Five Frustrating Flaws That Undermined Chaos Walking

When a film boasts two of the most recognisable faces from major franchises, a director with a solid track record, and a beloved source novel, expectations naturally run high. Yet, the 2021 adaptation of Patrick Ness’s The Knife of Never Letting Go, retitled Chaos Walking, managed to confound both critics and viewers alike. Despite its impressive ingredients, the end result was a box office disappointment, earning a mere fraction of its substantial budget and leaving many to wonder where it all went wrong.

Squandered Concepts and Missed Opportunities

At the heart of Ness’s original work lies the notion of ‘Noise’—a world where men’s thoughts are broadcast for all to hear, serving as a sharp commentary on power and gender dynamics. The book uses this device to explore how women are often silenced and scrutinised in patriarchal societies. The film, however, barely scratches the surface of these themes, opting instead for a lighter, almost comedic approach to the central idea. Tom Holland’s character, Todd, finds his intrusive thoughts played for laughs, while the deeper implications for Daisy Ridley’s Viola are largely ignored. This reluctance to engage with the darker undertones of the premise leaves the adaptation feeling rather superficial, especially given the director’s experience in the genre.

Unconvincing Relationships and Characterisation

The supposed emotional core of the story—the relationship between Todd and Viola—never quite rings true on screen. In the source material, their bond develops through shared hardship and genuine connection. On film, it feels more like a narrative requirement than an organic progression. Both leads, despite their talents, struggle to generate any real chemistry. Ridley, perhaps still carrying the weight of her previous sci-fi roles, is given little room to show vulnerability, while Holland’s Todd comes across as more naïve than conflicted. The script rushes through world-building at the expense of character development, leaving their romance feeling forced and undercooked.

Neglected Plotlines and Questionable Choices

Several key elements from the novel are either mishandled or omitted entirely. Todd’s loyal dog, Manchee, is reduced to a mere side note, robbing a pivotal moment of its emotional impact. The film’s version of Todd lacks the ingenuity and depth found in the book, and Viola is denied one of her most memorable scenes. Supporting characters, too, are diminished, with Ben portrayed as far less capable than his literary counterpart. The decision to limit ‘Noise’ to men alone, rather than including animals as in the novel, strips the world of much of its texture and intrigue.

Some plot decisions simply defy logic. Todd’s immediate decision to protect Viola, despite barely knowing her, feels unearned. Viola’s inability to swim, despite her background, is equally baffling. The motivations of antagonists are muddled, and the sudden ease with which characters manipulate ‘Noise’ undermines its supposed rarity. The ending, which sees the protagonists conveniently stumble upon a solution, feels particularly unsatisfying for those familiar with the original story.

Production Woes and Unfortunate Timing

Even if the creative choices had been stronger, the film’s troubled production history did it no favours. Originally scheduled for release in 2019, it was delayed by nearly two years following poor test screenings and extensive reshoots. By the time it finally reached cinemas, the pandemic had severely limited audience turnout, and the film carried the stigma of being a ‘dump release’. The reshoots, intended to address narrative issues, only added to the sense of disjointedness, with shifting character motivations and abandoned themes. Ultimately, a combination of weakened storytelling, adaptation missteps, and bad timing left Chaos Walking feeling like a missed opportunity on every front.

“That’s something I really wasn’t involved with creatively. Not out of choice, just because it was one of those things. I was like: ‘This is great: I come in as an actor, do my thing and then off I go.’ It’s so funny, we were watching a show and someone used the phrase: ‘It didn’t trouble the box office’. What can you do?”