A new dawn for Cybertron: ’Transformers One’ reimagines the legacy
Revisiting a classic with a fresh perspective
When “The Transformers: The Movie” hit theaters in 1986, it left an indelible mark on a generation. The film’s bold decision to kill off the beloved Autobot leader, Optimus Prime, was a shockwave that rippled through the hearts of young fans. This move was so impactful that it influenced the direction of other animated features, like “G.I. Joe: The Movie”, which avoided a similar fate for its characters. Fast forward nearly four decades, and “Transformers One” emerges, not as a mere homage, but as a sophisticated reimagining of the franchise’s origins.
A nuanced origin story
Directed by Josh Cooley, “Transformers One” is the first animated film in the franchise to grace theaters since the original. Unlike its predecessor, this film doesn’t indulge in widespread Cybertronian genocide. Instead, it delves into the origin story of the central conflict between Autobots and Decepticons, a narrative thread that has been explored across various media since the toy line’s inception.
The rise of Orion Pax and D-16
Chris Hemsworth and Bryan Tyree Henry lend their voices to Orion Pax and D-16, the droids destined to become Optimus Prime and Megatron. Orion, eager to make his mark on Cybertronian society, dreams of rising above his station as a miner of Energon, the planet’s dwindling energy source. In contrast, D-16 is more cautious, wary of disrupting the status quo.
Their journey takes them from the depths of Iacon City to the planet’s surface in search of the Matrix of Leadership, a mythical object believed to restore Energon’s flow. Along the way, they uncover a conspiracy that dates back to the era of the Primes, with far-reaching implications for all Cybertronians.
Visual storytelling at its finest
The visual effects in “Transformers One” are nothing short of spectacular. Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and Digital Domain, known for their work on the live-action “Transformers” films, outdo themselves in this animated feature. The characters are brought to life with a level of detail and expressiveness that surpasses the photorealism of previous installments.
A stylized Cybertron
Cooley, who won an Oscar for directing “Toy Story 4”, creates a cohesive and stylized reality where these characters are both physically and metaphorically finding their place in the world. The screenplay by Eric Pearson, Andrew Barrer, and Gabriel Ferrari introduces a younger Cybertron and characters who are still evolving. This mutual transformation is both canonically authentic and deeply relatable.
A dynamic duo
The relationship between Orion and D-16 is reminiscent of Caesar and Koba in “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”. One aspires to embody the best in the world, while the other is scarred by past pain. This dynamic forms the central conflict around which the “Transformers” lore revolves.
Mesmerizing visuals
The film is filled with stunning visuals, from a snakelike track that materializes in front of racers to the geometric landscapes of Cybertron. These moments will captivate longtime fans and new viewers alike, offering a blend of hero moments and brisk action sequences.
Stellar voice cast
Steve Buscemi’s portrayal of the Decepticon Starscream is one of the standout voice casting choices, rivaling Orson Welles’ Unicron in the original film. The rest of the cast, including Hemsworth, Henry, and Jon Hamm as Sentinel Prime, are perfectly suited to their roles. Keegan-Michael Key’s performance as B-127 (future Bumblebee) adds a touch of humor that, while silly, is a welcome departure from the raunchy humor of the live-action films.
A new era for Transformers
“Transformers One” offers a more nuanced portrayal of Cybertron’s heroes and villains than ever before. It doesn’t shy away from the conclusive fates of certain characters, but in an era of sophisticated animated offerings, it seems unlikely to provoke the same backlash as its predecessor. In a year rich with high-quality animated films, “Transformers One” stands out, rekindling the excitement and emotional connection that fans first felt decades ago.
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of “Transformers One”, check out the trailer and explore the rich lore that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.