Guest Blogger: Marian 1

The 2014 film Divergent revolves around sixteen-year-old Beatrice “Tris” Prior, and the new chapter in her life involving an opening between adolescence and adulthood. The movie involves adventure, romance, and entertainment in a dystopian, yet free-willed story. In this fresh opening, Tris has to decide to either stay or join one of the many factions to build an identity. Tris starts out being a susceptible sixteen-year-old, to a strong-willed senorita that joins the toughest faction of all: Dauntless. Her motivations are to start a new life, and follow her instincts. Shailene Woodley provides perfect vulnerability to Tris, as she is seemingly discreet and reserved as a person in Hollywood herself. In addition to that, the actress has been raised by two psychologists as parents where certain elements of the film involve the psychological concept of divergent thinking or divergent. With advice from Jennifer Lawrence and her personal experience, critic Roger Ebert says she is “the movie watchable”. Alongside her is her romantic foil played by Theodore James as the unforgettable & handsome Four. Tobias “Four” Eaton is a man with a sharp future as a leader, but a boy with a troubled past. With Tris, he is determined to lead a new life. James also does a fantastic job of nailing Four’s vulnerability parts with Tris, and vicious side when everyone first meets him. The actor did an amazing job of getting Four’s character traits down, according to the book, and “often quite engaging”, according to critic Roger Ebert. Reoccuring themes in the film is free-will and identity. Not only Tris and Four, but everyone has to choose their own passage and find themselves. While critic Roger Ebert gives this movie a 3 out 5, and the New York Times says Shailene was the only reason to watch the film, I give it a 100% rating, a 10 out of 10, a fresh review, etc. The movie incorporated a lot of themes and elements related to what people silently deal with today, and should not be overlooked. Considering that statement, I believe this heartwarming story and encouraging film is worth anyone’s money and time.