The Divergent Series: Allegiant - Part 1 (2016) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The Divergent Series: Allegiant - Part 1 ends with Tris and her allies escaping Chicago to discover a futuristic, technologically advanced society called the Bureau of Genetic Welfare. They learn that Chicago is an experiment to repair damaged human genes, and Tris is revealed to be "genetically pure." However, the Bureau's leader, David, has sinister intentions, planning to reset Chicago by erasing memories. Meanwhile, Tobias is manipulated into distrusting Tris, and Evelyn and Johanna's conflict escalates. The film sets up a rebellion against the Bureau while leaving Tris and Tobias' relationship strained.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The ending of Allegiant - Part 1 marks a major shift in the Divergent series, moving beyond the confines of Chicago into a larger, dystopian world. After overthrowing Jeanine's faction, Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley), Tobias "Four" Eaton (Theo James), and their allies-including Christina, Peter, and Caleb-escape the city's electrified walls to find a desolate wasteland. However, they soon encounter a high-tech society called the Bureau of Genetic Welfare, which reveals that Chicago is merely an experiment to restore humanity's damaged DNA. Tris, being genetically "pure" (Divergent), is seen as crucial to their research.
The Bureau's leader, David (Jeff Daniels), presents himself as benevolent but hides a darker agenda. He explains that the factions were created to study human behavior and that Chicago's citizens are unwitting test subjects. The Bureau has been monitoring them, and David intends to "reset" Chicago by wiping everyone's memories to restart the experiment. Tris is horrified, realizing she and her friends are pawns in a larger, unethical game. Meanwhile, Tobias grows suspicious of David's favoritism toward Tris, leading to tension between them.
Back in Chicago, Evelyn (Tobias' mother) and Johanna (the Amity leader) engage in a power struggle, with Evelyn enforcing brutal control while Johanna leads a resistance. This subplot sets up future conflict, showing that even without Jeanine, Chicago remains unstable. The film's climax occurs when Tris and her group attempt to expose David's plans, but they are betrayed by Peter, who aligns with the Bureau out of self-interest. Tris is captured, while Tobias, disillusioned, is manipulated into questioning her loyalty.
The final moments tease a rebellion against the Bureau, with Christina and others vowing to fight back. The film ends on a cliffhanger, with Tris isolated and Tobias emotionally distant, setting up Allegiant - Part 2 (later retitled Ascendant). The ending raises questions about free will, genetic determinism, and whether Tris can unite her people against a new oppressor.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- What is David's true endgame?
- He may want to use Tris' DNA to mass-produce "pure" humans.
- Alternatively, he could be preserving power by keeping Chicago under control.
- Will Tobias reconcile with Tris?
- Likely yes, as their relationship has endured past conflicts.
- Or, his distrust might lead him to side with the Bureau temporarily.
- What role will Peter play?
- He may redeem himself by betraying the Bureau.
- Or, he could remain a self-serving antagonist.
- How will Evelyn and Johanna's conflict resolve?
- They might unite against the Bureau.
- Or, Evelyn's tyranny could lead to her downfall.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
Allegiant - Part 1 is a flawed but intriguing expansion of the Divergent universe. The ending effectively raises stakes by introducing a more formidable enemy (the Bureau) and exploring ethical dilemmas about genetic engineering. However, the film suffers from pacing issues and feels like an incomplete story due to its split from the book Allegiant into two parts. The tension between Tris and Tobias feels forced, yet their individual arcs - Tris as a leader and Tobias struggling with trust-add depth. The Bureau's reveal is compelling but underdeveloped, making the ending more of a setup than a satisfying conclusion. Overall, it's a transitional chapter that could have been stronger if merged with Ascendant.