Tranformers One

From the very first frame, the film plunges us at full speed over the imposing towers of Iacon City. The camera then focuses on the central character, Orion Pax, a red Transformer who is secretly consulting archives in a vast library. He is searching for a map that might reveal the location of the Command Matrix, an artifact essential to the survival of his people. His quest, however, is abruptly interrupted by the appearance of guards. Forced to flee, Orion sets off on a frantic race through the city. Only his speed and agility enable him to evade his pursuers, and he finally meets up with his friend D16, who is waiting for him, visibly worried.

The pace doesn't let up for a second, and we're soon transported to the immensity of a stadium in full celebration of Iacon's 5000th birthday. Orion, despite prohibitions, trains D16 to take part in a race, hoping to prove their worth. Their victory earns them punishment, and they are relegated to the basement, among the garbage. It's in this dark place that they meet two other striking characters: Elita, a fearless warrior dressed all in mauve, who doesn't mince her words, and B127, nicknamed “B”, a yellow Transformer with a prankster's wit and a laid-back temperament.

This unlikely encounter creates a welcome interlude in the film's frantic action, adding a touch of humor and emotion. The planet Cybertron itself is magnified through luminous, colorful landscapes. One particular scene, in which metallic gazelles with shiny ears move peacefully about, offers a moment of deceptive tranquility. This apparent peace is soon disrupted by the arrival of the Quintessons, accompanied by a flashback in which Alpha Trion, one of the wise elders, recounts the birth of the events that turned the lives of Cybertron's miners upside down.

The second half of the film is even more intense. One of the Transformers suddenly adopts a darker tone, his eyes turning an icy red. This abrupt change in attitude is intriguing and foreshadows disturbing developments. This change of pace brings unexpected depth to the characters, adding a psychological dimension rare in the Transformers saga.

The film's narrative construction allows novice viewers to dive into this rich universe without having seen the previous episodes. Viewed in Dolby Cinema, the experience is amplified by impressive special effects and an engaging soundtrack. In the auditorium, made up of families and young spectators, attention never wavered; everyone was captivated.

Transformers: The Beginning is an exciting film, punctuated by thrilling action scenes, well-timed flashbacks and high-quality visual effects. The twists and turns in the relationships between the characters, the evolution of their feelings, and the quality of the chases make it an immersive experience. The open-ended ending suggests a promising sequel, but leaves the audience wanting more.

Transformers One
Directed by Josh Cooley
Written by Eric Pearson, Andrew Barrer, Gabriel Ferrari
Story by Andrew Barrer, Gabriel Ferrari
Based on Hasbro's Transformers action figures
Produced by Don Murphy, Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Michael Bay, Mark Vahradian, Aaron Dem
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne, Jon Hamm
Cinematography: Christopher Batty
Editing: Lynn Hobson
Music: Brian Tyler
Production companies: Paramount Animation, Hasbro Entertainment, Bayhem Films, New Republic Pictures, Di Bonaventura Pictures
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release dates: September 20, 2024 (U.S.), October 23, 2024 (France)
Running time: 104 minutes

Seen September 18, 2024 at Pathé Beaugrenelle, Dolby Cinéma room

Cookie's Mark: