THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT (2015) Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch | First Time Watch
YouTube · cjEnRghIELM
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖The visual effects and cityscape designs in 'Insurgent' are spectacular and hold up well, even years later.
- ❖The hosts found the movie's plot to be highly predictable, adhering closely to common YA dystopian tropes.
- ❖Shailene Woodley's portrayal of Tris is consistently strong, conveying emotional depth without excessive exposition.
- ❖The film's pacing suffers from abrupt plot developments and a lack of buildup for key events, such as Four's capture or Caleb's betrayal.
- ❖Miles Teller (Peter) delivers a compelling performance as a 'cockroach' character, effectively playing a spineless antagonist.
- ❖The concept of the factions being an 'experiment' from outside the wall is a significant reveal that sets up the next film.
Insights
1Exceptional Visual Effects and World-Building
The hosts consistently praise 'Insurgent' for its stunning visual effects, particularly the particle effects during the simulation sequences and the detailed cityscape. They note that the VFX pushed technical limitations for a 2015 film, creating a visually immersive experience that felt 'Final Fantasyesque' and 'Inception'-inspired.
Jabby and Michael repeatedly commend the 'gorgeous little cabin,' 'cool transition' at the beginning, 'design of the cityscape,' and 'phenomenal' VFX during simulations, noting the complexity of rendering individual particle pieces.
2Strong Lead Performances Amidst Narrative Flaws
Shailene Woodley (Tris) and Theo James (Four) are highlighted for their grounded performances and strong chemistry, elevating the material. However, the film's script is criticized for predictable plot points and some 'clunky' dialogue, especially for veteran actors like Kate Winslet and Naomi Watts.
Jabby states, 'her character's been really great' and 'these two together, it's really good performances.' Michael adds, 'Naomi Watts is a better actress than this... Maybe she wasn't given a lot.' They also note Kate Winslet's 'cold and determined' villain portrayal despite some 'stupid line[s].'
3Predictable YA Dystopian Tropes and Rushed Pacing
The film is seen as the 'epitome of every dystopian YA novel trope,' with a predictable narrative arc for Tris as the 'special' divergent. The hosts also point out a structural issue where many plot developments, like character captures or betrayals, happen abruptly off-screen or without sufficient buildup, which they attribute to the film being significantly shorter than its source material.
Jabby comments, 'this is the epitome of every dystopian YA novel trope' and 'we know where this is going.' Michael notes, 'everything felt like a surprise in not in a nice way. It's like there was no buildup.' They confirm the movie is 30 minutes shorter than the first, despite the book being longer.
Notable Moments
Tris's dream sequences and internal struggles are effectively portrayed, showcasing her emotional burden and guilt.
These moments provide crucial character development for Tris, highlighting her internal conflict and the psychological toll of her actions, making her a more relatable protagonist.
The Amity faction's 'pathological friendliness' and strict pacifism are a stark contrast to other factions, leading to their eventual vulnerability.
This demonstrates the inherent flaws and limitations of a society built on extreme adherence to a single virtue, as their non-violence makes them easy targets for Janine's forces.
The truth serum scene at Candor forces Tris and Four to reveal their deepest secrets and feelings publicly.
This scene serves as a powerful emotional beat, solidifying Tris and Four's relationship and exposing Janine's manipulative tactics to the Candor leadership, shifting alliances.
The revelation that the entire faction system is an 'experiment' designed by 'founders' from outside the wall.
This major plot twist fundamentally recontextualizes the entire series, shifting the conflict from internal faction disputes to a larger existential question about humanity's survival and Tris's role as the 'solution.'
Quotes
"Maybe I like ya dystopian because this is so much fun already."
"Virtual pathological friendliness with unquestioned pacifism. I love pathological friendliness."
"I wanted to leave, but I fell in love with Tris Prior. It's not how I meant to tell you."
"I killed my friend that was trying to shoot me."
"This is what happens when you make a deal with the devil, bud."
"I come from outside the wall. Where we have all but destroyed each other. We designed your city as an experiment."
"You were wrong about us. We were never the problem. We're the solution."
"I mean, honestly, I feel that way about our reality sometimes."
"I enjoyed the ride. Yeah. I I thought visually it was really really stunning."
Q&A
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