By Shalin Damacharla ’27
The 2024 movie Transformers One is a breath of fresh air for the Transformers franchise. It’s more than just robots smashing into each other; it’s an emotional journey that dives deep into the origins of the rivalry between Optimus Prime and Megatron. The film shifts the focus from explosions and action to character development and relationships, giving longtime fans exactly what they’ve been craving—a deeper look into the history and complexity of Cybertron’s most iconic figures.
The plot centers on the friendship—and eventual fallout—between Optimus and Megatron, who were once close allies fighting for the same cause. This backstory brings a surprising amount of emotional depth to the series, showing us how the two went from brothers-in-arms to bitter enemies. What’s fascinating is how the film balances the personal conflict with the larger political landscape of Cybertron, where tensions are rising, and factions are forming. There’s a tragic inevitability to their split, and watching it unfold makes the story feel much more personal than your average summer blockbuster.
One of the biggest strengths of the film is its focus on the internal struggles of its characters. Optimus isn’t just a stoic leader here—he’s a character torn between his responsibility to the Autobots and his loyalty to Megatron. Meanwhile, Megatron’s descent into becoming the villain we know is handled with surprising care. He’s not just evil for the sake of it; his motivations are rooted in a belief that Cybertron needs radical change. The way these two journeys mirror each other makes the eventual clash between them feel earned and emotionally powerful.
That said, the film isn’t without its flaws. The pacing, especially in the first half, can be slow. There’s a lot of world-building and character development, which is great for fans who love the lore but might be a little tedious for those just looking for action. Some scenes drag on longer than they need to, and while the slow build-up makes the final act more impactful, it’s a bit of a slog to get there at times. Still, the emotional payoff is worth it.
Visually, Transformers One is stunning. Cybertron has never looked better on screen, with intricate details in every corner of the world. The vibrant cities, the metallic landscapes, and the war-torn battlefields all come to life with breathtaking precision. And the transformation sequences? Absolutely jaw-dropping. Each character’s design feels purposeful, and the action scenes—once they kick in—are smooth and exhilarating, with the perfect balance of chaos and clarity. You can always tell what’s happening, which is a huge plus for a franchise sometimes criticized for its over-the-top visuals.
The film’s themes also stand out. The exploration of identity, leadership, and the corruption of power is handled with a level of care that you wouldn’t expect from a Transformers movie. Optimus’s reluctance to lead and Megatron’s hunger for power feel like real, human struggles, even though they’re happening in the midst of a robot war. This emotional weight makes the conflict between the Autobots and Decepticons feel less black-and-white and much more nuanced. It’s not just about who’s right and who’s wrong; it’s about the choices these characters make and the consequences they face.
Voice acting is another highlight, with Peter Cullen and Frank Welker delivering standout performances as Optimus and Megatron. Cullen brings a vulnerability to Optimus that adds new layers to the character, while Welker gives Megatron a sense of gravitas that makes his fall from grace all the more heartbreaking. The chemistry between the two is electric, and their interactions are some of the best parts of the film. The supporting cast does a solid job as well, but this is undoubtedly a story about these two iconic characters.
The dialogue is surprisingly well-written for a film in this genre. It balances the heavy emotional beats with lighter moments and snappy one-liners, giving the audience a break from the more intense scenes without losing momentum. However, there are a few lines here and there that feel a little too melodramatic—especially in moments of high tension—but for the most part, the film’s dialogue serves the story well.
Cinematically, Transformers One uses its visual language to great effect. The contrast between the bright, hopeful early scenes and the darker, more oppressive visuals as the war ramps up reflects the shifting tone of the story. The lighting and color palettes tell their own story, complementing the emotional journey of the characters. Even the wardrobe and designs of the Transformers themselves feel like an extension of their personalities, adding to the film’s immersive experience.
In terms of editing, the film could’ve been a bit tighter. While the slower pace early on helps build tension and flesh out the characters, it sometimes lingers too long on scenes that don’t need as much time. Once the film hits its stride, though, the pacing picks up, and the editing shines during the action sequences. The effects are top-notch, with seamless transitions between scenes and a clean flow that makes even the most chaotic battles easy to follow.
The soundtrack complements the film beautifully. The mechanical sound design makes every punch, blast, and transformation feel real, pulling you further into the world of Cybertron. The score itself blends epic orchestral music with more futuristic, electronic elements, giving it a unique sound that fits the tone of the film. It’s not the most memorable soundtrack in the franchise, but it works well in context, enhancing the emotional beats without overpowering them.
In the end, what makes Transformers One truly special is its willingness to take risks and focus on its characters in a way that previous films haven’t. It’s not just about spectacle—it’s about relationships, choices, and the cost of power. This film dares to ask deeper questions and give its characters room to breathe, making the eventual battles feel more meaningful. It’s not a perfect film, but it’s a bold one, and that’s what sets it apart from the rest of the franchise.
For fans of Transformers, this movie is a must-see. It brings something new to the table while still honoring the legacy of the characters. And even for those who aren’t die-hard fans, Transformers One offers enough heart, depth, and spectacle to make it an enjoyable ride. It’s a film that transcends the usual boundaries of its genre, offering a story that resonates on both an emotional and epic scale.
Personal Review:
Wow, just wow. The visuals of this movie were easily the best part of it, creating a world that feels not just alive, but lived in. Just because the visuals were the best part, that doesn’t mean that the rest of the movie was slacking either. The story was a raw and fresh take on the classic origin of the Transformers, reinventing a staple of the series with new ideas which took risks. As a fan of the Transformers franchise, this movie felt like a love letter to all the installments of this 40+ year franchise that have been created already, and set a personal gold standard for everything that Paramount studios creates next for the Transformers. I can personally attest to the fact that this movie is not just a film— it’s a theatrical experience.
Film Rating:
- Plot: 8.5/10
- Characters: 8.5/10
- Acting: 9.5/10
- Cinematography: 10/10
- Directing: 9.5/10
- Editing: 9/10
- Score: 10/10
- Themes/Messages: 9/10
- Emotion: 9/10
- Entertainment Value/Personal Score: 10/10
Overall Score: 93%