Allegiant, the third film in the Divergent series, departs from the faction-based Chicago to explore the world beyond the wall, revealing a genetically altered society and forcing Tris Prior to confront the unsettling truths about her origins and the real purpose of the Divergent. This installment grapples with the ethics of genetic purity, the dangers of unchecked power, and the complexities of trust within a deceptive system.
Unmasking the Core of Allegiant
Allegiant fundamentally shifts the narrative focus. While the previous films concentrated on Tris’s struggle to survive within the oppressive faction system of Chicago, Allegiant propels her and her companions beyond the confines of the wall surrounding the city. They discover a highly technologically advanced society, the Bureau of Genetic Welfare, which has been observing and manipulating Chicago for generations. This society reveals that the factions were established as an experiment to reverse genetic damage caused by generations of “genetic purity” movements.
The film hinges on the revelation that Tris and the other Divergent are considered “genetically pure,” meaning they possess a desirable genetic makeup. This purity makes them subjects of intense scrutiny and, ultimately, pawns in the Bureau’s manipulative agenda. As Tris uncovers the truth behind the experiment, she must decide whether to trust her supposed saviors and how to protect her friends and the people of Chicago from further exploitation. The central conflict becomes not just about survival, but about challenging systemic control and fighting for genuine freedom.
Key Themes Explored in Allegiant
The film tackles several complex themes:
- Genetic Determinism vs. Free Will: Allegiant explores the extent to which our genetics determine our destiny and whether we truly have free will if our lives are pre-programmed by our genetic makeup.
- The Ethics of Genetic Manipulation: The Bureau’s experiments raise ethical questions about the right to manipulate genetics and the potential consequences of playing God.
- The Dangers of Power and Control: The film highlights how easily power can corrupt, even when wielded under the guise of benevolence. The Bureau’s leaders, initially presented as benevolent guides, are revealed to be manipulative and ruthless.
- Trust and Betrayal: As Tris learns more about the Bureau and its motives, she struggles to determine who to trust. The film explores the devastating effects of betrayal and the importance of unwavering loyalty.
- The Meaning of Divergence: Divergence is revealed not as a threat, but as a potential solution to the genetic problems of the larger society. Tris must embrace her unique qualities to challenge the status quo.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Allegiant
Here are some of the most common questions surrounding the movie Allegiant, answered to provide a deeper understanding of its plot and themes:
H3 What is the Bureau of Genetic Welfare?
The Bureau of Genetic Welfare is a highly advanced, technologically sophisticated organization located outside the walled city of Chicago. It was established to monitor and control social experiments aimed at reversing genetic damage caused by centuries of genetic engineering efforts in the past, and they believe that Divergents are the key to resolving this issue. Their actions are often veiled in secrecy, and their methods are ethically questionable.
H3 Why does the Bureau care about Chicago?
Chicago was established by the Bureau as one of several social experiments designed to reverse the genetic damage resulting from generations of genetic purity initiatives. The faction system, in particular, was intended to foster the development of genetically “pure” individuals, specifically Divergents, who were considered valuable assets in their broader goals.
H3 What is genetic purity, and why is it important in Allegiant?
Genetic purity, in the context of the film, refers to individuals who possess a genetic makeup free from the perceived damage caused by past genetic manipulation. The Bureau believes that genetically pure individuals like Tris hold the key to correcting the genetic issues plaguing society. It’s important because it forms the basis of the Bureau’s manipulation and the core conflict of the film.
H3 How does Tris become a pivotal figure in Allegiant?
Tris’s Divergence classifies her as genetically pure, making her a subject of intense interest and scrutiny by the Bureau. Her unique genetic makeup and her unwavering commitment to justice and her friends position her as a potential solution to the Bureau’s problems, but also as a threat to their control.
H3 What are the motivations of David, the leader of the Bureau?
David, the director of the Bureau, claims to be motivated by a desire to restore genetic health to society. However, his methods are often manipulative and morally ambiguous. His true motives are ultimately self-serving, as he prioritizes control and the continuation of the Bureau’s power over the well-being of the people of Chicago.
H3 What is the significance of the “memory serum” used by the Bureau?
The memory serum is a powerful tool used by the Bureau to manipulate individuals’ memories and control their actions. It allows them to erase or alter memories, effectively brainwashing people to conform to their agenda. This highlights the Bureau’s willingness to sacrifice individual autonomy for the sake of their objectives.
H3 How does Four (Tobias) react to the revelations in Allegiant?
Four struggles with the revelations about his mother, Evelyn, and the true nature of the Bureau. He grapples with conflicting loyalties and the realization that the people he trusts may not be who he thought they were. He eventually joins Tris in challenging the Bureau’s control.
H3 What is the relationship between Tris and Four in Allegiant?
Tris and Four’s relationship is tested in Allegiant as they navigate the complex world beyond the wall. They face challenges to their trust and must rely on each other to survive. Their love and loyalty remain a central driving force in their fight against the Bureau.
H3 Does Allegiant stay true to the book of the same name?
The Allegiant movie deviates significantly from the book, particularly in its ending and character arcs. Many fans expressed disappointment with these changes, as they altered the core themes and messages of the original story.
H3 Why wasn’t the final book, Ascendant, adapted into a movie?
The fourth film, Ascendant, intended to adapt the final book in the Divergent series, was canceled due to the poor reception and box office performance of Allegiant. Plans were initially made to turn Ascendant into a television series, but these plans were also eventually scrapped.
H3 What is the overall message of Allegiant?
The overall message of Allegiant is one of resistance against oppression and the importance of challenging authority, even when it comes from seemingly benevolent sources. It underscores the value of individual freedom and the dangers of allowing power to go unchecked. It also delves into the ethical dilemmas surrounding genetic manipulation and the responsibility that comes with scientific advancement.
H3 What are some criticisms of the Allegiant movie?
Common criticisms of Allegiant include its convoluted plot, its deviation from the source material, and its underdeveloped characters. Many viewers felt that the film failed to adequately explore the complex themes of the book and ultimately provided a disappointing conclusion to the series. The pacing and lack of a satisfying resolution were also frequent points of contention. The changes from the source material particularly frustrated fans of the book series.