The hottest phenomenon in publishing these days in young adult fiction is the tale of those who dare to risk to find their own way.

“Divergent” is the latest version of this trend. Directed by Neil Burger, known for his film “Limitless,” a decent version of the first book of the hugely popular trilogy by Veronica Roth about dystopian future, comes to life. Where only teenagers have the courage to challenge the government rules and save the world.

Having a story with a teenage girl who is worried about not belonging and later on discovers that the greatest people are different, alongside adding a pinch of high school romance where the popular guy falls for the ordinary girl, leaves no doubt that it will grab the attention of tons of teenagers.

Shailene Woodley, one of the most promising actresses known for her role in “The Descendants,” was an early choice to play the protagonist, Tris. While finding her companion seemed impossible, “Downton Abbey’s” Theo James auditioned and received the role of Four.

“Divergent” is set in the future, a century after a war in Chicago . To prevent further disputes, society has divided itself into five different factions, each representing one specific personality trait.

Candor values honesty above all, their clothing consists of black and white. Amity represents and bring peacefulness. Erudite in their blue suits think that knowledge can overpower everything. Dauntless are the warriors, the military figure of society. They are pierced, tattooed and dressed in black. Abnegations are dressed in gray and known for their selflessness. Abnegation are the rulers of the society because they live to serve.

Beatrice Prior, the daughter of an Abnegation family, is concerned about not fitting in. She shocks herself and the tester (Maggie Q) when the result of the test that was supposed to help her decide her future, came as inconclusive. It brings up questions such as is she one of those people too independent for society to control? One of the rare beings that bring fear to those in power? Could she be a Divergent?

This makes everything more confusing as to which faction she should choose during the Annual Choosing Ceremony for every 16-year-old. Attracted to the Dauntless lifestyle where people jump on and off of moving trains, Beatrice confound her family by choosing to become a warrior.

She then shortens her name to Tris and becomes a friend with another transfer from the faction Candor named Christiana (Zoe Kravitz). Now that Tris has arrived she has to survive the brutal physical and mental training put together by Dauntless’ cruel leader, Eric (Jai Courtney), as well as sadistic fellow initiate, Peter (Miles Teller). As Tris falls in love with her strict instructor, Four, with the mysterious past, she has to figure out why being Divergent can put her life at risk.

“Divergent”’s screenplay, written by Evan Daugherty and Vanessa Taylor, follow the book closely, compared to other dystopian novels turned into movies. The majority of the film runs smoothly except for their over exaggeration of the plot’s machiavellian, the Erudite leader named Janine Matthew (Kate Winslet).

Considering it is one of the few major roles for Woodley in a Sci-fi, adventure, action genre, she presents Tris’s character very accurately. British actor James, professionally brings the character Four to life without revealing to the audience the decade age gap between him and his 18-year-old character. Because of “Divergent”’s amazing performance, visual effects and accuracy, there is no surprise to their incoming success.

A previous version of this story contained a link, regarding the TV series “Downton Abbey,” that was no longer valid. This link was updated to a more recent article on Jan. 12, 2024.