Transformers One: You Got The Touch!
Andrew Miller ’27 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
Prior to the cinematic universes of life and death becoming the norm at the box office, Transformers reigned supreme at the box office and the toy aisles. With explosive action scenes and iconic characters, the franchise left an undeniable mark on pop culture. Now, in the wake of the MCU’s rise, Transformers has entered a new era. Gone from the days of Michael Bay and its retrospective action-oriented films, films like Bumblebee and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts have paved the way for fresh character-driven direction, setting the stage for Transformers: One, which promises to take that notion of giving characters their love to new heights and giving them their own touches. I’m proud to say that Transformers: One, indeed has the Touch!
Set before Optimus Prime and Megatron’s war that would define the Cybertronian Race, we see a side of Transformers media that hasn’t been delved into in film form. We know the war and we know the battles, but we don’t know how it all started; With One, we get to see the start. The film explores their early days on Cybertron, when they were brothers-in-arms as Orion Pax and D-16, with a shared vision for their planet’s future. The film paints a great picture of their friendship, especially in the beginning. You can honestly tell that these two bots are best friends, with little to no explanation shoving in your face telling you otherwise. We see Optimus Prime and Megatron not as leaders of their respective factions in the movie (not yet, at least) but as humble miners, toiling away in the mines of their homeworld mining for fuel, not even having the ability to transform.
This movie serves as a perfect introduction to the Transformers universe because it masterfully combines accessible storytelling with deep lore, creating an entry point for newcomers while rewarding longtime fans. Exploring the origins of iconic characters like Optimus Prime and Megatron before their fateful divergence provides valuable context for the larger conflicts that define the franchise. The focus on their early friendship and the ideological schism that tears them apart adds a layer of humanity to the Transformers, making their struggles relatable even to those unfamiliar with the series.
Additionally, the film’s narrative structure allows viewers to grasp the stakes of Cybertron’s political turmoil without requiring prior knowledge of the extensive lore. It introduces key concepts like the Matrix of Leadership, the role of the Primes, and the world that the leading class has enacted has had consequences for those at the bottom of the hierarchy, notably non-transforming Cybertronians such as Orion and D-16. At the same time, the visually stunning depiction of Cybertron and its inhabitants captures the grandeur of the Transformers mythos, drawing in audiences with breathtaking animation and emotionally resonant storytelling.
The animation in Transformers One is nothing short of spectacular, taking the beloved Cybertronian universe and elevating it to dazzling new heights. Cybertron itself is rendered with stunning detail, from its gleaming spires and bustling metallic cities to the ominous depths of its underbelly. It feels like a living, breathing world—if living, breathing worlds were made entirely of shiny chrome and neon lights.
The character designs strike a perfect balance between the blocky, nostalgic look of the classic Transformers and a more modern aesthetic. Orion Pax and D-16, in particular, are animated with such precision that you can practically see the emotional gears turning inside their heads (which is pretty impressive for robots). Even when D-16 delivers his most deadpan threats, his micro-expressions hint at the inner turmoil brewing beneath the surface. Meanwhile, Orion’s youthful optimism practically shines through his every movement, making his eventual transformation into Optimus Prime all the more impactful.
The action moments are when the animators truly demonstrate their abilities. Every clash, metamorphosis, and explosion is depicted with such smoothness and precision that you are hooked to the screen. There’s a special delight in witnessing the bots transform effortlessly from vehicle shapes to towering warriors, replete with the trademark ka-chunk sound effects that will make any fan happy. It’s like seeing the world’s most costly and lethal origami unfold in front of your eyes.
I have to admit, I was disappointed at first when I first learned that Peter Cullen and Frank Welker weren’t going to reprise their roles as Optimus and Megatron, but I was pleasantly surprised to see the new cast bring their spin to the characters. Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry provide amazing performances as Orion Pax and D-16, bringing these famous figures to life. Hemsworth confronts the huge challenge of following in the footsteps of Peter Cullen, the famous voice of Optimus Prime. Nonetheless, he expertly carves out a portrait that is both familiar and unique, capturing Orion Pax’s nobility and young idealism in a way that foreshadows the leader he would eventually become.
