Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Strong female character leads in violent dystopia.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Divergent
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 39 parent reviews
Parents say that this movie, while generally entertaining and action-packed, contains considerable violence and mature themes that may not be suitable for younger viewers, with some suggesting it is best for teens over 12. Many reviews indicate it adheres closely to its source material but also note that it lacks some character development and emotional depth compared to the book, with mixed feelings about its appropriateness for children due to its implied sexual content and intense scenes.
- violence concerns
- character development
- age suitability
- book adaptation
- emotional impact
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 300 kid reviews
Kids say that this movie is a mix of engaging storytelling with admirable messages about identity and belonging, although it diverges from the original book in several ways. While some find its violence and certain mature themes inappropriate for younger viewers, many believe it is suitable for older children and teenagers, enjoyable for those who appreciate dystopian narratives, even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of similar films like its counterpart.
- engaging storytelling
- suitable for older children
- mature themes present
- varies from book
- entertaining for dystopian fans
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In the distant future, Chicago is cut off from the rest of America in a society strictly divided into five factions based on character traits -- Abnegation (the selfless), Amity (the kind), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), and Erudite (the intelligent). Beatrice "Tris" Prior (Shailene Woodley) is a 16-year-old Abnegation-born teen whose government-sponsored personality test reveals she is DIVERGENT-- meaning she doesn't fit into just one faction. After choosing to join Dauntless, Tris must survive a brutal (and bloody) initiation process under the tutelage of her handsome, mysterious instructor Four (Theo James). Together they discover that the Erudite, led by Jeanine Matthews (Kate Winslet), plan to kill all Divergents and take control of the government -- unless Tris and Four can stop them.
Is It Any Good?
The movie adaptation of the popular YA series benefits from a talented cast, a spot-on visual depiction of the factions, the Dauntless Pit, and the story's urban Chicago setting. The acting ensemble is as good as the cast of The Hunger Games and vastly superior to that of Twilight and the forgettable Vampire Academy and Mortal Instruments adaptations. While Woodley doesn't fit the canon description of Tris, she captures the character's mix of vulnerability and courage, her desire to be independent in a world that demands conformity. And although heartthrob Theo James is almost too manly looking for Woodley's doe-eyed ingenue, he definitely gets the job done as the intensely serious Four.
But the movie doesn't live up to the hype or the potential of the written series. The Dauntless initiation process isn't as violent or emotional on the screen as it is on the page, and neither is the buildup of the Tris and Four romance or Tris' friendship with her fellow transfer initiates. Considering the two-and-a-half-hour runtime, there are parts that drag on and yet aspects of the book that seem surprisingly cut. The performances (Winslet is fabulous as the icy Erudite leader, and Zoe Kravitz, Maggie Q, and Jai Courtney are all true to the spirit of their characters) make up for some of the pacing and screenwriting issues, but overall this adaptation falls short of fan expectations. Still, tweens and teens who've read the books should absolutely see the movies and hope the second and third installments fare better.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of violent dystopian stories aimed at teenagers. What purpose does the violence serve in Divergent? Is it different to see violence rather than to read about it? How does the violence in the book compare to the movie?
How does Tris compare to other female protagonists in young adult books and movies? What are her views on love, family, and relationships? Does she have the qualities of a role model?
Discuss the central romance between Tris and Four. Were you surprised at how slowly it progressed? What messages about love and sex does the film communicate?
Fans of the book: Was the movie a faithful adaptation? What differences did you like, which scenes from the book did you miss?
How do the characters in Divergent demonstrate courage? Why is this an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 21, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : August 5, 2014
- Cast : Shailene Woodley , Theo James , Kate Winslet
- Director : Neil Burger
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Summit Entertainment
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 143 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : intense violence and action, thematic elements and some sensuality
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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