If boxed in as a sci-fi action film, TRON: Ares nails the basics to deliver an exhilarating experience both visually and aurally. It banks on the franchise’s core strengths and doesn’t disappoint in the spectacle department. The red-toned visuals give this sequel a raw, primal edge that feels distinct, while the booming techno soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails (NIN) easily matches the outstanding work Daft Punk did for Tron: Legacy. But beyond the flashes and bangs, TRON: Ares ultimately feels shallow once the lights go down.
In the future, ENCOM and Dillinger Systems are locked in a corporate war to discover the “permanence code,” a technology that could change the world of humans and programs. ENCOM is now headed by Eve Kim (Greta Lee), while Dillinger Systems is led by Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters), grandson of Ed Dillinger. Desperate to gain the upper hand, Julian creates a super-intelligent security program named Ares (Jared Leto), trained to be ruthless and unquestioning. When Eve discovers the permanence code, a deadly conflict erupts between the companies, dragging programs out of the Grid and into the real world.
There was a lot of potential for TRON: Ares to become something more meaningful, especially with its ideas about AI and technology bleeding into reality. Unfortunately, those concepts remain underdeveloped, frustratingly introduced, but never truly connected to the characters or story. The decision to take the narrative outside the Grid is bold and surprisingly effective, but the film falters in giving us characters worth caring about. From Ares to Eve and even the supporting cast, no one stands out enough to make an emotional impact, leaving the film’s sleek visuals without a strong anchor.
Still, despite its weak writing and thin characterization, TRON: Ares is a feast for the senses. Its high-octane visuals, kinetic action sequences, and breathtaking chase scenes are a reminder of what this franchise can do best. With NIN’s soundtrack amplifying every movement and explosion, the film delivers a pure adrenaline rush. If judged purely as an action spectacle, it will leave audiences grinning. And those seeking for some nostalgia, the film also has a surprise. Sadly, this return to the Grid looks stunning but feels too hollow to be truly memorable.
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TRON: Ares (2025) Movie Review: The Grid Looks Gorgeous, But Where’s the Heart?
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