

What Was The Movie Missing?

Obviously the movies can never fully replicate the books. This one clocked in at 2 hours and 20 minutes long, but there was still some things missing from it.

The one really big thing that was missing in it for me was the interaction between the Dauntless and the relationships built as they went through the testing stages. I understand that there was a lot of subtle things there that could have made the movie drag – but it would have been nice to establish some character depth there especially for the likes of Peter and Will as well as Albert killing himself. Or when Will was shot at the end by Tris – I think if you hadn’t read the book, it wouldn’t be very meaningful or that big a moment.

The relationship between Eric and Four also didn’t go much deeper than “Eric is a bit of an ass”.

So it was missing some small things that assisted in the character development of some of the secondary characters. But then they can get away with that when they have the book to cover all that.

Actors & Visualization:

To me, the highlight of Divergent was without a doubt Kate Winslet . As the biggest actress in the movie, she showed her worth big time. She made that character her own, and was able to convey just how smarmy Jeanette can be. She nailed it.

Shailene Woodley, who played Tris, was solid. It was actually interesting watching the shades of grey involving the character and the way she was shot. Sometimes she would look like nothing but a young and confused girl – other times, as a warrior. It was very wel done and summed up how the book evolved the character.

Theo James as Four was good. It’ll be interesitng to see if he is able to achieve the depth required for Four in the later movies. He had a good presense, but I couldn’t shake that “hunk vibe” that has hampered other actors of this generation. Liam Hemsworth for example was woeful in Paranoia, as it showed how out of depth he was and It’ll be interesting to see if James can step it up for the next movies.

One actor I liked was Miles Teller. With little screen time, he did a great job of conveying Peter without going overboard.

The visualizations of the movie were just epic, and the direction was great. Honestly when reading the books, sometimes I found it hard to fully picture each and every scene. The movie did a great job of painting a fantastic picture of everything.

Four and Tris:

The relationship between these two was great. It slowly built and built and although the book did it better – you could really feel the chemistry between the two. That’s crucial for this series obviously, and I was impressed with the way they grew together even though the movie missed a few moments that really nailed the relationship.

Just a minor pet peeve. The train scene near the end, where everyone is under the serum and Four is standing at the front. Tris is worried he is also under the serum(and he looked like it), and slowly made her way over to Four. She reaches out her hand – and after a second, he takes her hand to signal he is not under it.

That was one scene where I felt like it could have went on longer. Maybe 10-15 seconds of her waiting and worrying and the dramatic musical score – and just when you think he’s under – it BOOM, he grabs her hand and you give a sigh of relief.

Overall Divergent Movie Thoughts:

I loved the HELL out of this movie. I really did. The very first thing I did when I came home was pre-order the Blu-Ray. To me – there’s no higher complement you can pay a movie than that.

Your Thoughts:

Of course, I’m just one person. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Had you read the book beforehand? If not – what did you think of the movie? If you did read the book – did it live up to your expectations?

Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Divergent Book to Film Differences

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The following are noted differences between the original Divergent book and Divergent film . Please add any differences between the two that you noticed.

1 Tobias Eaton
2 Tris Prior
3 Tris Prior/Overview

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All 11 veronica roth books ranked (including when among crows).

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10 Underrated Fantasy Book Series That Should Be On Everyone's Radar

This 8% rt horror movie that was supposed to replace cabin in the woods is now a hit on hulu, jackie chan & jet li played 1 kung fu movie character a combined 7 times.

Veronica Roth's catalog includes adult fantasy and dystopian narratives, with recent releases garnering positive attention.
When Among Crows , inspired by Slavic folklore, is a gripping novella that's nearly as strong as Divergent.
Roth's evolution as a writer is evident in her varied releases, from novellas like Four to controversial novels like Allegiant .

Veronica Roth is best known for writing the Divergent series, but the author has penned numerous books since the young adult dystopian trilogy concluded — and some of the releases in her catalog are more gripping than others. Divergent was Roth's first novel, and it hit shelves when she was just 22 years old. Since then, her writing has evolved significantly, and Roth has branched out into adult fantasy and dystopian narratives. This includes one of May 2024's most exciting releases : a fantasy novella inspired by Slavic folklore.

When Among Crows was one of the most anticipated fantasy books to hit shelves in 2024, and it's not Roth's only recent release to get positive attention . Since shocking readers with Allegiant, Roth has written several standalone novels, a fantasy duology, and two short story collections. All of these books have their own strengths, but some of their narratives have proven stronger and more memorable than others. They're all worth picking up, even if certain books rank higher than others.

Not every fantasy book series can be The Lord of the Rings or A Song of Ice and Fire, but there are 10 underrated fantasy sagas worth reading anyway.

11 Arch-Conspirator (2023)

An intriguing retelling that needed to be longer.

Arch-Conspirator is one of Roth's novellas, and the 2023 release reimagines Sophocles' story of Antigone in an intriguing way . Set in a dystopian society where humanity is dwindling and rebellion is brewing, Arch-Conspirator finds Antigone grappling with the death of her father. To make matters worse, her uncle takes up his throne — and it's clear that she and her siblings are trapped under his rule. The novella follows her attempts to tear down his reign, and it paints a compelling narrative. Sadly, it's too short to do all its themes and storylines justice.

Reading Arch-Conspirator, one can't help but wonder whether Roth should have written it as a novel rather than a novella. This would have solved the issue of the narrative feeling rushed, and it would have enabled the author to flesh out the story in more depth. As it stands, Arch-Conspirator is probably her weakest story. Its 3.43 average Goodreads rating speaks to that, as it's her lowest on the platform. Many readers agree that this book could have benefited from more pages and a better storytelling balance.

10 The End And Other Beginnings: Stories From The Future (2019)

Interesting concepts but not as strong as roth's novels.

The End and Other Beginnings: Stories From the Future came out in 2019, and this short story collection gave Roth the chance to explore topics pertaining to the future . The stories are all lengthy enough to be novellas, so they're easy to fully immerse oneself in. Carve the Mark fans also get a treat, as two of the stories are set in the same world. Overall, Roth does a solid job of balancing relationship dynamics and conversations about futuristic technologies in this collection. The six inclusions pack a powerful punch, even if they aren't as memorable as her full-length novels.

The End and Other Beginnings suffers from the same issue many other story collections do: not every tale is created equal.

Unfortunately, The End and Other Beginnings suffers from the same issue many other story collections do: not every tale is created equal. Some stand out more than others, with "Hearken" proving a particular highlight. Additionally, the narratives set in the Carve the Mark universe might not be as compelling to those who haven't read the duology. The End and Other Beginnings is worth reading, but it lives up to its 3.50 average Goodreads rating. It's not Roth's best book , but that isn't saying much. All the author's releases average above 3 stars on the platform, and rightfully so.

