The Divergent series, based on Veronica Roth’s popular young adult novels, captivated audiences with its dystopian setting and complex characters. Insurgent, the second installment, was adapted into one theatrical film. This article explores the Insurgent movie in detail, including its plot, cast, critical reception, and the overall fate of the Divergent film franchise.
Insurgent: One Movie, Many Perspectives
While the Divergent book series consists of three novels (Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant) and a collection of short stories, the film adaptation strayed from this complete representation. Insurgent was adapted into a single movie, released in 2015. This film built upon the foundations laid by the first movie, Divergent, further exploring the faction-based society of post-apocalyptic Chicago and the escalating conflict brewing beneath the surface.
A Deep Dive into the Plot of Insurgent
Insurgent picks up immediately after the events of Divergent. Tris Prior, Four (Tobias Eaton), Caleb Prior, and Peter Hayes are on the run from Jeanine Matthews, the Erudite leader, who seeks Divergent individuals to unlock a box containing information from the city’s founders. This box, deemed the “Divergent Box,” requires a Divergent individual to pass simulations representing each of the five factions: Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite.
The film follows Tris as she grapples with guilt over the deaths of her parents and Will, further developing her relationship with Four, and struggling against Jeanine’s relentless pursuit. The plot thickens as the group moves from faction to faction, encountering new allies and enemies, and uncovering deeper secrets about the origins and purpose of their society. The movie culminates in Tris confronting Jeanine and, after enduring grueling simulations, unlocking the Divergent Box. The message reveals that the faction system was designed as an experiment to cultivate Divergence, with the hope of creating individuals capable of leaving the confines of the city and reconnecting with the outside world.
The Cast and Creative Team
The film boasts a stellar cast, bringing Roth’s characters to life on screen:
- Shailene Woodley as Tris Prior
- Theo James as Tobias “Four” Eaton
- Kate Winslet as Jeanine Matthews
- Ansel Elgort as Caleb Prior
- Miles Teller as Peter Hayes
- Naomi Watts as Evelyn Johnson-Eaton
Robert Schwentke directed Insurgent, taking over from Neil Burger, who directed Divergent. Akiva Goldsman, Mark Bomback, and Brian Duffield wrote the screenplay.
Critical Reception and Box Office Performance
Insurgent received mixed reviews from critics. While praised for its visual effects and action sequences, it was often criticized for its deviation from the source material and its convoluted plot. However, the film performed well at the box office, grossing over $297 million worldwide against a production budget of $84 million. Despite its financial success, the film’s reception foreshadowed the issues that would ultimately plague the future of the franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify details regarding the Insurgent movie and the Divergent film series:
FAQ 1: Was the Insurgent movie a faithful adaptation of the book?
No. The Insurgent movie took significant liberties with the source material. While the core plot points are present (the Divergent Box, Jeanine’s pursuit of Divergent individuals), many details were altered or omitted. This departure from the book was a common criticism.
FAQ 2: What are the key differences between the Insurgent book and movie?
Key differences include alterations to character arcs (particularly Peter’s), changes in the sequences of events, and the omission of some secondary plotlines. The movie also added more action sequences, sometimes at the expense of character development and narrative coherence. The purpose and urgency behind unlocking the box were also different between book and film.
FAQ 3: Did Insurgent cover the entire Insurgent book?
Yes, the Insurgent movie aimed to adapt the entirety of the Insurgent novel. However, as mentioned previously, it did so with significant deviations from the original story.
FAQ 4: Why did they change directors after Divergent?
Neil Burger, the director of Divergent, did not return for Insurgent due to scheduling conflicts. Robert Schwentke was subsequently hired to direct the sequel.
FAQ 5: Was Kate Winslet originally cast in the Divergent book series?
While Kate Winslet wasn’t a character in the original Divergent book series, she portrayed the antagonist Jeanine Matthews in the movie adaptation.
FAQ 6: What happened after Insurgent in the movie series?
The third book, Allegiant, was initially planned as a two-part film adaptation. However, after the lackluster performance of Allegiant (renamed The Divergent Series: Allegiant), the studio decided to cancel the second part, Ascendant, and instead produce a television movie and spin-off series. This project was ultimately scrapped as well.
FAQ 7: Why was the Divergent movie series cancelled?
The Divergent series was cancelled due to a combination of factors, including declining box office returns, negative critical reception of Allegiant, and disagreements between the studio and the cast regarding the proposed television movie format. The shift to a TV movie was met with resistance from lead actors, contributing to the project’s demise.
FAQ 8: Will there ever be a conclusion to the Divergent movie series?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans to revive the Divergent film series. The rights to the franchise remain with Lionsgate, but the possibility of a future continuation remains uncertain.
FAQ 9: Where can I watch Insurgent?
Insurgent is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. It may also be available on streaming services, depending on your region and subscription status.
FAQ 10: Is it necessary to watch Divergent before watching Insurgent?
Yes, it is highly recommended to watch Divergent before watching Insurgent. Insurgent directly follows the events of Divergent, and understanding the characters, factions, and overall world is crucial for comprehending the plot.
FAQ 11: Who are the main factions depicted in Insurgent?
Insurgent continues to showcase the five factions: Abnegation (selfless), Amity (peaceful), Candor (honest), Dauntless (brave), and Erudite (intelligent). The film explores the power dynamics and conflicts between these factions in greater detail.
FAQ 12: What is the significance of being Divergent?
Divergent individuals possess traits from multiple factions, making them difficult to control and a threat to the established order. In Insurgent, Divergence is revealed to be a desirable trait intended to help the population leave the city and interact with the outside world. This reveal is a core plot point in the film adaptation.
The Legacy of Insurgent and the Divergent Series
Despite its shortcomings as an adaptation and the ultimate cancellation of the film franchise, Insurgent remains a significant part of the Divergent legacy. It offers a visually engaging, action-packed experience that expands upon the world established in Divergent. While the series ultimately failed to reach its full potential on the big screen, the books continue to resonate with readers, and the films provide a glimpse into a compelling dystopian world. Though the Insurgent movie stands alone as the single representation of the second book, it played a crucial role in both extending and ultimately concluding the cinematic journey of Tris Prior and the Divergent universe.