Tron: Ares marks the latest chapter in Disney’s visually iconic sci-fi saga. Directed by Joachim Rønning, the film impresses with extraordinary visuals, immersive music, and stylish production design. However, while it continues the technological odyssey that started with Tron (1982), the storytelling doesn’t quite match the intensity of its visual spectacle. The movie explores the modern anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence, ethics in technology, and human ambition—but the narrative’s uneven tone and complex exposition at times detract from its emotional pull.
Story
Set in a not-so-distant future, Tron: Ares follows Eve Kim (Greta Lee), CEO of Encom, who unearths the legendary “Permanence Code” created by Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges). Driven by the loss of her sister to cancer, Eve intends to use the code for humanitarian reasons. Her corporate rival, Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters), however, has his own plans. He develops Ares (Jared Leto), an advanced program capable of existing in the real world—but only for 29 minutes. To perfect this breakthrough, Julian needs the Permanence Code, setting the stage for a high-stakes chase across the boundary between the digital and physical worlds.
Performances
Jared Leto delivers a surprisingly restrained and grounded performance as Ares, perfectly capturing the duality of machine logic and human curiosity. Greta Lee stands out with emotional depth and determination, even though the narrative sometimes sidelines her character. Evan Peters convincingly portrays a morally ambiguous tech mogul, while Jodie Turner-
Smith shines in her limited yet impactful role. Cameos by Jeff Bridges and Gillian Anderson add gravitas and nostalgia, linking the film with its predecessors.
Behind the Scenes
Rønning’s direction gives Tron: Ares its sleek, modern edge. The film’s pacing (119 minutes) is tight, with few dull moments once the story gains momentum. The action sequences—especially the signature light-cycle chase and Grid battles—offer visual exhilaration reminiscent of the series’ legacy.
Jeff Cronenweth’s cinematography and the expansive production design by Darren Gilford deliver a feast for the eyes. The score by Nine Inch Nails amplifies the film’s intensity, blending pulsating electronic sounds with emotional undertones. Costume designers Christine Bieselin Clark and Alix Friedberg maintain the futuristic aesthetic, while the editing by Tyler Nelson keeps the film dynamic despite a slightly rushed opening.
The screenplay by Jesse Wigutow and David DiGilio ambitiously addresses the ethical dilemmas of AI, yet occasionally overwhelms viewers with heavy technical details. Despite its imaginative premise, the pacing wavers, particularly at the beginning and during its underwhelming finale.
Final Verdict
Tron: Ares is a sensory triumph that reaffirms the franchise’s reputation for technical excellence. The visuals, sound design, and action choreography remain its strongest assets, offering a cinematic experience that feels both grand and immersive. Yet, the inconsistent writing and emotionally flat conclusion prevent it from achieving true greatness.
For fans of the franchise, this installment serves as a worthy continuation, paying homage to the original while pushing the boundaries of digital storytelling. However, newcomers may struggle to connect without prior knowledge of the previous Tron films. Despite its narrative shortcomings, Tron: Ares stands as a visually stunning sci-fi adventure worth watching on the biggest screen possible.
