The story is set in a future dystopian society in post-apocalyptic Chicago. The population is divided into five factions based on personality traits: Abnegation (selflessness), Amity (peacefulness), Candor (honesty), Dauntless (bravery), and Erudite (intelligence). At the age of 16, individuals take an aptitude test to determine their dominant trait and choose a faction for life.
The protagonist, Beatrice “Tris” Prior (played by Shailene Woodley), discovers that she is “Divergent,” meaning she doesn’t fit neatly into any single faction and possesses qualities of multiple factions. Divergents are considered a threat to the society’s order.
Tris decides to leave her family’s faction, Abnegation, and join Dauntless during the initiation process. There, she meets Tobias “Four” Eaton (played by Theo James), an instructor, and faces various physical and mental challenges. Tris uncovers a conspiracy led by the Erudite faction, aiming to overthrow the government and eliminate Divergents.
As Tris uncovers her own strengths and faces danger, she becomes entangled in a complex web of political intrigue, betrayals, and a struggle for power. The film explores themes of identity, conformity, and the consequences of a rigidly structured society.
In the climax, a simulation serum is used to manipulate Dauntless members into attacking the Abnegation sector. Tris, Tobias, and their allies must navigate the chaos and uncover the truth behind the conspiracy. Tris embraces her Divergence to resist the mind control and confront the Erudite leader, Jeanine Matthews (played by Kate Winslet).
The film ends with Tris and Tobias emerging as rebels against the oppressive system, setting the stage for the subsequent films in “The Divergent Series.”
“Divergent” received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its performances and action sequences but criticism for its comparisons to other dystopian teen films. Despite the mixed reviews, the film found success at the box office and gained a dedicated fanbase.