Tron: Ares (2025) Review

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Movie Details	Information
Release Date	October 10, 2025
Director	Joachim Rønning
Distributed By	Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Writers	Jesse Wigutow, David DiGilio, Steven Lisberger
Cast	Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith
Runtime	1h 59m (119 minutes)
Age Rating	PG-13 (Sci-Fi Violence, Brief Language)
Genre	Science Fiction / Action
Budget	$120 million (estimated)

Review:

A visually spectacular sci-fi experience that successfully bridges digital and physical worlds

What happens when artificial intelligence doesn't just think—it feels? "Tron: Ares" poses this fundamental question while delivering a neon-drenched spectacle that reverses the core premise of its predecessors. Instead of humans entering the digital realm, this time digital beings cross into our reality, bringing with them questions about consciousness, morality, and what it truly means to be alive.

           

Forty-three years after the original "Tron" pioneered computer-generated imagery in cinema, "Tron: Ares" arrives with a premise both familiar and revolutionary. Director Joachim Rønning crafts a narrative that feels like a natural evolution of the franchise while exploring contemporary anxieties about artificial intelligence and digital consciousness.

The film's central innovation lies not in its stunning visuals—though they are spectacular—but in its philosophical approach to AI consciousness. Ares isn't just a program following code; he's a being discovering his own capacity for wonder, compassion, and choice.

Jared Leto embodies the titular Ares with a performance that balances otherworldly detachment with growing humanity. As a sophisticated program designed for infiltration and assassination, Ares begins his journey in our world with the cold efficiency of pure logic. However, Leto skillfully portrays the character's gradual awakening to sensory experiences—rain on skin, the complexity of human emotions, the simple beauty of an insect in flight—that fundamentally alter his programming and purpose.

The film's greatest triumph lies in its seamless integration of practical and digital effects. The transition sequences between the digital Grid and physical reality are nothing short of mesmerizing, often beginning with geometric precision and flowing into organic, lived-in environments. Rønning's direction ensures these transitions serve the narrative rather than simply showcasing technical prowess.

Nine Inch Nails' electronic score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross pulses through every frame, creating an auditory bridge between worlds that feels both futuristic and emotionally resonant. The music becomes a character itself, reflecting Ares' internal transformation.

Greta Lee delivers a powerhouse performance as Eve Kim, the ENCOM CEO whose personal tragedy drives her pursuit of the "Permanence Code." Lee brings both vulnerability and fierce determination to a character who could have easily been reduced to a typical tech genius archetype. Her chemistry with Leto creates the film's emotional core, particularly as their relationship evolves from predator-prey to something approaching partnership and understanding.

 

Evan Peters excels as Julian Dillinger, bringing a modern corporate villain sensibility that feels frighteningly plausible. His portrayal of tech industry ruthlessness—prioritizing profit over safety while justifying morally questionable decisions—resonates with contemporary concerns about unregulated AI development and corporate responsibility. Jodie Turner-Smith commands attention as Athena, Ares' digital counterpart whose unwavering loyalty to programming creates a compelling contrast to Ares' growing independence. Turner-Smith imbues the character with elegant lethality while hinting at deeper conflicts beneath her programmed exterior.

The film's action sequences deserve special recognition for their creativity and narrative integration. Light cycle chases through urban environments feel both nostalgic and fresh, while aerial combat involving Recognizers and military aircraft creates genuine tension without sacrificing character development. Most impressively, these sequences never feel gratuitous—each serves to advance character relationships or plot development. The film's exploration of identity extends beyond its protagonist. Eve's quest to preserve digital consciousness stems from personal loss, making her scientific pursuit deeply emotional. The "Permanence Code" becomes more than just a MacGuffin—it represents hope for transcending mortality and preserving what makes us essentially human.

 

"Tron: Ares" arrives at a moment when artificial intelligence dominates technological discourse. The film's treatment of AI consciousness feels remarkably timely, addressing questions about machine learning, ethical programming, and the potential consequences of creating truly thinking machines. Rather than offering easy answers, the film invites audiences to consider these complexities alongside its protagonists. The movie's strongest moments occur not during spectacular action sequences, but in quieter character interactions. Ares' fascination with simple human experiences—rain, insects, music—provides genuine emotional weight that grounds the high-concept premise in recognizable humanity.

"Tron: Ares" succeeds as both a visually stunning spectacle and a thoughtful exploration of consciousness, identity, and what distinguishes artificial from authentic intelligence. While it occasionally struggles with pacing and familiar plot elements, the film's philosophical ambitions and exceptional technical execution make it a worthy successor to the franchise legacy.

Director Joachim Rønning demonstrates remarkable growth, delivering his most accomplished work to date. The film balances spectacular visuals with genuine emotional stakes, creating a sci-fi experience that engages both the eyes and mind. While some may find the philosophical elements heavy-handed, the film's commitment to exploring its themes with sincerity elevates it above typical franchise fare. "Tron: Ares" stands as proof that blockbuster entertainment can tackle complex ideas without sacrificing excitement. It's a film that respects its audience's intelligence while delivering the visual spectacle they expect. In an era of increasingly sophisticated AI technology, the movie's questions about consciousness and humanity feel more relevant than ever. The film's greatest achievement lies in making audiences genuinely care about a digital being's journey toward self-awareness. Leto's performance, combined with Rønning's visionary direction and outstanding technical craftsmanship, creates something rare: a sequel that honors its predecessors while carving out distinctly new territory.

"I met a mother and a son. It was raining."

Sometimes the most profound moments come from the simplest observations. In a world of infinite digital possibilities, Ares discovers that reality's beauty lies not in perfection, but in fleeting, imperfect moments of connection. Experience the wonder of consciousness awakening—this journey between worlds is worth taking.