9 Carve The Mark (2016)

Poor pacing & criticisms hurt the book's legacy.

Carve the Mark came out on the heels of Roth's Divergent series, so it had big shoes to fill. The beginning of a young adult duology that blends sci-fi and fantasy, Carve the Mark takes place in a universe where the characters have powers called currentgifts. It follows two players from enemy nations — Cyra and Akos — who have every reason to despise one another. However, when their paths cross, they're forced to depend on one another to survive. This setup gives Carve the Mark a gripping premise and beginning , though there are parts of the narrative that drag later on.

In addition to some pacing issues, Carve the Mark doesn't dig as deeply as it should into the characters and world-building. This is somewhat rectified in its sequel, The Fates Divide, which ranks slightly higher than the first installment. Carve the Mark also received criticism for its handling of race and chronic pain , harming the book's legacy overall. It's certainly on the lower end when ranking Roth's work, even if its 3.78 average Goodreads rating suggests a pretty average response from readers.

8 The Fates Divide (2018)

A step up from the first book in the duology.

The Fates Divide improves upon Carve the Mark 's story , though it doesn't fully make up for the complaints about its predecessor. With war brewing and Cyra and Akos' relationship changed forever, the stakes feel significantly higher in this 2018 follow-up. The pacing still falters in places, but The Fates Divide does a better job with the world-building, storytelling, and characters than Carve the Mark. It fixes a lot of the issues with the initial installment, ending the duology on a fairly high note. It's still not Roth's strongest novel, but it's worth pushing through Carve the Mark to get to the sequel.

The Fates Divide 's 3.89 average Goodreads rating emphasizes that it's a step up from Carve the Mark, and The Fates Divide certainly sparked less controversy. The duology doesn't really compare to Roth's Divergent books or her adult novels. However, this emotional and twisty finale is enough to keep readers engaged , even during the slower moments.

7 Chosen Ones (2020)

A fun premise that could have done more.

Chosen Ones was Roth's first adult fantasy book, hitting shelves in April 2020. The premise of Chosen Ones is promising, as the novel follows heroes who saved the world when they were teenagers, revealing what becomes of them after the fights is over. Building on the popularity of books like Harry Potter, Divergent, and The Hunger Games, Chosen Ones takes a realistic look at what might happen to protagonists who fall into the " chosen one " archetype . Its exploration of trauma in the aftermath of such stories is fascinating, though it could have done more with their arcs.

In the end, Chosen Ones winds up being another serious fantasy story — albeit one that isn't afraid to explore what comes after the typical happy ending.

Despite its 3.60 average Goodreads rating, Chosen Ones is a book well worth reading, even if it doesn't break into the top half of Roth's releases. Its biggest flaw is that it doesn't go far enough with its satirical approach to " chosen one " narratives. In the end, Chosen Ones winds up being another serious fantasy story — albeit one that isn't afraid to explore what comes after the typical happy ending. The fact that it's a standalone also limits how much it can do with its cast of characters, a problem books like Divergent don't have.

6 Four: A Divergent Collection (2014)

A solid follow-up to the divergent trilogy.

Four: A Divergent Collection consists of four short stories that take place from Tobias' perspective. These stories follow Tobias as he takes his aptitude test, earns his nickname, and falls in love with Tris. Although Four doesn't add much of importance to the Divergent universe, it's nice to see certain events from another perspective. It also allows readers to return to happier times in the series, especially after the events of Allegiant. Clearly, this was needed, as Four: A Divergent Collection snagged a 3.95 average Goodreads rating , suggesting readers enjoyed it.

The main issues with Four are that it doesn't add anything new for readers — they mostly know everything that happens — and some stories are stronger than others. The latter is inevitable for short story collections, and it prevents Four from ranking as high as the other books in the Divergent universe. It's not very low on a ranking of Roth's books, but it doesn't land in the top five.

5 Insurgent (2012)

Part of a great series (but suffers from middle-book syndrome).

Insurgent is gripping and memorable enough to land in Roth's top five books, but it's the weakest of the Divergent trilogy — and its narrative also doesn't live up to some of her standalones. The second installment in the Divergent trilogy, Insurgent undeniably suffers from middle-book syndrome . The tensions between Four and Tris feel forced, with their lack of communication coming off as a convenient excuse to create problems. This book furthers the plot in necessary ways, bridging the gap from Divergent to Allegiant. However, it's slower than the other books, and its relationship drama weakens the plot.

That said, Insurgent is still part of the series that made Roth a famous author, and it contains all the hallmarks of that series . The fact that readers get to spend more time in Divergent 's well-crafted world is enough reason to rank it higher than many of Roth's other books. Insurgent 's 3.97 Goodreads rating speaks to the fact that the second installment has strengths despite its many flaws. The action and emotion land well enough that readers will want to pick up Allegiant when this book is through.

4 Poster Girl (2022)

Another book that flips the premise of the standard dystopian story.

Roth's Poster Girl is another adult novel with an intriguing premise , this time viewing the aftermath of a typical dystopian story from the lens of someone who was on the oppressors' side of the fence. Poster Girl follows Sonya Kantor, who was once the face of a tyrannical government dubbed the Delegation. Now Sonya spends her days locked up with the other members of the group, as the rebels have won the war. She's given the opportunity to redeem herself by locating a missing girl, a mystery that leads her to deeper conspiracies about the world around her.

Poster Girl does a solid job of exploring the typical dystopian rebellion story from the other side, and it takes a surprisingly nuanced approach.

Poster Girl does a solid job of exploring the typical dystopian rebellion story from the other side, and it takes a surprisingly nuanced approach. Its average 3.65 Goodreads rating simply doesn't do it justice, as it's one of Roth's best books to come out in recent years . During a time when so much is viewed in black and white, Poster Girl operates in the gray areas of life. Its approach to morality and politics is one more books could benefit from adopting.

3 Allegiant (2013)

A bold & divisive ending that sticks the landing.

Allegiant is probably Roth's most controversial book, as its ending is incredibly divisive. However, ending Tris' story the way that Roth does is an incredibly bold move . It elevates Allegiant significantly, packing a powerful punch and wrapping the Divergent trilogy on a high note. Not everyone will appreciate Allegiant, but the book is action-packed and emotional from start to finish. It's not quite as strong as Divergent, but it's a huge step up from Insurgent. Roth proves she has guts with this finale , which highlights how capable she is as an author.

Allegiant 's 3.60 average Goodreads rating speaks to how mixed readers were about Divergent 's conclusion, but there's no denying Roth goes where many authors refuse to . Tris' fate doesn't feel forced or included for shock value. Allegiant emphasizes the stakes set up by Roth's previous books, and it sticks the landing in a way that many other YA dystopian series fail to.

2 When Among Crows (2024)

A well-balanced & gripping novella.

