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The Darkest Minds

Play trailer 1:31 Poster for The Darkest Minds PG-13 Released Aug 3, 2018 1h 44m Sci-Fi Mystery & Thriller Action Play Trailer Watchlist
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15% Tomatometer 139 Reviews 70% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
When teens mysteriously develop powerful new abilities, they are declared a threat by the government and detained. One of the most powerful young people, Ruby, escapes from her camp and joins a group of runaways who are seeking a safe haven. Betrayed by the adults in power, this newfound family soon realizes that running is not enough -- they must use their collective powers to wage a resistance and take back their future.
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The Darkest Minds

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Critics Consensus

The Darkest Minds does little to differentiate itself in a crowded field of YA adaptations, leaving all but the least demanding viewers feeling dystopian déjà vu.

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Critics Reviews

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Ben Sachs Chicago Reader To say the film suggests a mix of hazy political allegory and Henry Darger's outside-art classic The Story of the Vivian Girls is to make it sound more interesting than it really is. Mar 4, 2020 Full Review Roxana Hadadi Chesapeake Family Magazine The Darkest Minds puts an X-Men spin on the typical 'teens in dystopia' YA formula, but the result is more derivative than creative. Rated: 2/5 Aug 17, 2018 Full Review Sandra Hall Sydney Morning Herald The film is framed so deliberately as a prelude to more exciting times to come in its sequels that it renders the ending oddly anti-climactic. Rated: 2.5/5 Aug 15, 2018 Full Review Brittany Patrice Witherspoon Pop Culture Reviews The Darkest Minds has some great ideas and moments sprinkled throughout the film, but ultimately, it is uninspired storytelling that wastes its potential on forced build-up rather than execution. Rated: 2.5/5 Jul 11, 2024 Full Review Joe Lipsett Hazel & Katniss & Harry & Starr Podcast The film leans into all of the book's worst impulses and, most disappointingly, gives star Amandla Stenberg nothing to do. The FX is on par with other YA films, but the disinterest in exploring this dystopia renders The Darkest Minds hollow. Dec 1, 2021 Full Review Matt Cipolla Film Monthly [I]t isn't much of anything new, but must it be this boring? The Darkest Minds is stultifying -- a truly joyless experience of YA clichés and generic, licensed pop songs. Rated: 1.5/5 Jul 25, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (831) audience reviews
Gina E Sweet movie, remind me of many other movie so nothing new but i still want to se a second movie of this Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/14/25 Full Review Ninz p I love the concept of it but bro the ending left me staring at my ceiling wondering if staying up late on a school week is worth it just to watch this😞they could’ve done better tbh. But ye overall it's a 50/50 rate for me <3 Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/13/25 Full Review Thirza v I think this is such a good movie. I can really connect to the story. The story is so well told. I hope there will be a second movie or a sequel. That would be so awesome! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/24/25 Full Review SkyRo P "The Darkest Minds" is a mythical-style action-adventure film that seems to resonate more with teenagers and young adults, offering a creative narrative and a new world that viewers can immerse themselves in. I found the film to be quite enjoyable, although perhaps not the absolute best in its genre. I would say it's a solid film that deserves more recognition than it received. Unfortunately, it struggled at the box office, which led to its premature exit from theaters, preventing it from gaining the traction needed to develop into a franchise. This film is also where my admiration for Harris Dickinson began. He really showcased his talent and delivered a strong performance, sharing the screen with Mandy Moore, who brings her undeniable charm to every role she takes on. Even in more serious moments, her presence feels warm and inviting, making her a standout in any cast. On the other hand, I believe Amandla Stenberg's performance contributed to the film's challenges. While I don’t want to label her as a bad actress, I feel that her portrayal often lacks the energy and depth that could elevate the film, especially when compared to her co-stars. This inconsistency can detract from the overall experience, even if it may not be obvious to the average viewer. That being said, I don’t think she detracts entirely from the film. She does bring necessary elements to her character, but the movie ultimately suffered from not achieving the success it deserved. I encourage you to check it out and give it a chance. Perhaps one day it will find new life on a platform like Netflix, leading to a revival or even a continuation of the story. However, it might be too late for a full revival unless a complete rework with a new cast is undertaken. Regardless, "The Darkest Minds" isn’t as bad as many have suggested, so it's worth a viewing. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/23/25 Full Review Audience Member Brilliant film, full of action isn’t boring like most films these days, would recommend to anyone! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/30/24 Full Review Kyper S Our family very much enjoyed this film & would like to see additional ones made with the same cast developed into a series. Their individual character traits, personalities, & slow but continous introduction of such, their diverse backgrounds, & unique gifts is fun to watch as they grow into a family. Together they are learning about themselves & each other, in how they communicate, work, play, their sense of humor & life as a hole. We would like to see more with this cast. Critics are correct in that this film is similar to others in some ways. However, it it nice to have a bit less blood, violence, & profanity. There is an opportunity for more character development, creativity, & imagination with these characters, their relationships, stories, memories, trust, commitment, & loyalty. Love conquers all. Violence only begets more violence. Life is not without it's challeges, but we humans often make it harder than what it already is. We choose to believe there would be more traits like those via the Rainey family on "Homestead Rescue" & the people they work along side. Life is not souly about survival but being able to thrive, enjoy the lives we live with the ones we love, & share this life with. This film is not the "100, Maze Runner, Divergent," & the like. This has the beginnings to become something more. Please consider doing additional films. Don't be so quick to judge & sell it short of its potential. Fear is a liar & those who buy it, often react impulsively. We live in a great nation where creativity & imagination is encouraged at a young age. Why try to conceal it with panic, fear, hopelessness, desperation, narcism, & self defeating nonsense. Do not put limitations on yourselves or others. No one can hinder us from learning or growing but ourselves. Strive for continuous improvement, & never stop learning or growing. Thank you kindly. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/05/24 Full Review Read all reviews
The Darkest Minds

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Movie Info

Synopsis When teens mysteriously develop powerful new abilities, they are declared a threat by the government and detained. One of the most powerful young people, Ruby, escapes from her camp and joins a group of runaways who are seeking a safe haven. Betrayed by the adults in power, this newfound family soon realizes that running is not enough -- they must use their collective powers to wage a resistance and take back their future.
Director
Jennifer Yuh Nelson
Producer
Shawn Levy, Dan Levine
Screenwriter
Chad Hodge
Distributor
20th Century Fox
Production Co
21 Laps Entertainment
Rating
PG-13 (Thematic Elements|Disturbing Images|Violence)
Genre
Sci-Fi, Mystery & Thriller, Action
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 3, 2018, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 2, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA)
$12.7M
Runtime
1h 44m
Sound Mix
Dolby Atmos, DTS
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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