Tron: Ares is a Stylish Visual Spectacle but Lacks in Substance
By Ronan Barrett
In 1982, an undeniable cult classic graced the big screen. Tron impressed audiences with its groundbreaking CGI and original plot elements. Audiences would have to wait 28 years for the sequel, Tron: Legacy, which garnered a mixed reception.
Fast forward fifteen years to 2025, and after a series of delays in production, the release of Tron: Ares has had fans clamouring for a modern addition to the sci-fi franchise. The result is ultimately a mixed bag.
Released on October 10th and distributed by Disney, Tron: Ares is helmed by Academy-Award nominated director Joachim Rønning. It stars Jared Leto as the titular Ares, with Greta Lee as Encom CEO Grace Kim, and Even Peters as the dastardly Julian Dillinger.
The cast overall delivers in stellar fashion. Any rumours this could be akin to his turn in Morbius are quickly dispelled as Jared Leto blends the cold demeanour of intelligence program Ares with soul and purpose.
Evan Peters’ Julian is cliché at times, but serves as an unlikeable antagonist for the audience to root against, and Gillian Anderson in her limited screen time proves her everlasting acting qualities.
A cameo from a certain beloved character is delivered in nostalgic fashion and will greatly please fans of the original.
The simplicity of the narrative works well amongst the grandiose sci-fi visuals of the film. Encom have produced a method to ensure artificial programming can remain permanent in the real world. They wish to utilise this programming for humanitarian aid and poverty.
Dillinger, their rival business headed by Julian, want to steal this “permanence code” by sending Leto’s programmed soldier Ares to retrieve it and use it for their own financial gain and military control.
The film, as expected, contains high-octane action sequences and cinematography that will keep audiences clinging to their seats. Impressive set-pieces full of encapsulating visuals are layered throughout.
Visual effects supervisor David Seager led the production of attention-grabbing CGI visual design. The soundtrack by legendary rock duo Nine Inch Nails lends to the atmosphere and action in pulsating fashion.
The film’s glaring issues, however, lie in its failure to add layers of depth to the characters or explore key concepts.
While Ares undergoes a clear character arc, Eve Kim is less likeable than she is corny, and their interactions are desperately lacking in chemistry.
Evan Peters’ Julian delivers a villainous performance, but is let down by the script, and Gillian Anderson, portraying his mother, couldn’t be less fleshed out.
The film possesses the premise to explore impactful, real-world themes like the power of AI and the relationship between humans and technology. Instead, it chooses to ignore these in the pursuit of extravagant spectacle, an all-too-common issue of Disney’s recent features.
If you’re looking for a deeply layered exploration of the consequences of sentient AI, you will be sorely disappointed. However, despite its flaws, Tron: Ares is, at its core, a flashy and simplistic action-fuelled popcorn flick that has enough visual style and elegance to appeal to both fans of the original and new viewers alike.
★★★☆☆
This article was a collaboration with IMC Galway.