When Among Crows is Roth's 2024 book release, and the novella makes good use of its small amount of space. Set in Chicago and inspired by Slavic folklore, When Among Crows follows Dymitr and Ala as they attempt to track down Baba Jaga. Both characters have their own reasons for seeking out the witch, and one of them is keeping secrets. Their narrative is surprisingly gripping for such a short story , and it leaves readers with a satisfying conclusion — even if Roth could easily give it the Divergent treatment and expand the narrative.

While When Among Crows could certainly go on for longer, it doesn't feel as unfinished or unbalanced. Its storylines are handled well, leading to a satisfying conclusion for all the characters involved. There's even a bit of romance, and the atmosphere is dark and immersive. There are very few flaws to speak of when it comes to When Among Crows, and its 3.85 average Goodreads rating drives that home. Its one of Roth's top-two books, though it doesn't compare to Divergent in terms of general impact .

1 Divergent (2011)

Divergent is Roth's best-known book, and that's for a good reason. It's one of the biggest releases to hit shelves during the young adult dystopian era of the 2010s, and Tris and Four's story is a hit because of how memorable it is. Divergent utilizes many common tropes and archetypes to weave its narrative , which sees the members of its society divided into factions based on their personalities. However, these tropes and archetypes are popular because they're so timeless, and Roth's first novel uses them well.

Divergent boasts an average Goodreads rating of 4.14, and this feels reflective of its overall impact. The 2011 book spawned an entire trilogy and several movie adaptations, making it the most impactful of Roth's releases. The fact that it's so widely known places it at the top of the author's catalog. It's even more impressive that Veronica Roth published Divergent in her early 20s, making the book a testament to her talent.

Source: Goodreads

20 Book-to-Movie Adaptations That Shouldn’t Have Been Made

T here have been a number of widely successful films that were based on beloved books . Not only do they have a built-in fan base, but they allow filmmakers to bring out elements in the story that don't shine as vibrantly on paper. This can take the form of bringing unique world building elements to life or exploring side characters that didn't have the room to get fully fleshed out in the book.

However, not all book-to-movie adaptations can be winners. Some miss what made the book so special, while others highlight glaring flaws of the original works that are harder to ignore on a big screen. While Hollywood will continue to make adaptations, perhaps they will learn from past duds that didn't quite connect with audiences. Here are 20 book-to-movie adaptations that shouldn't have been made.

Charlie St. Cloud

Charlie St. Cloud is a 2010 film based on a novel titled The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud . Trying to ride the wave caused by the popularity of High School Musical , filmmakers cast Zac Efron in the titular role. After a car accident leaves Charlie injured and his little brother Sam dead, he is racked with guilt. Charlie starts seeing Sam’s ghost. To keep this relationship going, Charlie forgoes college and begins interacting with other spirits.

The film is about Charlie learning to move on. While the sentiment is sweet, the film doesn’t know what it is. While genre blending is cool , this film never commits to the supernatural, romantic, or drama elements fully, causing it to feel half-baked.

The Black Dahlia

The Black Dahlia is a crime thriller movie based on a novel that’s based on an actual true crime case. Two LAPD officers desperately want to solve the case of the Black Dahlia , the name given to the body of a woman found. The two detectives aren’t simply upstanding guys wanting justice. Both of their moral compasses are skewed, and the film explores how much deeper into the “dark side” they fall as they get further into the investigation.

This film didn’t land well with critics, as many pointed out the confused storytelling and lack of focus present. While audiences often crave layered, complex projects , director Brian De Palma took that a little too much to heart.

Dear Evan Hansen

Dear Evan Hansen has been told in multiple formats: a musical in 2015, a book in 2016, and a musical film in 2021. Evan Hansen is a teenager who suffers from different mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Evan writes himself a letter detailing his feelings, a letter that is taken by another student who takes his own life days later. The parents of the deceased student believe their son wrote the letter to Evan, and they were close friends, thus setting off a chain of frustrating misunderstandings.

Dear Evan Hansen is a victim of poor casting choices (particularly the main role) and failure to interrogate Evan’s actions.

The Girl on the Train

The Girl on the Train was adapted from a thriller novel of the same name. It stars Emily Blunt as Rachel, a woman who is recently divorced and battling her demons with excessive alcohol consumption. Rachel rides the train every day and on her commute thinks about her ex-husband and his new wife, as well as a couple that are their neighbors. She becomes so obsessed that she ends up blacking out and waking up covered in blood. Then one of the women goes missing.

The Girl on the Train had a lot to work against from the job, with Rachel checking every cliché present for a protagonist in a thriller. Blunt helped give a lot of life to this bland character, but not even she could take attention away from a rather shallow plot and one-dimensional supporting characters.

Related: Best Murder Mystery Movies Based on Books, Ranked

A Wrinkle in Time

A Wrinkle in Time is a fantastical Disney adventure film, yet still somehow holds little magic. Meg is a young girl whose scientist father went missing and understandably left a hole in her world. When three fairy godmother-esque beings approach Meg with word that she and her friends can save her father who is trapped on another planet, it sends Meg off on a journey. Meg has to learn to believe in herself and trust in her companions to get the job done.

The source material came out in 1962, so anytime a classic is adapted it is up for intense scrutiny. Still, the movie received praise for the big special effects, but perhaps lost sight of viewers connecting fully with the characters. While not the worst adaptation on this list, the film nevertheless leaves many feeling unsatisfied.

The Last Song

The Last Song has an interesting origin story. Author Nicholas Sparks has an extensive catalog of women’s fiction and romance books. The film was developed alongside the novel and released just six months after the book hit shelves. Miley Cyrus stars as Ronnie, a rough-around-the-edges girl who gave up her love for music. She and her little brother are visiting their estranged dad for the summer and Ronnie starts to reconnect with music, her family, and forms a bond with Will.

This movie feels like a cash grab, trying to bank off the popularity of both Sparks and Cyrus. Funnily enough, though the role was written for Cyrus, many agree she was miscast and her performance stifled the already sagging screenplay.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

The Percy Jackson series by author Rick Riordan has a huge and passionate fan base that had high expectations for the 2010 adaptation starring Logan Lerman. The Lightning Thief follows Percy Jackson, a teenager who comes from a turbulent household and struggles with ADHD and dyslexia. On a field trip, he is attacked by a mythical creature, and he soon discovers the world is not as mundane as it seems.

The story tackles a lot of young adult tropes, such as the Chosen One, finding yourself, and friendship; and Lerman’s performance is actually quite good as Percy. The problem was the writing and overall direction. Riordan even wrote on his personal blog his disappointment with the script, stating, “Once I saw the final script and saw what they were doing on the set, I realized I had to step away for my own peace of mind. I never saw either of the movies in their final form.”

