Transformers One

Set on the planet of Cybertron, Transformers One follows Orion Pax (Chris Hemsworth) and D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry) – who would later become Optimus Prime and Megatron – two best friends who work together as miners. The idealistic Orion dreams of discovering the long-lost Matrix of Leadership and earning the respect of the planet’s leader, Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm), but as the duo pursue this dream, they discover there may be more to Cybertron – and Sentinel – than meets the eye.

Transformers celebrates its 40^th birthday this year, and since “Transformers” means many things to many audiences, One acts as a one-size-fits-all origin story, fitting inelegantly into most continuities (if you squint).

The film reflects how Transformers has – well, transformed, melding characters and concepts from across its history to create a universe that feels simultaneously nostalgic and novel, pleasing fandom oldheads while remaining accessible for newcomers.

There’s plenty of love for Transformers on show, with left-field deep cuts and more references than you could shake a Crack Calibre Laser-Blazer Broadsword at, but also a keen understanding of the series’ core themes. The writing also has impressive narrative conviction and socio-political bite for a movie with a young core demographic.

Visually, One is spectacular. Cybertron has never felt more alive, with colours and lighting that make every frame look like a painting and facilitate several dynamic set pieces. Director Josh Cooley took “transformation” and ran with it in his cinematography, with action sequences that use the shapeshifting cast and setting inventively.

One’s storytelling is bolstered by its star power, with industry titans bringing their A-game to punch up the drama. Hemsworth puts in a strong performance as Orion (even if it occasionally veers into a Peter Cullen impersonation), but the star of the show is Brian Tyree Henry, whose performance as D-16/Megatron builds upon previous depictions of the character while making it his own, flawlessly selling a tragic emotional arc from idealism to despair to self-destructive anger.

The weakest character is designated comic relief B-127. Even the considerable talents of Keegan Michael-Key can’t save the character from being unfunny, but thankfully he’s used sparingly.

Transformers One is a fitting tribute to a series that has endured since the 80s. There’s something here for everyone, but despite a wide range of audiences, it delivers a coherent and compelling narrative journey, celebrating the stories that came before while transforming them into something new and exciting.

Umar Ali

Transformers One is released nationwide on 11^th October 2024.

Watch the trailer for Transformers One here: