Welcome to the future, you look around you and everyone looks similar…they and everything else are black and white, but don’t be alarmed this is only natural in the “utopian” society that Jonas (Brenton Thwaites) and the rest of his family and friends live in. In this colorless society everyone takes medication to numb their emotions and everyone is equal. Thus, creating a uniform and  peaceful society; no war, no violence, just peace and harmony. This is until the Giver (Jeff Bridges) and the receiver, Jonah, make a plan, they want everyone to have the gift they both possess: to see past memories of human life, to do this one of them has to venture into the unknown to the memory border. If they can succeed and pass the border then all the memories and knowledge will be released back into the society.

The best part of the movie were Jonas’ memories. Throughout the movie Jonas receives memories from the Giver about the past life humans experienced before society changed. Some are good, others are bad. The memories he receives are shown to the viewer in color (the first color of the movie) in short and quick clips. These memories range anywhere from international events to something as simple as a mother holding her child for the first time. These vibrant clips bring excitement to the movie because they contrast the dull society the people live in and give the viewer a sense of pride about their generation.

Another great thing about the movie is the cast. This movie is full of well known names such as Meryl Streep, Katie Holmes, Jeff Bridges, and Taylor Swift. There were also names you should and will know soon like Brenton Thwaites, Odeya Rush, and Cameron Monaghan. All these actors helped keep the audience entertained during this average and sometimes confusing film. With their expertise and professional attitudes towards more complex, thought provoking roles you’ll sure be seeing lots of them in the future.

We recommend this movie because though it may be dull in color at times it’s definitely not dull in quality of acting and on-screen graphics Although it’s unlike the book, it was definitely worth the time and the money and we recommend you go and see it too.

Compiled by Claire Murray and Lexi Shaffer

Photo used from Creative Commons