Related: 5 Things Author Rick Riordan Hated About the Percy Jackson Movies, Explained

The Dark Tower

Stephen King is a beloved horror, science fiction, and fantasy author. Several of his films have been adapted and received well, such as Carrie and It (both the 1990 and 2017 versions). The same cannot be said of The Dark Tower .

In this world, The Dark Tower holds up different realities and Roland has to protect it from an evil sorcerer named Walter. If the plot feels overstuffed and a bit disjointed, it may not be because you didn’t read the source material. The film is a mashup of the first and third books of the series, cramming a lot of plot and world building into an hour-and-a-half film.

Paper Towns

John Green is a wildly successful author who wrote one of the best-selling books ever, The Fault In Our Stars (which was also made into a movie). The adaptation of his other novel, Paper Towns , didn’t quite strike the same chord as its predecessor. In the story, Quentin has a crush on his neighbor Margot who is outgoing and magnetic, a contrast with his more reserved demeanor. When Margot goes missing, Quentin is convinced she’s left clues behind for him to find her.

There are lots of issues with this movie, but the most glaring is the characterization of Margot and subsequently Quentin’s feelings toward her. It’s hard to believe that Quentin likes Margot for more than being pretty and popular. Some believe Margot herself is a flat character, falling into the Manic Pixie Dream Girl archetype.

Some of the films' audiences and critics on this list agree shouldn’t have been made, and eventually the studios agreed and have even canceled planned sequels. After is an outlier. Not only have these “romance” novels been adapted once, but five times, with rumors of more spin-offs. This story follows Tessa who is a Good Girl (as the first film lets you know because she wears a ponytail and long skirts) who becomes involved with a Bad Boy (as the film lets you know because he has tattoos and wears leather jackets). T

here’s both not much of a plot and a million things going on. The two start on a tumultuous relationship journey that’ll have you asking: Why are you two even together? And with all the negative reviews, you may also wonder: Why are films still getting made?

Divergent isn’t a chore to get through like some entries. It is about a girl named Tris who lives in a dystopian society where people are separated into different factions based on certain traits — bravery, intelligence, honesty, etc. Meek Tris surprises everyone by choosing Dauntless, the faction known for being home to daredevils and ruthless people. Secretly, she’s divergent, which means she doesn't neatly fit into any one box, something the government can never find out. While in Dauntless, she meets Four, one of the instructors.

Divergent isn’t so much bad as it is forgettable, though the subsequent films get less entertaining. While arguably a better film than other popular book adaptations , it lacks that It factor that inspires emotions from people, whether good or bad.

The Sun Is Also a Star

The Sun Is Also a Star is a romance movie based on a novel by Nicola Yoon. It’s about a teen girl named Natasha whose family came to New York City from Jamaica illegally. Now, her family risks getting deported, and she tries to convince different people at the immigration office to allow them to stay. During this stressful day, Natasha is saved from getting hit by a car thanks to a boy named Daniel. This sets off their journeys of getting to know each other and dealing with their family drama.

This movie is a blatant case of insta love, a popular trope where people who just meet or barely know each other inexplicably fall head over hills. Add on forced misunderstandings and tension, this doesn’t give an enjoyable viewing experience.

The Darkest Minds

The Darkest Minds takes place in a world where a disease has killed most children and left those remaining with powers. In order to contain these kids, they are locked up. Our protagonist Ruby is telekinetic, and she escapes from this prison and joins a group of other kids as they search for freedom. Of course, they now have government officials out looking for them, making their journey all the more dangerous.

The film feels like a mashup of things we've seen before: tried and true character archetypes, plot, and tropes. This came in 2018 when much of the target audience was fatigued with these kinds of stories.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones is centered on a girl named Clary who sees a weird symbol and feels compelled to draw it. When she appears to be the only person to see a group of people murdering someone in a club, she knows something is wrong. Her mother goes missing and several brushes with danger make her cling to Jace, a Shadowhunter, as she tries to make things right.

On Rotten Tomatoes (where it has a whopping 13% rating) it states, “ City of Bones borrows ingredients from seemingly every fantasy franchise of the last 30 years — but can't seem to figure out what to do with them.” The film’s sequel was canceled due to poor box-office performance. There was also a television series that despite its three seasons never truly broke out. Ultimately, this story may be best in book form.

Related: YA Book-to-TV Adaptations Are Great, But Where's the Next Big Movie Franchise?

Dear John is another Nicholas Sparks adaptation that left audiences wanting more, but not in a good way. John is a soldier who is on leave in South Carolina when he meets Savannah. The two fall in love and hope to have a future together, but the plan is thwarted when John is sent back overseas. They keep in contact by writing letters, until John receives a letter announcing Savannah has fallen in love with someone else and is engaged.

Sparks has another book-to-film adaptation with a major plot point centered on letters, The Notebook . There are other similarities with The Notebook which may have contributed to the lukewarm reception. However, the true nail in the coffin may be the lack of chemistry between the two leads.

Ella Enchanted

Ella Enchanted is a comedy, a musical, a romance, and a drama. It’s also an adaptation of a middle grade novel by Gail Carson Levine, though the film changes many things from the book. One of the biggest changes is the aging up of the main character, Ella (played by Anne Hathaway). Ella was given a “gift” of obedience by a fairy godmother where she must do whatever she’s told. When her evil stepsisters discover her curse, they use it against her. Ella is now determined to find the fairy who gave her the gift, so she can destroy it.

Hathaway brings a lot of fun to the role, but the film never quite lands on a cohesive tone. At times, it leans into the younger audience roots of the novel, other times veers older. The musical element further adds to the disjointedness of the film, making it a head-scratcher.

Persuasion (2022)

Jane Austen’s Persuasion has been adapted numerous times as a miniseries, films, and theater productions. In 2022, Netflix contributed its own take to the iconic story with a film starring Dakota Johnson. Consensus is that Persuasion is not just a bad adaptation, but a bad film on its own.

As many Austen stories do, the plot is about a woman named Anne who is struggling with love and finding herself amidst the backdrop of the Regency era when there were many societal expectations of women. The film follows the main story beats of the novel but changes aspects of Anne’s character, modernizes the story when the time period is so crucial, and breaks the fourth wall , which many believe didn’t work.

If I Stay is a romantic drama that has slight supernatural elements. Mia is a talented cellist who has a pretty loving family. She starts a relationship with Adam, the lead singer of a band. The story flashes between Mia and Adam’s developing love story and present day when Mia and her family were involved in a car accident leaving everyone but Mia dead. As Mia is in a coma, her spirit is watching her friends and loved ones visit the hospital.

This story tries its hardest to invoke sympathy and make viewers invested, but ultimately lacks enough heart for us to latch onto. Mia never really shows much personality and what should be the saddest moments of the film often come across as melodramatic.