However, Brian Tyree Henry’s performance as D-16 steals the show. Henry imbues the role with a complicated blend of charm, vulnerability, and wrath. He expertly depicts D-16’s evolution from an idealistic warrior to the troubled, unpredictable person who eventually becomes Megatron. His voice is both powerful and terrifying, especially when D-16’s idealism begins to crumble under the weight of treachery and sorrow. Henry’s subtle portrayal elevates D-16 from a potential villain to a truly sad individual whose downfall feels both inevitable and terrible. His voice performance anchors the emotional heart of the drama, creating an indelible impression on viewers. He has to be my favorite performance in not only the movie, but as my favorite voice of Megatron of all time.
The supporting cast also contributes great performances that enhance the story. Scarlett Johansson’s Elita stands out, depicting a heroine who is both empathetic and ferociously driven, providing a striking counterweight to the rising tension between Orion and D-16. Keegan-Michael Key as B-127 brings brightness and charm to the picture, offering much-needed laughs while also delivering emotional moments that remind us of the stakes. Laurence Fishburne’s depiction of Alpha Trion oozes wisdom and gravitas, capturing the weight of Cybertron’s past and the moral quandaries it faces.
Another underrated aspect of the film is its use of humor which serves to humanize the characters and add much-needed lightness to a plot heavy on high-stakes drama. This is especially clear in the first few scenes, as Orion and D-16 form a strong bond. One memorable scene happens when Orion, irritated by their racist mining supervisor Darkwing, is about to flip him off—only for D-16 to intercede. The humorous tension of the moment is broken when Darkwing retaliates by decking D-16, leading to an unexpectedly funny conversation that sets the tone for their relationship.
His threat to “kill Orion for waking him up” is delivered with such sardonic detachment that it elicits a laugh rather than fear. This darkly comedic tone continues during a high-stakes race, where D-16 quips that he’ll kill Orion if they make it out alive—terms Orion jokingly accepts(terms Optimus would probably regret in Dark of the Moon).
But when the movie really starts to get on its feet is the exact midpoint. (I’m not lying, it is the exact midpoint.)
At this point, the group learns a horrifying truth at the hands of the old leader Alpha Trion. Their leader, Sentinel Prime, has not only killed the past leaders of Cybertron but also sold out to their greatest enemy- the Quintessons. Not only that, it was Sentinel himself who would strip them and their fellow miners of the ability to transform this entire time. Distraught by this, D-16 berates Orion for even bringing them into this situation. Orion, confused, asks D-16 if he even wants to stop him. If this were any other run-of-the-mill kids movie, D-16 would say yes- he does want to stop him. But noo, D-16 wants to kill him. He wants to put Sentinel in chains and march through the mines so that every Cybertronian can see him for the false leader that he is. He wants him to suffer and die in darkness. This moment is an excellent inversion of typical children’s media. Kids’ films and television avoid using terms like “kill” or “die” in favor of phrases that convey the same thing but are less harsh. Words like “end”, “destroy”, and the Transformers franchise itself have frequently used the word “scrap” to allude to destroying other bots. So for D-16 to state that he not only wants to murder Sentinel, but also have him experience a truly horrible death, not only demonstrates his rage and instability, but it also shocks the viewer since it is spoken in a way that is generally inconceivable for these family-friendly flicks.
But truly the scene that elevates this movie into the upper echelons of cinematic masterpieces and probably made this into the best Transformers movie, is where both D-16 and Orion Pax meet their end, and where Megatron and Optimus Prime are born.
It takes place in the middle of the third act, as things seem to be finally cooling down. Orion, Elita, and B-127 were successful in finally exposing Sentinel Prime for betraying the Cybertronian people, causing him to lose all of his support. But it’s not enough for one bot who feels that everything wrong that happened to him and as friends were the results of Sentinel. That bot of course is D-16. In his rage, he attacks and brutally beats Sentinel as he attempts to flee. But as Sentinel tries to bargain, saying that they could rule Cybertron together, D-16 entirely ignores his request as he readies his arm cannon to finally destroy the false prime once and for all. Yet just as he is about to fire his weapon, he is stopped by Orion. He tries to calm down his friend; it’s over for Sentinel. Everyone knows the truth. But D-16 insists he knows the truth and Sentinel must die for his actions. Orion tries to calm him down; they have to be better than killing their enemies and not letting their anger make them like Sentinel. D-16 does nothing but violently disagree with his best friend, only throwing him to the side readying the kill shot to finally end the false Prime. But as he fires to finally destroy Sentinel, Orion leaps in his way.
