The adaptation of yet another YA bestseller is set in a gray world of bland conformity and strict regulations. A young man (Brenton Thwaites) is assigned to receive history’s memories, which changes his outlook on life. The whole thing starts promisingly, as the time and place is created with cool visual elements. Only during the final act does it slow to a maudlin message movie. Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges add some heft (Taylor Swift is unrecognizable in her role), but the film still lacks any tension or emotional payoff.
(3 / 5)