Beautiful Creatures

Beautiful Creatures is a supernatural romance movie released in 2013. It’s a little different from other films because this one flew under the radar. It barely passed $60 million at the box office against a $60 million budget. Ethan can’t wait to escape his small town with close-minded people upon graduation, though new girl Lena is definitely making things interesting. Lena has magic powers and there are evil forces that are trying to draw her to the dark side.

This film doesn’t work because it follows all the formulas and doesn’t have an interesting enough set of characters to ignore it.

"Are you lost, baby girl?" is a quote from 365 Days that took the internet by storm when it was released in 2020. The film is your typical romance film. We have a woman named Laura who is in an unhappy relationship and ends up falling for a hot wealthy guy named Massimo. Sounds simple, right? What got people talking was that Laura falls in love with Massimo after he kidnaps her and will only let her go if she can manage not to fall in love with him after 365 days. And for some reason (perhaps his jawline and fancy lifestyle) she does.

Viewers who thought the romance in Beauty and the Beast was problematic will have a field day with this film. Audiences may not be lost, but a huge chunk of them believe this film should have been.

20 Book-to-Movie Adaptations That Shouldn’t Have Been Made

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Three Women finally has a premiere date at its new network

The Shailene Woodley–led cast are pictured in new photos released by Starz.

Three Women , the TV series based on Lisa Taddeo's bestselling book of the same name, was canceled by Showtime in January 2023, before it even aired. It was one of several shows axed as the cable channel prepared to merge with Paramount+.

Now, Starz has finally given it a premiere date: midnight on Friday, Sept. 13 on the Starz app and at 10 p.m. ET/PT that night on the traditional channel.

Along with the date, Starz has also released new images from the 10-episode series, which show the cast in character.

Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.

Shailene Woodley , who had big success costarring in a TV series based on a bestseller with HBO's Big Little Lies , plays Gia, a fictionalized version of Taddeo. The writer is grieving the loss of her family, as she convinces three women to share their intimate stories with her. The relationships they develop "change the course of her life forever," according to a news release.

DeWanda Wise, of Jurassic World Dominion , plays Sloane, "a glamorous entrepreneur in the Northeast" who has "a committed open marriage with Richard (Blair Underwood), until two sexy new strangers threaten their aspirational love story."

GLOW alum Betty Gilpin plays Lina, and Maggie is portrayed by Gabrielle Creevy from the BBC dramedy In My Skin .

Lina is a Midwestern homemaker who's "a decade into a passionless marriage when she embarks on an affair that quickly becomes all-consuming and transforms her life."

Maggie is a student in North Dakota who "accuses her married English teacher of an inappropriate relationship." Jason Ralph ( The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel ) is the teacher.

The book earned raves from influential celebrities including Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of 2007 blockbuster book Eat Pray Love and Gwyneth Paltrow.

In Entertainment Weekly 's July 2019 review , critic Leah Greenblatt gave it a grade of A-.

"In another medium, these dilemmas could easily come off as a certain kind of erotic cliché, sensational filler for advice columns and daytime talk shows," Greenblatt wrote. "It's Taddeo’s deep, almost feverish commitment to detail and context that elevates the stories, making them feel not just painfully real but revelatory. In her efforts to explore 'the nuances of desire that hold the truth of who we are at our rawest moments,' she actually does much more: By peeling back the layers with such clear-eyed compassion, Taddeo illuminates the essential, elemental mystery of what it is to be a woman in the world."

That same month, Taddeo told EW about her inspiration for the project.

"I'd been writing for Esquire a lot and I was very in tune with this male audience," she said. "It was the opposite gender from mine, and I was intrigued by it. But then I started talking to a lot of men. The stories started to feel — there was a lot ego involved. Not in all the men, but in a lot of it. Women felt more complex and interesting."

Do You Know the Literary Influences of These Animated Films?

By J. D. Biersdorfer May 20, 2024

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An illustration of a big open book in the dark with several pairs of eyes looking at the pages.

Welcome to Great Adaptations, the Book Review’s regular multiple-choice quiz about books and stories that have gone on to find new life in the form of movies, television shows, theatrical productions and other formats. This week’s quiz highlights animated films that draw inspiration and source material from beloved literature.

Just tap or click your answers to the five questions below. And scroll down after you finish the last question for links to the books and their screen adaptations.

“The Tale of Peter Rabbit” was first printed in 1901 and the book’s author turned down an offer from Walt Disney to adapt it as an animated movie in the 1930s. Film and television versions of the story later appeared, including a 2018 film that blended computer animation with live action. But who wrote the original book?

Lewis Carroll

Frances Hodgson Burnett

Beatrix Potter

Jane Austen

This classic children’s story, serialized and then published as a book in 1883, has been adapted for the screen several times, including by the filmmaker Guillermo del Toro in 2022. Who is the title character?

Oliver Twist

E.D. Baker’s 2002 children’s novel, “The Frog Princess,” was part of the inspiration for Disney’s 2009 animated feature “The Princess and the Frog,” along with older variations of the story that can be traced back to Europe. What was notable about the film adaptation, which was set in New Orleans?

It was the studio’s first film based on a book by a female novelist.

It was the studio’s first fully computer-animated feature.

It featured the first Black Disney princess.

It was Disney’s first 4-D animated film.

The 2008 DreamWorks film “Kung Fu Panda” and its sequels follow a clumsy bear who becomes a noble warrior through martial-arts training and discipline. The film’s script draws from many elements commonly found in which Chinese literary form (and its associated film genre)?

Which Roald Dahl novel was adapted into a 2009 stop-motion animated film directed by Wes Anderson and used the voice talents of George Clooney and Meryl Streep?

“The Witches”

“Isle of Dogs”

“James and the Giant Peach”

“Fantastic Mr. Fox”

Explore More in Books

Want to know about the best books to read and the latest news start here..

John S. Jacobs was a fugitive, an abolitionist — and the brother of the canonical author Harriet Jacobs. Now, his own fierce autobiography has re-emerged .

Don DeLillo’s fascination with terrorism, cults and mass culture’s weirder turns has given his work a prophetic air. Here are his essential books .

Jenny Erpenbeck’s “ Kairos ,” a novel about a torrid love affair in the final years of East Germany, won the International Booker Prize , the renowned award for fiction translated into English.

Kevin Kwan, the author of “Crazy Rich Asians,” left Singapore’s opulent, status-obsessed, upper crust when he was 11. He’s still writing about it .

Each week, top authors and critics join the Book Review’s podcast to talk about the latest news in the literary world. Listen here .

