Here's Why "The Darkest Minds" Is An Absolute Must-See

With its empowered lead and timely narrative, The Darkest Minds is a poignant, relevant film. Be sure to see it when it arrives in theaters August 3.

1. It features a rule breaker we need now more than ever.

Daniel Mcfadden

Amandla Stenberg, already an empowered hero in their own right IRL, creates a valiant protagonist in Ruby, a character unafraid to take destiny into her own hands. In a society in which teens are declared a threat and detained by the government, 16-year-old Ruby defies authority in a manner that's both inspiring and thrilling to watch.

2. It demonstrates the power that young adults have in a major, relevant way.

Daniel Mcfadden

The Darkest Minds posits a reality in which young adults are powerful and self-effacing — and a reality where it's wise to be. Seeing a strong, empowered group of young people combating a corrupt society on-screen draws immediately relevant comparisons to the way Gen Z'ers are changing our world today.

3. The superpowers are cool as heck.

Daniel Mcfadden

In the aftermath of a lethal epidemic, American children are left with new, perplexing powers that threaten the government and set the plot of The Darkest Minds into motion. Categorized by the level of danger their powers impose, these children have developed the ability to create and control electricity and fire, utilize mind control, and wield telekinetic abilities.

4. It offers a dynamic fusion of film genres.

Daniel Mcfadden

What separates The Darkest Minds from other sci-fi films of comparable ilk is the authentic romance positioned at its center; between breathless moments of suspense and supernatural dueling lie tender, organic moments of romance between Stenberg's Ruby and Harris Dickinson's Liam.

5. Its use of friendship and camaraderie feels natural and important.

Daniel Mcfadden

In a film set against a harsh, all-too-relatably dire backdrop, it's inspiring to see young people working together and leaning on one another. The romance that lingers between Ruby and Liam is gripping and relatable, but the friendship that exists between the pair and fellow runaways Zu and Chubs offers an added layer to the film, bolstering its message of a united, impactful generation.

6. It's based on a mega-popular novel.

Daniel Mcfadden

The Darkest Minds is the first in a trilogy of novels from author Alexandra Bracken. It's got a devoted, passionate fanbase, and rightly so: The series is captivating and immersive. If for nothing else, it's worth seeing how this complex story is transported from page to screen.

7. It's surprisingly star-studded.

Daniel Mcfadden

Though Stenberg is the film's front-and-center star, The Darkest Minds also benefits from compelling appearances by Mandy Moore, Gwendoline Christie, and Bradley Whitford as adult foils to the film's fearless foursome.

The Darkest Minds hits theaters on August 3.

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