Tron Ares Dazzles with Visual Flair but Stumbles in Storytelling
The latest installment in the “Tron” franchise, “Tron: Ares,” shifts the narrative from humans exploring the digital grid to the digital world invading our reality. This film explores modern concerns about artificial intelligence and its impact on society. Although visually stunning, the movie struggles with storytelling depth.
Storyline and Direction
Directed by Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Rønning, with a screenplay by Jesse Wigutow, “Tron: Ares” introduces a new chapter without previous main characters Kevin and Sam Flynn. Two rival tech companies represent the future of artificial intelligence. Eve Kim, played by Greta Lee, leads ENCOM, while Julian Dillinger, portrayed by Evan Peters, operates Dillinger Systems under his mother’s guidance (Gillian Anderson).
Julian’s company creates digital tanks and super-soldiers, but they have a short lifespan of only 29 minutes. The plot centers on Eve discovering a “permanence code” from her deceased sister’s message. Julian sends AI soldiers Ares (Jared Leto) and Athena (Jodie Turner-Smith) to seize this code.
References and Themes
“Tron: Ares” draws inspiration from classic science fiction concepts, particularly Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” This is highlighted when Ares, an AI soldier, begins questioning Julian’s views, reflecting themes of sentience and empathy in artificial intelligence. The film questions the consequences of AI gaining independence and challenges the audience’s perception of AI’s role in society.
Leto’s portrayal of Ares suggests a program evolving a moral compass, while Turner-Smith’s performance enhances the film’s action sequences. However, the film’s script leaves little room for interpretation, spelling out themes that leave limited space for audience introspection.
Visual and Audio Elements
Derived from the stylized approach of “Tron: Legacy,” “Tron: Ares” relies on its impressive visual elements. The vibrant colors, particularly the menacing red neon of Dillinger’s squadron, enhance its appeal. The soundtrack, composed by Nine Inch Nails, injects a gritty, industrial feel into the action sequences.
Conclusion
Despite “Tron: Ares” being visually captivating, it faces challenges in its narrative execution. The film presents ethical questions about AI technology but lacks depth in exploring these themes. It ultimately suggests that the impact of AI rests on human hands, but it stops short of providing resolutions. “Tron: Ares” offers a visually striking experience with a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes, rated PG-13 for violence and action, and is set to release on October 10.