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Furiosa's 'Mad Max' origin story is packed with explosives and extremes

Justin Chang

Anya Taylor-Joy plays the title character in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Jasin Boland / Warner Bros. hide caption

Nine years after the release of Mad Max: Fury Road , it doesn't feel too soon to call it one of the greatest Hollywood action movies ever made. We may have seen all the elements before in previous Mad Max movies: the post-apocalyptic setting and the grief-stricken road warrior, caught up in another desert demolition derby. But the director George Miller had never mashed them together with this much sustained excitement or sheer verve.

One of the movie's most delightful surprises was that Max himself, played by Tom Hardy, wasn't even its best character. That honor fell to the brilliant and brooding Imperator Furiosa, played by a staggering Charlize Theron in one of her best performances.

A character this unforgettable was destined to resurface, and now Miller has given us a prequel called Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga . Mad Max himself is nowhere to be seen, though; this is Furiosa's origin story. It begins in a lush oasis, called the Green Place, located somewhere in the desert, where Furiosa, a young girl played by Alyla Browne, has grown up in a secret society of mostly women.

But one day, male marauders on motorcycles invade the Green Place and kidnap Furiosa. Her mother, played by Charlee Fraser, follows in hot pursuit and briefly succeeds in getting her back. Knowing they will likely be captured again at any moment, Furiosa's mother hands her a seed from their home, the Green Place, and tells her to guard it carefully.

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'mad max' director george miller: the audience tells you 'what your film is'.

Sure enough, tragedy strikes soon after, leaving Furiosa desperate to not only break free, but also get revenge on her captors. Her chief target is the biker gang's leader, Dementus, played by a menacing Chris Hemsworth, who seems to relish playing a big personality in something other than a Thor movie for a change.

The plot thickens from there. Dementus forges an unholy alliance with the evil warlord Immortan Joe, whom Furiosa will later take on in Fury Road . That film spun a ruthlessly taut and concise story, set over a breathless few days and sustaining extraordinary momentum from start to finish.

A Visceral, Inventive Blockbuster Roars To Life In 'Mad Max: Fury Road'

The movie Furiosa , by contrast, divides into five chapters, stretched out over more than a decade, and sometimes bogs down in plot. Simply put, Furiosa bides her time, passing herself off as a boy working in Immortan Joe's auto garage. By the time Anya Taylor-Joy steps into the role, Furiosa has grown into an ace mechanic, a skilled driver and a powerhouse fighter — ready to take on Dementus, Immortan Joe and anyone else who might stand in her way.

This ushers in the movie's most thrilling sequence, in which Furiosa makes her escape from Immortan Joe's citadel by stowing away in a massive truck. The driver is a man named Praetorian Jack, played by the excellent Tom Burke, with whom Furiosa joins forces. Before long the truck is attacked, by whom and for what reason I honestly can't remember, but it doesn't matter: What matters is that we're watching a high-speed chase in a Mad Max movie, and Miller is entirely in his element.

As usual, he ramps up the vehicular action to ludicrous extremes, with wildly acrobatic stunts that feel inspired by everything from Buster Keaton to Looney Tunes . Even in moments when the CGI looks a little obvious, the mayhem is staged and shot with the kind of blissful coherence that you rarely see in a Hollywood blockbuster anymore. As the camera darts in and around the truck and drumbeats pound on the soundtrack, Furiosa comes fully into her own as an action hero, hurling dynamite one minute and climbing up on top of the truck to fend off an attacker the next.

Taylor-Joy has never played a role this physically demanding before — few actors have — and she meets the challenge head-on. For all that, I didn't always buy her as Furiosa, or at least the Furiosa I thought I knew from Fury Road . Taylor-Joy has a coolness here that feels very different from the fiery intensity that made Theron's performance so spectacular. There's something lacking in the script, as well: While Furiosa's motivation for revenge is entirely plausible, something about her arc feels a bit too psychologically tidy to grip or disturb you in the way it's supposed to.

In the end, the truest star of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is the post-apocalyptic world itself, with its burnt-orange dunes and towering desert citadels. Miller has said there are more Mad Max movies in store, and part of me hopes he never stops making them; the more he returns to this make-believe landscape, the more real it becomes.

New on Netflix May 31 to June 6: “Sweet Tooth” returns for third and final season

Jason Bouwmeester | May 30, 2024 May 30, 2024 Entertainment , Movies , TV

Here we are with another week and, as usual, Netflix is adding a few new shows and movies to the Netflix May 31 to June 6th list. You can also check out what’s leaving Netflix and Netflix Canada in June if you want to binge those first.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

NOTE: Titles without a 🇺🇸 or 🇨🇦 designation after them are coming to both countries, while country-specific titles will be indicated as such.

Let’s check out the New on Netflix May 31 to June 6th list which is headlined by the third — and final — season of Sweet Tooth, the postapocalyptic series about a part human/part deer boy.

Netflix Games

While not TV series or movies, Netflix is back with some new Netflix Games in June. The following games are now available (unless otherwise noted) for Android and iOS if you have a Netflix subscription.

Braid, Anniversary Edition : Bend time to solve subtle platform puzzles in this update of an indie classic, featuring refreshed artwork and seriously in-depth creator commentary.
Katana Zero : Kill your enemies or face instant death. Slow down time as you slash and dash through a dystopian city to unravel past secrets in this retro adventure.
Paper Trail : Solve puzzles and explore cozy places around a foldable paper world in this enchanting game about growing up. Long-lost secrets and other wonders await.
Sonic Mania Plus : Zip through 3D race courses, jump over obstacles and battle iconic villains in this high-octane running game featuring the world’s fastest blue hedgehog.

Coming Soon

These titles are coming at some point in June but not necessarily this week on the Netflix May 24 to 30th list, so be sure to keep an eye out for them!

The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse: Season 1: Part 2 (NETFLIX ANIME): As a prophecy of doom unfolds on the peaceful land of Britannia, a purehearted boy sets out on a journey of discovery — and revenge.
Supacell (NETFLIX SERIES): When five ordinary South Londoners discover they have extraordinary powers, it’s down to one man to bring them together to save the woman he loves.
The Whirlwind (NETFLIX SERIES): A whirlwind clash ensues when a deputy prime minister of economy stands against the prime minister who aims to uproot the corrupt powers that be.

And now for the Netflix May 31 to June 6th list:

A Part of You (SE) (NETFLIX FILM): A teenager struggles to pick up the pieces of her shattered world in this emotional and bittersweet coming-of-age drama about those who are left behind.
Chola Chabuca
How to Ruin Love: The Proposal (NETFLIX SERIES): Suspecting infidelity, love-cynic Zoleka follows her boyfriend to Cape Town, only to ruin her own surprise proposal. Now, she must win him back.
Raising Voices (NETFLIX SERIES): When a 17-year-old reports a sexual assault at her high school, an investigation upends her life and tests her relationships.
Tòkunbọ̀ (NETFLIX FILM): Tokunbo, an ex-car smuggler, is on a dangerous mission to save his family by delivering a government official’s daughter to her captors.

