The Darkest Minds

Based on the novel by Alexandra Bracken, The Darkest Minds follows the story of a world torn apart after most children mysteriously die leaving the surviving children with superhuman abilities. Captured and sent to camps for fear of their powers with the most powerful of the children being exterminated, 16 year old Ruby escapes the camp with help from a doctor working to help save the kids. Along the way, she encounters a group of runaways and seeks safe haven with them. 

The science fiction thriller is directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson, with the screenplay written by Chad Hodge. The film stars Amandla Stenberg, Harris Dickinson, Patrick Gibson, Skylan Brooks, Mandy Moore and Gwendoline Christie.  

A warning to anyone going to spend their money on this film, if you’re expecting a great story with awesome action and acting, probably don’t see The Darkest Minds. More of a love story for children under 16, the film seemed to lack in everything it promised. If marketed differently the viewing experience would have been a lot better. 

★★1/2 

Reviewed by Riley Hooper