Tron: Ares (2025) Review

Tron: Ares is an ambitious revival of the Tron universe that — while not perfect — largely succeeds in delivering a visually arresting and emotionally impactful sci-fi spectacle.

What Works

The film leans hard into style, and for the most part, it pays off. The neon-lit digital aesthetics, the integration of light cycles (now in the “real world”), and the contrast between the Grid and Earth feel immersive. The visuals are stunning, and the use of 3D and IMAX helps bring the digital world to life in a way that feels both nostalgic and new.

With Nine Inch Nails handling the score, Tron: Ares earns major points for atmosphere. The music reinforces the film’s techno-noir tone, giving many scenes an added emotional weight and perfectly complementing the glowing chaos of the Grid.

The central idea — a program, Ares, crossing into the real world — is bold and propels the franchise in a fresh direction. It raises intriguing questions about AI, identity, and what it means to be alive.

The supporting cast also shines. Greta Lee, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Gillian Anderson bring gravitas and emotional balance to Jared Leto’s enigmatic lead performance. Their grounded portrayals help tether the film’s more abstract moments.

What Doesn’t Always Land

The screenplay leans on familiar sci-fi tropes — corporate power struggles, AI morality, and the “what makes us human” debate. Though engaging, the story rarely surprises, and some emotional beats feel predictable.

Ares’s internal journey is compelling in theory, but several side characters lack depth, making their motivations feel underdeveloped. Some exposition-heavy scenes rely too much on technobabble, which occasionally undermines the drama.

Balancing the digital and real-world settings also proves tricky. The Grid sequences are electric and immersive, while some real-world moments lack the same energy or visual dynamism.

Overall Thoughts

Tron: Ares revitalizes the franchise with ambition and style. It dazzles visually, provokes thought about AI and humanity, and expands the boundaries of the Tron mythos. While it stumbles in pacing and character development, the experience remains captivating — especially on a big screen.

It’s not a flawless film, but it’s a bold one — a worthy continuation that honors Tron’s legacy while setting the stage for an exciting digital future.