Of course, being a new month, quite a few new titles are landing on the first of the month on the New on Netflix May 31 to June 6th list:

30 for 30: Once Brothers 🇺🇸
A Million Ways to Die in the West 🇺🇸
American Pie 🇨🇦
American Pie 2 🇨🇦
American Reunion 🇨🇦
Baby Boy 🇺🇸
Big Fat Liar 🇺🇸
The Breakfast Club 🇺🇸
Burn After Reading 🇺🇸
The Conjuring 🇺🇸
The Conjuring 2 🇺🇸
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It 🇺🇸
The Devil’s Own 🇺🇸
Divergent 🇺🇸
The Divergent Series: Allegiant – Part 1 🇺🇸
The Divergent Series: Insurgent 🇺🇸
Dune (1984) 🇺🇸
Heartland : Season 16 🇺🇸
The Intern 🇨🇦
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back 🇨🇦
Kicking & Screaming 🇺🇸
La La Land 🇺🇸
Land of the Lost 🇺🇸
The Lego Movie 🇺🇸
National Security 🇺🇸
On the Basis of Sex 🇺🇸
Pokémon Detective Pikachu 🇺🇸
S.W.A.T. 🇺🇸
Strawberry Shortcake’s Summer Vacation 🇺🇸
Tangerine 🇺🇸
The To Do List 🇨🇦
Too Old for Fairy Tales 2 (NETFLIX FAMILY): After his mother’s new boyfriend moves in, Waldek embarks on a daring journey through the Tatra mountains to find the father he’s never met.
Truth or Dare 🇨🇦
Two Can Play That Game 🇺🇸
30 for 30: Lance 🇺🇸
30 for 30: The Good, The Bad, The Hungry 🇺🇸
30 for 30: The Life and Trials of Oscar Pistorius 🇺🇸
Little Baby Bum: Music Time : Season 2 (NETFLIX FAMILY): Class is back in session at the magical Music Time preschool, where friends Mia, Max, Maple, Ahan and Bari are learning more than ever before!
How I Met Your Mother : Seasons 1-9 🇺🇸
Django Unchained 🇨🇦
Jo Koy: Live from Brooklyn (NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIAL): Brooklyn are you ready?! Jo Koy returns to Netflix in typical style, sharing his unfiltered opinions on social media, aging and moving into a new phase of his life; his zaddy phase. Filmed at the historic King’s Theatre in Brooklyn, NY, Jo Koy: Live From Brooklyn premiere globally on June 4th, 2024 only on Netflix.
Mean Girls 🇨🇦
The Price of Nonna’s Inheritance (NETFLIX FILM): When a grandmother falls for a cheeky suitor with dubious intentions, her family devises a secret plan to protect her life — and their inheritance.
The Queen 🇨🇦
Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial (NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY): This gripping docuseries examines Adolf Hitler and the Nazis’ rise, rule and reckoning from pre-WWII to the Holocaust to the Nuremberg trials.
How to Rob a Bank (NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY): It’s 1990s Seattle and the world’s best bank robber has it all: looks, charm, a sprawling treehouse hideout, and an uncanny ability to disappear using Hollywood-style makeup. But as law enforcement inches closer, his once-carefree life spirals into a suffocating trap, forcing him and his crew to risk it all in one final heist.
Under Paris (NETFLIX FILM): Sophia, a brilliant scientist, comes to know that a large shark is swimming deep in the river.
Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura (NETFLIX ANIME): It’s the ultimate showdown. The toughest fighters from “Baki Hanma” and “Kengan Ashura” clash in this unprecedented, hard-hitting martial arts crossover.
Basma (NETFLIX FILM): A young Saudi woman studying abroad returns to Jeddah, where she learns that her family has been shielding her from difficult truths.
Crazy Rich Asians 🇺🇸
Kübra : Season 2 (NETFLIX SERIES): With new powers — and new problems — will Gökhan lead his followers to salvation or damnation?
Nelma Kodama: The Queen of Dirty Money (NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY): Out of prison, notorious black-market currency trader Nelma Kodama exposes her part in a major Brazilian corruption scandal.
Rafa Márquez: El Capitán (NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY): The Mexican defender recounts wins and losses in the world of football and beyond, revealing an intimate look into his dreams, detours and determination.
Sweet Tooth : Season 3 (NETFLIX SERIES): In this final chapter, Gus and his friends embark on a harrowing journey in hopes of curing the Sick — and finally discovering the truth about hybrid

And there you have the New on Netflix May 31 to June 6th list. Be sure to check back next week to see what’s in store for the week following.

What will you be watching on the Netflix May 31 to June 6th list this week? Will you be checking out the final season of Sweet Tooth or catching up on your backlog? Let us know on social media by using the buttons below.

