The Darkest Minds

20th Century Fox | Release Date: August 3, 2018

5.8	USER SCORE Mixed or average reviews based on 95 Ratings

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aloconteAug 8, 2018

As someone that has read the books, I feel that it missed key aspects to the plot in the later books. I do understand why this was done: not sure how the movie will do... don't want to add story lines that won't matter if their won't beAs someone that has read the books, I feel that it missed key aspects to the plot in the later books. I do understand why this was done: not sure how the movie will do... don't want to add story lines that won't matter if their won't be another film. With this being said I feel that the story was rushed and time was lost...it seems like the story only took place between a few weeks but the books elongates their journey, bringing them closer: a family. Looking at the movie from a viewpoint of someone that hasn't read the books, the story was exciting and real. I definitely feel that the book was better but I did enjoy the acting and the production as a whole. I never felt bored... always waiting for what was to come.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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DufreshestAug 12, 2018

I must say, I like The Darkest Minds. There’s definitely potential for character growths in sequels. There are a few developmental concepts that are shown which I shall discuss further on. Initially, I’m watching the movie thinking to myself:I must say, I like The Darkest Minds. There’s definitely potential for character growths in sequels. There are a few developmental concepts that are shown which I shall discuss further on. Initially, I’m watching the movie thinking to myself: is this a wannabe X-Men/sequel to Logan? Yet, I find The Darkest Minds really comes to approach difficult generational hypotheticals and topics set under conditions that make the film’s intentions effective as well as the overall film more interesting.

The first developmental concept I want to discuss is the use of the term ‘us’ in the film. The film is set in a childless world with a suffering economy. ‘Us’ becomes a generational word in phrases indicating a separation as well as a unity between differences and alikeness on the basis of generational circumstances. Highlighting Generation Z in relation to Millennials, Generation X, Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation raises interesting stances concerning developments of the modern world. Connections between each generation really affects the outcome of the story.

The second developmental concept branching from the first examines the requirements of society. People will have to work regardless of their generation in order to create sustainable-thriving societies. The film situates ‘us’ in manners which denote ways for generations, in particular Generation Z, to thrive relying on each individual in their own generation (long-term with the assistance of the capable, honest, and willing from prior generations?) and their natural surroundings due to the misappropriations of societal necessities by larger entities of earlier generations. Life and the skills one has in their life are core to the value systems in the film. What is even wilder is that particulars of earlier generations are using individuals with certain skill sets from newer generations and pitting them against each other for their own purposes.

The third developmental concept concerns the use of technologies. The film focuses on the skills each individual is capable of utilizing effectively, their natural-super abilities, and only touches base with other forms of tech to connect with divisive behaviors from earlier generations. Keep in mind, the film is highlighting large entities, figures that may greatly affect scapes of societies, and is not indicting entire generations under an umbrella of same though highlights types of behaviors, circumstances, and mindsets that cause generational mayhem and unease as well as the opposites of all the aforementioned which may cause peace and ease.

The fourth developmental concept I want to discuss concerns war. Aren’t we able to transform all of the worlds war materials into extremely large extra-curricular training facilities? People have to stop wanting to use each other for ill and have to stop wanting ill for other people. Amidst so much grand nature and a world of so many extra-curricular activities, I don’t understand the purpose of constantly warring. Misery should not be anyone’s choice equilibrium.

The Darkest Minds looks good and flows well. The sound editing is one of its strongest areas and really boosts the cinematography. The acting is really decent though I think the film may really do well with more character development overall. Societies have come a long way. Plagues have been real detrimental factors shaping communities for generations. Germs and disease are an important area of discussion which is not given any more attention than is necessary to propel the story at moments though very important to discuss especially in accordance with developing medical technologies.

The story is touching — not gripping — but, at the end of the film, I find myself slightly upset — though understanding — upset — slightly. I’m not going to spoil the ending for you. The film sets a lot of emphasis on memories and relationships between people as a catalyst for the story which I think is a strong point of the story that may have a lot more impact with more details.

I think every film serves a purpose; some films are really good pieces overall, some films are meant to incite one to think of the film’s presentations, some films are distractions, and — well — some films do more than the descriptions or reputations their genres might seem to entail — especially for a viewer. It’s like how I feel about Teeth: I low-key want to own that film on DVD. The Darkest Minds brings to light interesting topics to converse about due to the settings which the topics exist in. I think the film is worth watching and, if there is one, I will be finding my way to watch a sequel.

Overall Rating: B/B+

— K.D.

If you’re into Poetry and other bits of creativity, check out my Instagram: @Dufreshest.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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GhostDreamshadeAug 3, 2018

I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them (especially the protagonist, Ruby) and I found the system of powersI didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them (especially the protagonist, Ruby) and I found the system of powers interesting and logical. The movie does at times feel a bit light for the dystopian world it’s set in, but I feel like it hits on some heavier themes without being grotesque, which is important for the audience it was targeting. It wasn’t a perfect movie, of course, but I don’t think it deserves the strongly negative reviews I’ve notice. At the very least, I feel like its a movie worth seeing so you can form your own opinions.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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cag345Aug 18, 2018

Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies. The movie starts a premise that was previously known (dystopian worlds), but it develops theOk... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies. The movie starts a premise that was previously known (dystopian worlds), but it develops the whole idea in a somewhat different way than other films of the genre and that is good. The protagonists manage to empathize and are credible (especially Ruby and Liam). The movie turns out to be just what fans of the genre like. It is sad that in its best moments, the movie goes too fast without really focusing on the images and content of these, because when these kinds of movies are filmed, it is required to take some risks in order to have a good product (we must remember that the world of the darkest minds can be interesting and exciting).… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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Kdog152Dec 21, 2022

I don't understand the bad reviews this film got. It's a really good film. The only downsides to it is that it's not really accurate to the first book (which is the only it's based on) and it should have been longer.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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HealingToolboxSep 4, 2018

Much better than I expected. Much better than it needed to be. Wonderful lead performance. Yes, it's more mutant mayhem, but no costumes and much more characterization. What surprised me most here is the story is approximately empathyMuch better than I expected. Much better than it needed to be. Wonderful lead performance. Yes, it's more mutant mayhem, but no costumes and much more characterization. What surprised me most here is the story is approximately empathy science fiction. The lead does surprising things with empathy. I think another movie too humanistic, too sensitive, too much about Feelings for the average critic. Go see it.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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talahhammoudNov 2, 2018

awesome movie i loved it so much definitely one of the best ones ive ever seen id love to see a sequel coming out soon ill keep my fingers crossed through all the bad reviews and the hate this movie is getting though, yall people dont knowawesome movie i loved it so much definitely one of the best ones ive ever seen id love to see a sequel coming out soon ill keep my fingers crossed through all the bad reviews and the hate this movie is getting though, yall people dont know awesomeness when you see it sorry… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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hershm7Oct 2, 2019

This movie is by far my favorite movie. The ending made me cry and it was left on a cliffhanger. I really hope that they make the second book, "Never Fade" into a movie.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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IvyCoalsonJun 29, 2021

Beautiful movie I loved it and the cast it left so much open for the second movie and I cant wait for that one too

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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JimJam1213Mar 21, 2020

It’s an amazing movie for teens it doesn’t deserve the bad rep it gets if you are looking to watch it you will most likely enjoy it!

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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