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Story

Allegiant is the third movie in the Divergent Series, following on from Insurgent. It begins with Factionless leader Evelyn (Naomi Watts) holding public trials for people from the Erudite and Dauntless factions, who have been deemed ‘traitors’. Caleb (Ansel Elgort), who is the brother of Tris (Shailene Woodley), is among those likely to be executed. Caleb and Tris set out with Four (Theo James) and several others to escape the walled city. Beyond the wall, they discover an area controlled by the Bureau of Genetic Welfare.

The Bureau’s leader, David (Jeff Daniels), explains that the faction-based society is a social experiment to work out whether people with ‘damaged genes’ can repair themselves without the need for genetic modification. The Bureau has been monitoring the city since the outset, and also has several more experimental cities set up around the world.

Although the Bureau sees Tris as genetically ‘pure’, the other Divergent escapees are found not to be. Over the course of the movie, Tris gradually begins to realise that the Bureau doesn’t have the best interests of Chicago citizens at heart.

Themes

Science fiction; genetic modification; power and authority; the total destruction of cities and communities; family and friendship

Violence

Allegiant has many scenes of violence. For example:

  • A man is executed with a gun at close range– the scene doesn’t show the execution directly, but it does show the body falling to the ground. It doesn’t show blood or injuries.
  • There are many fight sequences where people use guns and shoot each other, although these scenes don’t show blood. People also punch and hit each other, and stab each other with knives.
  • A man is shot in the chest after he falls down a staircase while fighting with another man – this scene shows a brief glimpse of the wound.
  • There are chase sequences with characters in armoured aircraft that fire missiles.
  • A woman is shot in the neck and dies. The scene doesn’t show blood.
  • There are scenes where dead bodies are transported on stretchers. No injuries are shown, but we’re told that the dead people were unarmed.

Sexual references

None of concern

Alcohol, drugs and other substances

Allegiant shows some use of substances. For example, children have their memories erased when gas is pumped through a mask that is forcefully held over their faces.

Nudity and sexual activity

Allegiant has limited nudity and sexual activity. For example:

  • Characters kiss throughout the movie.
  • Tris and Four embrace passionately.
  • Some scenes show characters having showers, and we can see the silhouettes of their body – for example, the outline of a woman’s back.
  • One scene shows the partial outline of a woman’s naked back.

Product placement

None of concern

Coarse language

Allegiant has some coarse language.

Ideas to discuss with your children

Allegiant is the third movie in the Divergent series, based on the popular series of books for young adults.

The movie is a science fiction thriller targeting teenagers and young adults, and its violent scenes and disturbing themes make it unsuitable for viewers under 14 years. Younger teenagers and tweens who have read the books might find the movie more intense and disturbing than the books.

Allegiant emphasises the importance of judgment as well as bravery. For example, despite her courage and heroism, Tris is deceived by David’s lies. She eventually learns that people’s intentions aren’t always clear, and it’s good to be careful about who you trust.

The movie also highlights:

  • the strength that you can get from friendships and relationships
  • racism and discrimination
  • acceptance of diversity
  • social rebellion, and the importance of standing up for your beliefs.

Supported By

  • Department of Social Services

Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.

Member Organisations

  • Parenting Research Centre
  • The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
  • Murdoch Children's Research Institute

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