New on Netflix May 31 to June 6th: Sweet Tooth season 3

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Divergent movie review & film summary (2014)
Screenplay. Vanessa Taylor. "Divergent" is all about identity—about searching your soul and determining who you are and how you fit in as you emerge from adolescence to adulthood. So it's all too appropriate that the film version of the wildly popular young adult novel struggles a bit to assert itself as it seeks to appeal to the widest ...
'Divergent' movie review: Better than the book? Believe it
March 20, 2014 at 3:27 p.m. EDT. It's rare that a movie is as good as the book on which it's based. It's even more unusual when it's better. With the film adaptation of " Divergent ," the ...
Divergent: 10 Big Differences Between The Movie And Book
Director Neil Burger 's big screen take on Veronica Roth's story does diverge in some ways, but often attempts to keep the integral portions of the novel intact, changing details and dialogue ...
Review: In 'Divergent,' Jolted Awake by Fear and Romance
Divergent. Directed by Neil Burger. Adventure, Mystery, Sci-Fi. PG-13. 2h 19m. By Manohla Dargis. March 20, 2014. Women warriors are on the rise again in American movies, and so, too, are hopes ...
Divergent Movie Review
Parents Need to Know. Parents need to know that Divergent is the first adaptation of author Veronica Roth's best-selling dystopian trilogy. Set in a future Chicago, the movie is slightly less violent than the book but still depicts the brutal world of a post-apocalyptic society divided into factions or groups.
I'm 6 years late but thoughts about divergent movie vs. book
I'm 6 years late but thoughts about divergent movie vs. book. the basic premise and major events stayed from the book but. -the events are out of order. -most scenes are VERY different in the book, plenty didn't even happen. - They maybe said like 4 sentences from the book. -confusing new sentences like: "the way you broke the glass is not ...
Divergent
Movie Review. Beatrice Prior has a choice to make. And, frankly, it's not a choice that the 16-year-old wants to make. She'd rather just keep living with her parents and not worry about where she "fits" in society. But that's not how things work these days. It's been 100 years since the war that wiped out most of humanity.
Divergent
Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 04/15/24 Full Review Emilliano Jr S A great start for another young adult movie series Rated 2.5/5 Stars • Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 04/11/24 Full ...
I'd So Rather Be Reading: Book to Movie Review: Divergent
Book to Movie Review: Divergent #thejamessmolder: OH MY Mr. Pamuk Tobias Mr. Eaton FOUR . A.K.A. ... The movie followed the book, the film's visual was fantastic and I liked the casting! So many of my friends raved about the Divergent series and told me they couldn't believe I hadn't read it... and on and on. ...
Divergent
Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 1, 2021. Falling victim to the same problem of many science-fiction or fantasy epic startups, the story is 90% introduction. Full Review | Original Score: 4 ...
The Divergent Series: Insurgent
Another difference between The Divergent Series: Insurgent and the book is there's a device that detects how divergent individuals are which leads to the discovery Tris is 100% Divergent and thus possesses the traits of all five factions. In the Insurgent book, Tris also has a fear of guns resulting from lingering guilt over having to shoot ...
Why Divergent fails at everything it sets out to do
When Divergent emerged on the pop culture scene, it was expected to be the next Hunger Games: a YA book-to-movie franchise that's set in a dystopian universe, features a butt-kicking female lead ...
Divergent Movie Review: Readers Will Love It (Spoiler Free)
Divergent hits theaters March 21, and tickets are now on sale. I think book fans and dystopia lovers alike will be thrilled with this adaptation. The Divergent movie truly captures the spirit, adventure and excitement of the book, and I cannot wait to see again once it's out.
Film Review: 'Divergent'
Film Review: 'Divergent'. This latest attempt to cash in on the YA craze fails to work as an engaging standalone movie. Even though it stretches to nearly two-and-a-half hours and concludes ...
{Book vs. Movie Review} Divergent by Veronica Roth
This first book in Veronica Roth's #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy is the novel the inspired the major motion picture starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James, and Kate Winslet. This dystopian series set in a futuristic Chicago has captured the hearts of millions of teen and adult readers. Perfect for fans of the Hunger Games and ...
"Divergent" reviews: Critics say film isn't as good as the book
Theo James plays Tobias "Four" Eaton, a love interest for Tris. "Divergent" stars on Shailene Woodley and why this isn't "The Hunger Games". Zoe Kravitz, Miles Teller, Ashley Judd, Mekhi Phifer ...
Divergent: Book vs Movie
BOOK REVIEW BY VIVIAN TRAN / MOVIE REVIEW BY NATASHA BRENNAN. BOOK REVIEW "Divergent" written by Veronica Roth, is one of my favorites even with its similar cliché of two people falling i n love in order to go through their troubles they have to face, aiming to make the area they live in better. Yet, there is something that is different about this book that you cannot define.
DIVERGENT (2014) review
DIVERGENT (2014) review. written by: Evan Daugherty and Vanessa Taylor. produced by: Douglas Wick, Lucy Fisher and Pouya Shabazian. directed by: Neil Burger. rating: PG-13 (intense violence and action, thematic elements and some sensuality. runtime: 139 min.
"Divergent" Book Review: Meaning, Themes Characters, Summary
Movie Adaptation: "Divergent" was adapted into a movie in 2014, directed by Neil Burger. The film starred Shailene Woodley as Tris Prior and Theo James as Four. The movie was generally well-received by fans and critics, although some fans of the book noted that some important scenes and characters were left out or changed in the adaptation.
Divergent, Book 1 Book Review
Divergent, Book 1. By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer. age 13+. Exciting, violent dystopian thriller is original, addictive. Book Veronica Roth Science Fiction 2011. Rate book. Parents Say: age 13+ 72 reviews.
Divergent: 'Shailene Woodley is lovely, but this film is an endless
Like the last Hunger Games movie, Neil Berger's take on Veronica Roth's bestselling novel is too long and poorly plotted. Divergent is out in the US on 21 March.
The Divergent Book vs The Divergent Movie
Okay, onto Divergent the book versus Divergent the movie. I first read Divergent in September 2013. Much like most people after The Hunger Games, I was looking for a new Young Adult dystopian series to read. I happened across Divergent and wow - I was absolutely hooked. I ended up reading all the books very fast - with Divergent being my ...
Divergent Book to Film Differences
The following are noted differences between the original Divergent book and Divergent film. Please add any differences between the two that you noticed. Book. Movie. The Dauntless only wear black. Instead of all black costumes, the Dauntless also wear red, and their headquarters are made from white and light grey marble, as opposed to dark stone.
All 11 Veronica Roth Books Ranked (Including When Among Crows)
The 2011 book spawned an entire trilogy and several movie adaptations, making it the most impactful of Roth's releases. The fact that it's so widely known places it at the top of the author's catalog. It's even more impressive that Veronica Roth published Divergent in her early 20s, making the book a testament to her talent. Source: Goodreads
20 Book-to-Movie Adaptations That Shouldn't Have Been Made
The Black Dahlia. The Black Dahlia. is a crime thriller movie based on a novel that's based on an actual true crime case. Two LAPD officers desperately want to solve the. case of the Black ...
'Three Women' finally has a premiere date at its new network
Now, Starz has finally given it a premiere date: midnight on Friday, Sept. 13 on the Starz app and at 10 p.m. ET/PT that night on the traditional channel. Along with the date, Starz has also ...
Book Review Quiz: Books Adapted as Animated Films
1 of 5. "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" was first printed in 1901 and the book's author turned down an offer from Walt Disney to adapt it as an animated movie in the 1930s. Film and television ...
How to Watch the Harry Potter Movies in Chronological Order
Where to Watch: Max and Peacock to stream, AppleTV+ and Amazon Prime Video to rent. 6. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third film in ...
'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' review: This origin story comes packed with
Furiosa's 'Mad Max' origin story is packed with explosives and extremes. Anya Taylor-Joy plays the title character in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Nine years after the release of Mad Max: Fury Road ...
New on Netflix May 31 to June 6: "Sweet Tooth" returns for third and
Let's check out the New on Netflix May 31 to June 6th list which is headlined by the third — and final — season of Sweet Tooth, the postapocalyptic series about a part human/part deer boy.

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Divergent Reviews

Why Divergent fails at everything it sets out to do

Divergent was supposed to be the next Hunger Games. It’s not.

Divergent fails because it doesn’t understand how to use the YA tropes it borrows

Divergent ’s Tris is a poor copy of The Hunger Games ’ Katniss

Divergent is a character study about a blank and boring character

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<i>Divergent</i> Movie Review: Readers Will Love It (Spoiler Free)

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Film Review: ‘Divergent’

Andrew Barker

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Reviewed at AMC Century City 15, March 13, 2014. MPAA Rating: PG-13. Running time: 140 MIN.

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