Insurgent: Review

Insurgent, which is the sequel to last year’s hugely successful Divergent, is directed by Robert Schwentke and is based on the second novel by Veronica Roth in the Divergent trilogy. Picking up exactly where Divergent left off, the film is set in a post apocalyptic, dystopian city separated from the outside world by a wall. It follows Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley) and her group of loyal followers, including her trainer turned lover, Four (Theo James). They are on the run from the authorities after a coup by the leader of the Erudite faction, Jeanine, against the ruling Abnegation faction.

Although the plot is sometimes predictable and slow, the film has a reliance on fight scenes to keep the film engaging and action packed. The film uses impressive visual effects and intense action scenes, while a number of smaller twists and strong character development are guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat right throughout the film.

The acting in Insurgent is superb. Kate Winslet gives a great performance as the ambitious and ruthless Erudite leader Jeanine, while Naomi Watts and Octavia Spencer shine in their supporting roles. Spencer plays the leader of the Amity faction, Johanna, who Tris turns to for protection, while Watts plays Evelyn, the leader of the factionless with a mysterious past. However, the real standout is Shailene Woodley as Tris, who must deal with her own demons and grief as well as her role in the civil unrest and violence. Despite this, she plays the role of Tris with steely determination yet with an air of vulnerability.

The third instalment in the series, Allegiant- Part 1 is set for release in 2016 and will likely be another box office hit for the franchise, as the combination of action, drama, romance and humour, that along with a great cast and acting make this a highly enjoyable and entertaining film.