In post-apocalyptic Chicago, five factions have risen from the rubble: Erudite, the intelligent; Amity, the kind; Candor, the honest; Abnegation, the selfless; and Dauntless, the brave. At age sixteen, all citizens must make a choice that will affect the rest of their lives – to stay with their family, or change their loyalties and join another faction. After the Choosing Ceremony, each faction poses a test to its initiates that focuses on their chosen virtue. Divergent follows Beatrice Prior from Abnegation until she decides to join Dauntless and change her name to Tris. As she struggles through the challenges of going from the selfless to the brave, she learns that love can happen anywhere,  and discovers that everyone – including herself – has secrets. Divergent, by Veronica Roth, has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, and has become so popular that it’s being made into a movie that premiers on March 21, 2014.

The two of us were lucky enough to attend an exclusive red carpet screening on March 5th at the Mall of America (MOA) for the highly anticipated film. When we arrived at the MOA theater, we sat in line for two hours with amadant fans hoping to snag one of the 218 wristbands being given out to see the movie before its release date on March 21st. The area outside of the theater was barricaded and packed with excited fans holding books and posters, waiting and watching for the moment that Veronica Roth and Ansel Elgort, who plays Tris’ brother, Caleb, appeared.

We were thrilled when they gave the neon orange strips of paper to us (and extremely fortunate, because after us there were only twenty wristbands left). While we waited, workers handed out free posters and tattoos. Finally, after a few false starts, Veronica and Ansel stepped onto the red carpet and were greeted by fans screaming their names and flashing cameras. Slowly but surely, they made their way down the lines, stopping to talk and take pictures, and eventually they came less than ten feet from us. Much to our disappointment, neither Ansel or Veronica came any closer, but Kellie’s mother got to meet Veronica (even though she forced her way past a security guard to get to her). Soon, Ansel and Veronica stepped inside the theater, away from the public eye. We were standing next to the glass entrance doors when we happened to see Ansel over by the concessions, meeting with the press. We pressed our homemade posters up against the glass and after a few minutes, he happened to look our way and pointed at us, smiling.

Once we finally got into the theater, they took our phones away and checked us for any recording devices or weapons – security was tighter than the airport. The room was so packed that we weren’t able to to sit by each other, but it didn’t matter, because as soon as Veronica and Ansel introduced the movie, all focus was turned to the big screen as the movie started. From the opening credits, the movie captured everyone’s attention. In a stunning blend of directing, acting, and underscore, everyone could agree that Divergent is a blockbuster hit that no one will want to miss. Avid fans of the trilogy needn’t fear, because the movie follows the book almost to a T except for a few minor changes. An unexpected but pleasant surprise was how humor was incorporated into the film. Miles Teller, who plays Peter Hayes, is just as funny in the film as he is in real life without taking away from the seriousness of the plot.

We were left shaking and (in Hannah’s case) being laughed at by the security guards for tearing up and pulling out tissues out of her purse. The movie is one that everyone can relate to, whether they are young, old, selfless, brave, or kind. We give it four thumbs up and recommend that everyone read the book, go see the movie and choose your faction wisely.