Sci-fi fans have just days to watch huge film before it leaves BBC iPlayer for good

Daily Record

06-06-2025

A beloved dystopian saga is slipping away from BBC iPlayer soon, leaving fans with a fleeting chance to revisit a world where society's rigid lines blur.
A gem of dystopian cinema that had a legion of fans in the 2010s is leaving BBC iPlayer in the next few days, giving audiences a last chance to catch up on a beloved film series.
Insurgent (2015) is the second instalment of the Divergent trilogy - based on Veronica Roth's book in which society is divided into factions based on human virtues, and teenagers must choose which faction to join.
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Tris Prior, a member of the selfless Abnegation faction, discovers she is Divergent, meaning she possesses traits of multiple factions and is a threat to the rigid system.
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She joins Dauntless, learns to trust the mysterious Four, and uncovers a conspiracy to destroy Divergents, leading her to question her identity and loyalty as she fights for survival against a powerful system.
Insurgent follows Tris and Four as the faction system is crumbling. They then must uncover what Tris' family sacrificed to protect and why the Erudite faction is so determined to stop them.
Tris grapples with her past, confronts her inner demons, and embraces her "Divergence" in the face of escalating conflict and new discoveries.
The books were already an established success among young adult audiences when Divergent, Insurgent and Allegiant were adapted into films.
With a cast led by Golden Globes, Emmy and BAFTA-nominated actress Shailene Woodley and Emmy nominee Theo James, Insurgent also boasts names like Kate Winslet, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Octavia Spencer, Zoe Kravitz, Naomi Watts, Suki Waterhouse and Ashley Judd in its cast list.
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Critics on reviewing platform Rotten Tomatoes generally criticise Insurgent for not holding up the hype built up by its predecessor, but also point out some of the film's strong suits.
'I liked the series from the beginning and the development of the characters and turns in the story', one wrote. 'Moments that the protagonists faced seem fresh and new with innocence contrasted by grief, loss, yet fierce pursuit for justice against a system that is oppressive. The scenery, cinematography, music seemed so futuristic and non-time based to be transported to a different place'.
'I started to watch this series again and it still holds up today', another commented. 'This second instalment of the series builds off the first in a great and unique way'.
Insurgent is followed by Allegiant (2016), and, collectively, the three films have grossed over $765 million in box offices worldwide.
If you plan on binge-watching the Divergent series, Insurgent (2015) will be available on BBC iPlayer until June 9th.