The Divergent Series: Allegiant

Release Date: March 18, 2016

Running Time: 2 hours

Rated PG-13 for intense violence and action, thematic elements, & some partial nudity

Directed By: Robert Schwentke

Grade: B+

“People think walls separate us, but they also protect us”

After Jeanine’s death and the fall of the faction system at the end of Insurgent, Tris and Four watch as Evelyn acquiesces to the will of the people during the trials.  Tris feels compelled to rescue Caleb and find out what lies beyond the wall.  Risking it all, they leave the only home they have ever known on a journey for answers.  Tris, Four, Caleb Christina and Peter battle soldiers from Evelyn’s army, scale a huge wall and hike an apocalyptic landscape complete with blood-colored acid rain before they are rescued by the Bureau of Genetic Welfare and taken to a tricked out version of Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.  Each are given jobs, except for Tris who is deemed pure and spends a lot of time with the bureau’s leader, David. Tris and Four must quickly decide who they can trust as a ruthless battle ignites beyond the walls of Chicago which threatens all of humanity. In order to survive, Tris will be forced to make impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love.

“Those people out there kept us in a cage for 200 years. 

That is not someone I want to engage with.”

The world beyond the wall is revealed in this rich, action packed installment in The Divergent Series.  Allegiant is adapted from Veronica Roth’s novel that was published in October 2013.  It is the third installment in the film series and the first of two parts from the final novel.  I was drawn to the Dystopian world of Divergent four years ago and have enjoyed the films the past couple of years.  The soul of the book remains intact, although some key scenes and plot point lines have been changed in part one of the thrilling conclusion.

Cinematographer Florian Ballhaus filmed in and around Atlanta, Georgia. Art director Alan Hook (Iron Man 3, Furious 7, Insurgent) created visually appealing sets such as the futuristic Bureau and the associated aircraft and the military-like complex that was similar to the Dauntless training facilities.  Director Schwentke and VFX supervisor Stefan Fangmeier delivered amazing special effects.  The blood colored acid rain was impressive along with the apocalyptic landscape. The virtual-reality drones were really cool and enhanced the scenes. The fight scenes are choreographed well and as mentioned earlier, the CGI effects are incredible.

Once again, Shailene Woodley masterfully portrays the protagonist Tris. Before her Divergent DNA kicks in, Four (Theo James) steals the show as the skeptical leader of their little group who is under constant observation.  I liked how the screenwriters modified the roles for Caleb (Ansel Elgort) and snarky Peter (Miles Teller).  Similar to Insurgent, we don’t get to know he back stories of Evelyn Eaton or Johanna Reyes.  They are mysterious supporting cast members that I hope we get to know better in Ascendant.  Allegiant was exhilarating and garnered a lot audience engagement.  I really liked the third installment and look forward to The Divergent Series: Ascendant when it hits theaters on June 9, 2017.  ~A.S. McLeod

“There is nothing to worry about.  You’re safe now”

Starring:

Shailene Woodley as Tris Prior

Theo James as Tobias “Four” Eaton

Ansel Elgort as Caleb Prior

Miles Teller as Peter Hayes

Naomi Watts as Evelyn Johnson-Eaton

Jeff Daniels as David

Zoe Kravitz as Christina

Bill Skarsgard as Matthew

Octavia Spencer as Johanna Reyes

Ray Stevenson as Marcus Eaton