'Insurgent' about forgiving yourself for your flaws, mistakes
I’m not quite sure what critics were expecting with “Insurgent,” a marked improvement over the initial, marginally diverting “Divergence.” The sequel delivered just what was promised, but in a more refined, polished package.
Tris Prior (played by Shailene Woodley) and Four (played by Theo James) are still on the run in the film’s post-apocalyptic universe, as they do not fit into its ruling system - Abnegation (those who are selfless), Amity (peaceful), Candor (honest), Dauntless (brave) and Erudite (smart). They are now camping out with the Amish-like Amities, but realize their time there is limited.
This is exacerbated by the fact that they are joined there by Tris’ skittish brother Caleb (played by Ansel Elgort) and hot-headed Peter (played by Miles Teller, who apparently learned much about being a jerk from his “Whiplash” bully, played by J.K. Simmons).
They are targeted by Jeanine Matthews (played by Kate Winslet), the ruthless Erudite leader who wishes to overthrow all factions now that she finds herself in possession of an enigmatic box that can only be opened by a Divergent and could hold the key to the survival - or control - of all.
Yes, the “Divergent” films still live the shadows of their big sister, “The Hunger Games,” but with “Insurgent,” the franchise definitely goes through a growth spurt. Based on the second book of Veronica Roth’s trilogy, It feels leaner than the first film and provides the audience with some rather stirring action sequences. Make no mistake, it still plays to the faithful and will likely not convert new fans on its own. But it does provide more character motivations and a few interesting arcs (like Four’s tangled familial history, featuring Naomi Watts playing his mother), even as it fumbles others (like a wasted Elgort and Octavia Spencer).
“Insurgent” can’t really be called a “pretty” film, as most of it is set in hollowed-out skyscrapers and underground dwellings, but as far as overall production design goes, it towers over its predecessor. And while Woodley, as Tris, is still our guide, the entire film is not resting on her shoulders. Woodley is still solid, making Tris determined, scared and scarred by her own past actions, yet we are introduced to more of the worlds and inhabitants that are amassing behind her.
Where “Divergent” focused on finding yourself and your individuality, “Insurgent” is about forgiving yourself for your flaws and mistakes. And even though the film may have its fair share of those, it’s still inspiring enough to carry the franchise over to its inevitable two-film conclusion.
