In the groundbreaking film 'TRON: Ares', audiences are introduced to Ares, a highly sophisticated program that transcends the boundaries of the digital realm to invade the real world. This momentous event marks humanity's first direct interaction with artificial intelligence, a development brimming with both promise and peril. Ares embodies the incredible advancements in technology but also serves as a harbinger of the challenges that lie ahead as humans grapple with the implications of sentient A.I. The narrative invites viewers to consider the ethical dilemmas and moral questions that arise when we create beings capable of independent thought and action.
As Ares navigates the complexities of the human world, the film explores themes of identity, consciousness, and the potential for collaboration between humans and their creations. This digital entity, equipped with the ability to learn and adapt, must understand the nuances of human emotions and social interactions to complete its crucial mission. Along the way, Ares encounters various characters who embody the spectrum of human experience, each reacting differently to this new paradigm of intelligence. The interactions are not merely a clash of worlds but a profound exploration of connection, trust, and understanding.
Ultimately, 'TRON: Ares' challenges viewers to reflect on the future of artificial intelligence and our relationship with technology. The film's narrative is not just about the thrill of a digital program's adventure but serves as a cautionary tale about the responsibilities that come with technological advancement. As Ares faces obstacles and adversaries, both in the digital and real worlds, it becomes a symbol of the larger discourse surrounding the integration of A.I. into daily life, projecting a future where cooperation and coexistence may hold the key to humanity's evolution.
Critics' Reviews
60
Thus begins a hectic and boisterous nerd-off. There was perhaps an opportunity for a smarter take on the current dominance of tech bros and AI — The Social Network, with added lasers, perhaps — but instead we have a fairly lightweight slice of sci-fi silliness, peril upon peril, peppered with leaden dialogue like, “Prepare the particle laser!” As rich as the 3D graphics are, the characterisation and narrative themes are pure 2D, pixel-thin. Don’t expect profound musing on the human condition here. “Being human is hard,” notes one character, sagely. It’s certainly hard for Jared Leto’s Ares, who, like so many movie artificial intelligences before him, must learn to know now why you cry. Ares is the weakest part of this, the script unconvincingly giving this rather empty cipher a goofy love of ’80s kitsch and Depeche Mode.
100
“TRON: Ares” is spectacularly designed, swiftly paced, thoughtfully written (by Jesse Wigutow, from a story by himself and David Digilio), and directed (by Joachim Rønning) within an inch of its neon-hued life. The techno score by Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross adds to the film’s grandeur, and imbues it with a philosophical, questioning undertone that is often intriguingly at odds with its kinetic transitions and geometry-fracturing action set-pieces. The sum total is a rave of a movie that acts as its own hallucinogen, and that is best experienced on a huge screen with a state-of-the-art sound system. If they’d played it again right after I saw it for the first time, I would have gladly stayed in my seat.
Full Cast of TRON: Ares
Jared Leto
Ares
In "TRON: Ares," Jared Leto delivers a performance that is both captivating and intense, embodying the character of Ares with a magnetic charisma that commandeers the screen. As the God of War thrust into the digital world of TRON, Leto's Ares is a force to be reckoned with, bringing a explosive blend of physicality and emotional depth to the role. His portrayal is marked by a brooding, almost otherworldly presence, as he navigates the intricate balance between his innate warrior instincts and the complexities of the virtual realm he finds himself in. Leto's ability to convey the internal struggle of a deity grappling with the constraints of a synthetic existence adds a compelling layer to the narrative, making his performance as Ares a standout element in the film's high-stakes, action-packed landscape. With his signature dedication to character immersion, Leto's Ares is not just a battle-hardened antagonist but a nuanced individual whose motivations and conflicts resonate throughout the movie's thematic exploration of power, identity, and rebellion.
Greta Lee
Eve Kim
In the film "TRON: Ares," Greta Lee delivers a compelling performance as Eve Kim, a character whose intelligence and determination are central to the narrative. As a brilliant engineer and a key figure in the digital realm of the film, Lee brings a nuanced depth to Eve, portraying her as both a visionary and a relatable human being. Her portrayal captures the character's internal struggle between the pursuit of technological advancement and the moral implications of her actions within the high-stakes world of TRON. Lee's on-screen presence is magnetic, drawing viewers into Eve's journey as she navigates the complex virtual landscape, confronts the consequences of her inventions, and ultimately fights for what she believes is right. Her performance is a testament to her range as an actress, seamlessly blending emotional vulnerability with steely resolve, and ensuring that Eve Kim stands out as a memorable and multifaceted character in the TRON universe.
Evan Peters
Julian Dillinger
Evan Peters delivers a compelling performance as Julian Dillinger in the movie 'TRON: Ares', bringing a complex blend of intensity and vulnerability to the character. As the film's protagonist, Peters captures the essence of a skilled programmer and gamer who is thrust into the digital realm of TRON. His portrayal of Julian's transformation from a skeptical outsider to a resilient contender within the high-stakes virtual world is both nuanced and captivating. Peters showcases Julian's quick thinking and adaptability, as well as the emotional turmoil that comes with the discovery of his father's legacy and his own pivotal role in the battle for freedom within the digital frontier. His performance is highlighted by a palpable chemistry with his co-stars and an ability to convey the gravity of the narrative's themes, making Julian a character that audiences can root for and empathize with throughout the film's thrilling journey.
