INSURGENT, the second film out of the DIVERGENT franchise, was at its best when the girls were kicking ass. From the heroes to the villains, it’s interesting that the majority of meaty characters in this film are all female. Of course, we can’t forget about the dreamy Four (Theo James), duplicitous Peter (Miles Teller), and infuriating Caleb (Ansel Elgort), but the real stars of this film, and the plot lines I cared most about, all involved the women.
Although INSURGENT picks up only been a few days after DIVERGENT ended, this Tris (Shailene Woodley) is wiser and less willing to put up with any bs. Like Katniss in CATCHING FIRE and MOCKINGJAY, Tris is also facing some serious demons, dealing with the deaths of her parents and the fact she had to murder one of her best friends. But, even with that baggage, she shows her strength of character, morality, and physicality a lot more in this film than DIVERGENT. And it’s no surprise that Tris was ready and willing to do damage to anyone that stood in the way of her taking revenge on Jeanine (Kate Winslet). Whether it was punching Peter in the face and holding a gun to his head, or putting up a good fight against a train-car full of the factionless, Tris was taking no prisoners.
Then we have the supporting characters of Johanna (Octavia Spencer), who is the head of Amity, and Evelyn (Naomi Watts), who is the head of the Factionless. Both women are strong leaders, respected by their people. Evelyn even has the master plan to recruit an army that will stand up to her old pal Jeanine (Kate Winslet). And hey, it’s pretty cool that in this world, most of the society’s leaders are female.
But c’mon… the real entertainment in this film, and every other film, is Kate Winslet as Jeanine. Be it a YA novel adaptation, or a film released for award season, Kate always brings her A-game. Heartless, emotionless and cold aren’t usually the words used to describe a character played by Kate, but she is such an incredible actress, she easily immerses herself in this role. Even though she is a ruthless monster, Jeanine knows what she wants and will stop at nothing to ensure she remains in control of this now fragile society. Jeanine has ice water in her veins and the attitude of a queen, so it’s only natural that I highlight some of my favorite moments in GIFs:
The fact that the first thing we hear/see at the beginning of INSURGENT is Kate F-ing Winslet!
Jeanine’s hair was way more flawless than Tris’ short ‘do. As much as I love Shailene, I miss the long hair. And can we please have a moment of silence for that scene with Tris’ hilariously tousled bed hair!
Her perfectly tailored costumes, which now allow Kate to show off her body (as opposed to having to hide her pregnancy bump behind an iPad like in DIVERGENT).
When Jeanine is super casual and couldn’t give two shits that Peter is about to be killed by Tris.
Even simulation Jeanine is badass. When Tris tackles her, she smirks. No fear!
Even though she was stuck in one room for the entire movie, she made the most of it.
Then, when Jeanine pushes Tris past her limit and thinks she’s dead, she’s all like whatever. Onto the next. “Take solace in your faction, Caleb.”
The fact that they had to kill her off at the end of the movie because they know she is the Supreme.
All hail the Oscar-winning Queen (even Meryl agrees)!
Forever may she reign.