The blast tears through his torso, sending him tumbling over the edge of a seemingly endless cliff. D-16 grabs Orion’s one good arm, horrified by what he has done… but even more horrified that Orion would stop him from killing Sentinel, even after everything he has done against them. His demeanor would change from horrifying fear to contempt and anger. Orion pleads, trying to reach out one last to reach out to his best friend. D-16 lowers his head as if he is contemplating something. His head rises, eyes red. With this betrayal of the highest order, D-16 vows that he is done saving Orion, and lets his dying friend plummet into the bowels of Cybertron. As Orion falls, D-16 makes good on his promise. He rips through Sentinel’s guards and kills Sentinel by bisecting him with his very hands. Then he takes Megatronus’ cog from Sentinel’s chest and replaces it with the one Trion gave him, making him even more combat-ready. He then declares in an absolute rage and conviction that the Age of Primes and False Prophets like Sentinel and implore his fellow citizens to follow him in rising up. Declaring himself Megatron, he orders his allies, The High Guard, to destroy everything Sentinel has made, in essence destroying Iacon.
But as one bot falls… another rises.
As Orion continues to fall through Cybertron’s strata, it would seem the planet would almost open for him, allowing him to keep falling until he finally reaches the Core of Cybertron all in its gigantic glory. There, the Spirits of the Primes that fell in battle meet with him, as Trion speaks his voice clear and dignified. He announces that Primus, the creator of the Transformers race, has deemed him worthy for the future of Cybertron and to carry the Matrix of Leadership due to his sacrifice to the greater good, even in the face of an enemy that was a disgrace to the memory of the Primes. He would be reformatted, changed to stronger, tougher, but above all else, to have the wisdom of the Primes.
Then Trion would then command him to change everything… forever.
“Arise… Optimus Prime.”
Optimus Prime would fulfill this request. In a spectacular moment of triumph, he would break through Cybertron’s surface, his restored form exuding strength and optimism. Arriving just in time to unify the people of Cybertron, Optimus served as a shining example of what the Transformers may aim to be—a leader who prioritizes unity, compassion, and justice. His entrance, however, was greeted with a mixture of amazement and rage. Megatron saw simply an adversary, whilst the populace saw a rescuer. Megatron was surprised by Optimus at first, but swiftly rejected the implications of his rebirth, claiming that peace would never be possible as long as anybody stood in his way, including Prime.
This would lead to the final brawl between the two brothers, as they would give it their all. They would use everything they have learned in any attempt to best the other, including transforming their bodies to dodge attacks, making use of new weapons granted by their abilities, and using the surroundings to get the upper hands, including Optimus’s iconic Energon axe. The choreography is incredible, making those who watch at the edge of their seats, including myself and people in my theater when I first watched it.
But by the end, it is clear Optimus Prime won. During their fight, Optimus summons an energon battle axe to combat Megatron with Starscream, Soundwave, and Shockwave (trivia, he’s my favorite Transformer) before utilizing it to slive Megatron’s new cannon, finally winning the battle. Optimus is ashamed of his best friend for not only misusing his power to destroy their world, much like Sentinel but moreover that he betrayed him, his best friend. Unable to kill his closest friend, Optimus reluctantly banishes him and his new allies to the surface. With one last betrayed look, with coolant leaking down Megatron’s eyes… he vows to Prime that their conflict is not over and leaves with his allies to the surface, with a betrayed Optimus looking on.
With the restoration of the Matrix of Leadership, Cybertron is brought back to life: nergon flows once again from the planet’s core to the surface, and all of the cogless bots and miners obtain transformation cogs, because now in Cybertron under Optimus’s new leadership, freedom and autonomy are the rights of all sentient beings and bots. Here, they are all truly Autobots.
Ending the movie, he would give a final warning to Quintessons and to the new enemies of his people. If they dared return to Cybertron and Iacon… the new Autobots will be waiting. He will be waiting.
For he is…
OPTIMUS PRIME!
However… Another movement is brewing, far away from the Autobot’s victory.
A movement… at Megatron’s feet.
He tells his new followers that Sentinel the betrayer is dead.
But his death has given life to a new enemy.
A stronger enemy.
A personal enemy.
But Megatron vows that they will not be blinded by this new Prime’s deception.
Because they are the ones who are…
With a final primal yell as his new lieutenants of Shockwave, Soundwave, and Starscream look on at their new commander, with his followers repeating his cry…
DECEPTICONS! RISE UP!!!
So… yeah. If you didn’t get the memo from this, please watch this movie. I really need a sequel.