Some of the cast are ill-used, Gwendoline Christie being one of the primary ones. The dialogue can be very cringe-worthy too and of the characters only the two leads show signs of development, the rest being shallow clichés. Parts did feel under-explored and glossed over and the villain was like an afterthought. However, 'The Darkest Minds' second half does feel on the rushed side, where explanations seemed half-baked and revealed too late when there was little time to go. Parts are fun, parts are imaginative and parts are emotional. Their chemistry and performances have genuine heart, as does the whole thing about their gifts. The acting is not bad, above average in fact and very good even in the cases of Harris Dickinson and especially Amandla Stenberg. Was also really impressed by the music score, which had such a beautiful grandeur, rousing energy and emotional sweep. It is very handsomely and imaginatively designed in setting, is beautifully shot, cohesively edited and the special effects are really quite good. Beginning with the good things, 'The Darkest Minds' looks great. For me, 'The Darkest Minds' was a mixed bag and not an easy film to make of. There are also a fair share of good things, certainly did not think it was that bad and is nowhere near close to being one of the worst of the year. Seeing it for myself with an open mind, there are things wrong with 'The Darkest Minds' and it is not hard to find issues with it. Didn't see any critical reviews before watching, a deliberate decision, and without knowledge of it not being well received critically while seeing a lot of passionate defence. Will admit about not being sure about seeing it, with not so good word of mouth from friends. Have not read the source material (have heard a lot of good things about it though), but did love the idea of the film, have nothing against dystopian books/films and there were watchable actors involved, love Gwendoline Christie in 'Game of Thrones' for example.

Darkest minds in the afterlight