Shailene Woodley and Theo James Discover Life Beyond the Wall in the Latest ‘Divergent’ Series Installment ‘Allegiant’

Dyan James

Beatrice (“Tris”) and Tobias (“Four”) continue their adventure in “Allegiant,” the third installment of the dystopian “Divergent” series by Veronica Roth. This time around the exploits take place on the other side of the wall that has surrounded them in futuristic Chicago.

The film opens with Tris (Shailene Woodley) in prison thanks to her revelation of shocking  information about the experimental factions that live inside the wall. After manipulating her way out of jail, Tris, along with Four (Theo James), joins a group called “Allegiant” that plans to make it beyond the confining limits of the wall. Their plan works, and Tris escapes with the group on a train that takes them over the wall to finally discover what actually exists beyond it.

Outside the wall is where Jeff Daniels makes his debut in the series as David, the head of the Bureau of Genetic Welfare, a government agency looking to fix the genetic damage that has plagued the United States for years. David sheds light on why the factions existed, explaining to Tris and Tobias that their city is called “Chicago” (the first time they’ve heard this) and was among many experiments formed to heal genetic damage. He explains that those who are Divergent are genetically pure, making them realize that their lives up to this point have been a total lie. And the pair make yet another grisly discovery: the Bureau holds a serum that can effectively wipe out the memories of everyone involved in the experiment.

As the group grapples with these revelations, they meet Nita (played by Nadia Hilker) who tries to convince them that the Bureau is a lying, evil enemy that treats genetically damaged people as second-rate citizens and created a simulation serum that killed many. Nita plans to sabotage the Bureau’s authority, but Tris realizes Nita plans to assassinate the Bureau’s leaders and stymies her plan. Meanwhile, Tris and Tobias must decide for themselves if the Bureau is actually evil while coming to terms with life outside the city. Eventually, when the city is about to go to war, Tris and her friends must act to stop the Bureau from using the serum.

The Divergent Series: Allegiant Part 1 opens March 18 nationwide.