USA 2018
Opening August 16, 2018

Directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson
Writing credits: Chad Hodge
Principal actors: Amandla Stenberg, Harris Dickinson, Mandy Moore, Gwendoline Christie

This film gives a futuristic view of Earth where all the teenagers and children become suddenly very ill. The ones who survive develop special abilities like mind control; they move objects and can spray fire. The government seems helpless and does not know how to react to this sudden threat so they decide to bring all the remaining survivors into facilities which are reminiscent of concentration camps during WW2. Here they are separated into different groups determined by their strengths. All Oranges are supposed to be eliminated immediately because they are the most powerful under these new skills. Ruby, a 16 year old girl, is an Orange and has to keep it a deep secret. She is able to escape the facility and meets some other run-away teenagers searching for a safe place to live. It seems they are heading for more trouble and are unsure how to handle it.

I really enjoyed the movie because it had a good storyline and the characters were well done. You could easily bond with them and feel for their predicament which was not really their fault. The animations and the graphics of the abilities were awesome. I liked the idea of kids and teenagers trying to resist the government, especially since I am a young person and would probably do the same. There is a great plot twister which makes it even more surprising when you notice how much power the government really has. Ruby's character is done very well especially since she is one of the only Orange colors left. She has to stand up for her people and try to lead them. I can hardly wait to see the movie following this one. I am assuming that there will be a trilogy made from this subject. All in all I really would recommend this movie to teenagers and young adults who enjoy watching a good action movie with a good sci-fi -plot. (Adrian S.)