Divergence. It may surprise some people to know that divergent thinking actually exists in real life. Convergent thinkers think in straight lines, they will follow a set of logical steps to arrive at what they think is the correct solution to a problem. Divergent thinkers, however, employ an out-of-the-box method to solve problems. In this movie based on Veronica Roth’s novel, Divergent, the way a person thinks can get them into trouble.

For those who don’t know: Divergent takes place in a post-apocalyptic universe where Chicago is the last remaining city on Earth. When this city was founded, the governing parties knew that the human race was doomed to repeat it’s history and wipe itself out again if they did not isolate the factors that lead to corruption and their ultimate death. The leaders couldn’t agree on a single factor that led to the downturn of humanity. As a result, five factions were founded, each dedicated to raising children in a certain way, as to eliminate the risk of repeating history.

When adolescents turn 16, they take a test to determine what faction they should join to be the most beneficial to society. The test is based off how the subject solves a series of problems that are presented to them, all inside their mind. Normal students will respond in a certain way according to their personal moral tendencies and can then be sorted into the best faction for them. Divergents cannot be sorted into just one faction like normal and, as a result, are deemed dangerous to society. This new system is built on the idea that if everyone knows where they belong and everyone is working to eliminate the human weaknesses, then harmony can be achieved. Tris Prior (portrayed by Shailene Woodley) is a threat to that system. When her test results are unable to tell what faction she belongs to, revealing her as a divergent, she is forced to make a difficult choice that may split up her family and endanger her life.

Shailene Woodley’s Tris was just as relatable as the girl portrayed in the books. Indeed, Woodley’s performance even seemed to add another layer of emotion to the story. Her counterpart, Theo James, was nearly perfect as Four. Aside from his body (which is just as well muscled and inked up as it is in the book), Tris and Four’s interactions were fabulously natural and the chemistry was easy flowing, adding to the enjoyability of the story and the film as a whole.

Veronica Roth’s Divergent was a fantastic adventure story with a relatable main character and a plot that took readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and on a deeper level examined the way that humans behave and think and the movie stayed true.

First, the setting. The city around all of the adventure going on was breathtaking in itself. The contrast between the living quarters of the separate factions served to further highlight the differences in attitude and ambition between the different groups. The Erudite compound was all straight edges and glass and clean corners, where the Dauntless compound seemed to be a dark twisting labyrinth overflowing with loud music and people with various piercings.

In addition, the contrast between the areas where the faction members live and the factionless carries on the symbolism that the book had. The society rewarded those who knew where they belonged, and those who didn’t fell by the wayside. Not even allowed to live with the rest of the citizens lest they disrupt the precious system that the founders had put in place.

It’s strange to notice what extras are doing, as it’s their job to disappear, but the crowd scenes in Divergent were stunning. Each faction’s inhabitants acted true to their character traits. Interacting in the way peculiar to their group, they mingled and bustled and went about their daily business. Each individual interaction seemed tailored to teach the audience a bit more about the factions in less screen time, while at the same time seeming completely natural.

The simulation scenes were breathtaking. Fluid, trippy and nearly indistinguishable from the real life portions of the movie, they reproduced the feelings that the initiates were experiencing, amplifying fear and anxiety and putting them ill at ease. The cinematography was meticulously done; special effects, music and camerawork all worked together, weaving together the high tension and emotion which allowed the audience to get even more inside of the characters’ world and minds.

In addition to all of the strong theatrical elements, the themes and lessons of Divergent stood out clearly in the movie. Humans tend to push people who are different away from society. They fear what they can’t understand and then attempt to control it, makes divergents pariahs. If they can’t do that, they attempt to destroy it.

A city where Divergents are hunted down and sometimes killed is a pretty good example of this phenomenon and an excellent lesson hidden in this thrilling adventure film.

Lastly, the music. Oh the music. Divergent‘s soundtrack, in keeping with the rest of the film, is adventurous and a little bit dark, but thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless. Don’t miss it.

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A glossary for you.

Factions: Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, Erudite

Abnegation traits: Selfless

Amity traits: Peace loving, harmonious

Candor traits: Candidness

Dauntless traits: Bravery

Erudite traits: A thirst for knowledge

Serum: A chemical that is injected into the neck which alters the subjects brain chemistry to make it more receptive to suggestions. In this way, hallucinations can be induced, or the subject can be made to perform tasks that they may normally object to.

Simulation: When a subject has been injected with a serum and is not in reality really.

Aptitude test: The test administered to 16 year olds before the choosing ceremony. The test involves being put under a simulation that presents the subject with a series of choices meant to determine which faction they are most aligned with. Normal subjects will arrive at one answer. Divergent subjects can receive up to three results.

Choosing ceremony: The day after the Aptitude test, the dependants will get to choose what faction to spend the rest of their life in. The ceremony proceeds with each individual student standing up and presenting their choice publicly. They will then go to sit with their chosen faction. The initiates will choose by making a cut on their hand with a ceremonial knife and letting their blood fall in a bowl which stands for the faction of their choice. Once a choice has been made, it cannot be changed or reversed.

Factionless: Those who were not able to live by the rules and ideals of their faction. They were ejected from society and live in the sewers. Homeless.

Faction before blood: The motto of the City. It means that your chosen faction is above your family in priority. Also, alternatively that you may not be the same as your family

Tris: Born abnegation, chose Dauntless. Divergent.

Four: Born Abnegation, chose Dauntless. Divergent.

Christina: Born Candor, chose Dauntless. Convergent.

Will: Born Erudite, chose Dauntless. Convergent.

Al: Born Candor, chose Dauntless. Unknown.

Caleb: Born Abnegation, chose Erudite. Convergent.

Rated: A

Trigger warning:  suicide