Gillian Anderson
Elisabeth Dillinger
Gillian Anderson's involvement in the movie 'TRON: Ares' marked a compelling addition to the sci-fi franchise. Her performance was widely praised for its depth and nuance, bringing a complex blend of strength and vulnerability to her character that resonated with both fans and critics alike. What made her portrayal unique was her ability to balance the film's futuristic elements with grounded emotional authenticity, setting her apart in a genre often dominated by spectacle over substance. A lesser-known behind-the-scenes fact is that Anderson actively collaborated with the visual effects team, providing input on how her character's digital persona should move and interact within the virtual world, showcasing her commitment to fully realizing her role in this technologically driven narrative.
Jodie Turner-Smith
Athena
In the movie "TRON: Ares," Jodie Turner-Smith delivers a commanding performance as Athena, a fierce and intelligent freedom fighter within the digital realm of the Grid. Her portrayal is a blend of strength and vulnerability, as she navigates the complex dynamics of power and rebellion inherent to the TRON universe. Turner-Smith's Athena is not just a warrior, but a strategist, bringing depth to her role as she champions the cause of the oppressed programs. With a presence that is both captivating and authoritative, she embodies the spirit of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, through her character's tactical prowess and unwavering resolve. Her performance is a standout feature of the film, as she effortlessly handles the high-octane action sequences and delivers emotionally charged dialogue, ensuring that Athena is not just a memorable character, but a symbol of hope and resistance against the tyranny of the Grid.
Jeff Bridges
Kevin Flynn
Fans of Jeff Bridges are likely to enjoy his role in 'TRON: Ares' due to his signature laid-back charisma and depth of character that he brings to the sci-fi universe, reminiscent of his iconic performance as Kevin Flynn in the original 'TRON' (1982). While his role in 'TRON: Ares' offers a fresh take within the same universe, it also showcases his ability to evolve with the franchise, blending nostalgia with contemporary storytelling. An interesting detail is that Bridges initially hesitated to join the sequel due to concerns about the franchise's direction but was persuaded after experiencing the innovative visual effects and the script's homage to the original film.
Hasan Minhaj
Ajay Singh
Hasan Minhaj delivers a dynamic performance as Ajay Patel in the movie 'TRON: Ares,' bringing a blend of charisma and depth to the character. As the film's protagonist, Minhaj adeptly captures the essence of a brilliant programmer and gaming enthusiast whose passion for technology is matched only by his sense of justice. Ajay's journey from a seemingly ordinary tech genius to a pivotal figure in the digital realm of TRON is portrayed with a mix of wit and intensity by Minhaj, whose comedic background infuses the role with a natural likability. His interactions with the advanced virtual world and its inhabitants showcase his range as an actor, transitioning seamlessly between moments of levity and high-stakes drama. Minhaj's performance not only anchors the film but also adds a fresh perspective to the TRON universe, paying homage to the franchise's legacy while carving out a unique space for his character's narrative.
Arturo Castro
Seth Flores
Arturo Castro's portrayal of Seth in the movie 'TRON: Ares' is a standout performance that brings a complex and nuanced character to life within the high-stakes world of the Grid. Castro imbues Seth with a compelling blend of intensity and vulnerability, skillfully navigating the intricate emotional landscape of a program fighting for survival and identity in a digital realm fraught with danger. His interactions with other characters are charged with a palpable tension, as Seth's loyalties and motivations are tested against the backdrop of a brewing revolution. Castro's physicality and expressiveness shine through the dynamic action sequences and quieter, more introspective moments alike, making Seth a character that resonates with depth and humanity, despite his digital nature. His performance adds a rich layer to the 'TRON' legacy, ensuring that Seth will be remembered as a pivotal and relatable figure in the franchise's expansive narrative.
Katharine Isabelle
Marcia Lee Hadlow
In the movie 'TRON: Ares,' Katharine Isabelle plays a key role that showcases her versatility beyond her established image in horror and cult films. Known for her standout performances in movies like '
Ginger Snaps' and the 'The Evil Dead' franchise, where she often portrayed intense and gritty characters, her role in 'TRON: Ares' marks a shift into a sci-fi/action genre. This performance stands out as it allows her to explore a character within a high-tech, futuristic setting, contrasting with her earlier work centered on horror and thriller themes. Isabelle's ability to adapt to different genres while maintaining a strong screen presence highlights her range as an actress, making her role in 'TRON: Ares' a notable addition to her diverse career.
Cameron Monaghan
Canus
Sarah Desjardins
Erin
Roger Cross
Cross
Catherine Haena Kim
Tess Kim (voice)
Robin Roberts
Robin Roberts
Donald Heng
Encom Engineer #2
Aaron Paul Stewart
Cyber Security Pete
Kwesi Ameyaw
Silvio
Roark Critchlow
General McGrath
Sandy Robson
Ajay's Driver
Crew of TRON: Ares
Full backstage crew list →