Allegiant
The Divergent Series: Allegiant is a 2016 dystopian science fiction action film, serving as the third installment in The Divergent Series. It continues the story of Tris and Four as they venture beyond the walls of their post-apocalyptic Chicago, only to uncover profound truths about their society and the enigmatic Bureau of Genetic Welfare. The film delves into themes of genetic purity, power, and loyalty, as Tris navigates a complex world where allegiances are tested and new threats emerge. Aimed primarily at teenagers and young adults, the movie is rated PG-13, a classification justified by its intense violence and action, along with mature thematic elements and some partial nudity.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe movie contains frequent and intense violence, including gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and various forms of lethal force. While often not graphically bloody, the depictions of death and injury are pervasive and can be disturbing, making it a central element of the plot.
Scenes include executions where a man is shot at close range, with the body falling, though direct blood is not shown. There are multiple fight sequences involving guns, shooting, punching, and characters being stabbed with knives. A man is shot in the chest after falling during a fight, with a brief glimpse of the wound. Furthermore, children are depicted being kidnapped and separated from their parents for scientific experiments, and one child witnesses his father being fatally shot in front of him.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe film contains highly intense and disturbing sequences, including graphic depictions of violence, the threat of memory erasure, and scenes of peril and psychological distress. These elements contribute significantly to the movie's thriller genre.
A man is executed by a close-range gunshot, and while blood is limited, the impact and death are clear. Children are actively hunted and kidnapped from their families for scientific purposes, with one child witnessing his father's fatal shooting. Tris endures a frightening decontaminating procedure where she is encased in a gel-like substance, struggling to breathe for a few seconds. The climactic threat of a memory-erasing gas being released over the city creates widespread fear and intense suspense.
Disrespect & Rebellion
HighDisrespect and rebellion are central themes, as the protagonists actively defy and challenge corrupt authority figures and societal norms. This includes escaping the established city and directly confronting those in power.
Tris and her group initiate a rebellion by escaping the walled city of Chicago, directly defying the ruling Factionless leadership. Tris later confronts David, the head of the Bureau of Genetic Welfare, criticizing his actions and motives and ultimately ending her partnership with him after realizing his deceptive and nefarious intentions. The movie also highlights a general distrust of authority, with 'adults are universally nefarious figures' being a prevalent sentiment, particularly regarding government and those over 40.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film adaptation of "Allegiant" does not explicitly feature LGBTQ+ characters or themes. However, the source novel by Veronica Roth includes a subtle, hinted-at homosexual relationship that was not prominently translated to the screen. Fan discussions suggest this aspect was either downplayed or omitted in the movie.
In Veronica Roth's novel "Allegiant," Tobias's initiation instructor, Amar, is revealed to be secretly homosexual and in a relationship with George Wu. This aspect of Amar and George's relationship is only briefly mentioned in the book and was not explicitly portrayed in the film. Discussions within fan communities on Reddit indicate some disappointment over the understated nature of this relationship in the book, with speculation that the author's Christian faith influenced its minimal inclusion.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe film features romantic interactions between the main characters, Tris and Four, including passionate kissing and embraces. There are also instances of partial nudity in shower scenes, where silhouettes or outlines of bodies are visible.
Tris (Shailene Woodley) and Four (Theo James) share passionate kisses and embrace frequently throughout the movie. In some scenes, characters are shown showering, and silhouettes of their bodies, specifically the partial outline of a woman's naked back, are visible. While not explicit, the source novel implies that Tris and Four engage in sexual activity, describing them undressing and then skipping to the next morning.
Profanity
MediumThe movie includes infrequent uses of mild profanity and scatological slang, primarily by minor characters or in less intense moments. The language is present but not pervasive or used in a highly offensive manner.
The script contains occasional mild curse words and scatological slang, such as 'ass,' 's--t,' and 's--tless'. One review noted the presence of 'maybe one or two usages of a**, h***, and sh**' in the film, suggesting it's less frequent than in the book.
Substance Use
MediumThe movie features instances of characters being exposed to or injected with substances that alter their mental state or memories. These are presented as tools for control rather than recreational drug use.
Characters are subjected to 'truth serum' injections as a means of interrogation or control. A significant plot device involves an 'orange gas' or 'memory serum' that the Bureau intends to release over Chicago to wipe the memories of the city's inhabitants, causing widespread panic and a climactic confrontation.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere are no explicit depictions or mentions of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, or spells in "Allegiant." The narrative is firmly rooted in a science fiction genre, focusing on advanced technology and genetic manipulation.
The film's plot centers on scientific concepts like genetic modification and the social experiment of the faction system, overseen by the Bureau of Genetic Welfare. All extraordinary elements, such as advanced weaponry and mind-altering substances, are explained through a scientific or technological lens, with no supernatural or occult implications. No characters engage in magical practices or rituals.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe movie does not present any explicit anti-Christian themes. Its dystopian science fiction narrative focuses on secular societal structures, genetic engineering, and political power struggles, rather than engaging with religious critique or promoting anti-religious sentiments.
The film's thematic content revolves around post-apocalyptic society, genetic purity versus damage, and the pursuit of power and truth through scientific and political means. There are no characters who openly mock or insult Christian beliefs, nor are there any plot points that promote anti-Christian messages or depict sacrilegious acts. A review from a Christian perspective noted 'Spiritual Content: None of note' in the movie.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
PG-13. The MPAA rated "Allegiant" PG-13 for intense violence and action, thematic elements, and some partial nudity. Parental reviews and organizations like Raising Children Network suggest it is not recommended for children under 14 and is more suitable for viewers aged 15 and over, while Common Sense Media recommends it for ages 14 and up. This recommendation is due to pervasive violence, disturbing themes, and mature content that may be too intense for younger audiences.
Additional Notes
As the third installment in a series, "Allegiant" assumes prior knowledge of the "Divergent" universe. Its narrative was originally intended to be part one of a two-film conclusion (with "Ascendant" being the second), but the sequel was ultimately canceled. This may leave some viewers feeling the story's resolution is less complete or altered compared to the original book series. The movie takes liberties with the book's plot and character arcs, which might be noticeable to readers of Veronica Roth's novels.
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