Genre: Animation | Sci-fi | Action.

Brothers turned enemies. It’s one of the saddest tropes in storytelling, and Transformers One takes us into one of the most famous examples in modern media: the origin of Optimus Prime and Megatron. This prequel tells the story of what led to their lifelong feud—giving us a look at the tragic collapse of one of the most important friendships in the Transformers universe.

Transformers One takes on a rivalry we thought we knew everything about. Directed by Josh Cooley, the movie takes us back to the time before Optimus Prime and Megatron became bitter enemies. It focuses on their early years on Cybertron, back when they were simply Orion Pax and D-16—miners who were more like brothers than mere friends. The film captures the bond between them, showing us how betrayal, idealism, and power struggles paved the way for one of the most epic conflicts in sci-fi history.

Orion Pax is an ambitious, young miner with dreams bigger than the life he’s leading on Cybertron. With his friend D-16 by his side, the two are inseparable, bound by shared struggles and a desire for something more. Together, they stumble upon a secret that changes everything. They discover that Sentinel Prime, the leader of Cybertron, has been in league with the Quintessons, the very beings they’ve been fighting against. This revelation shakes their belief in the system and leaves them questioning everything they thought they knew.

The film paints Sentinel as a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and his pact with the Quintessons sets up a brilliant commentary on power and control. When the two friends realize that Sentinel has been removing transformation cogs from the bots, preventing them from reaching their full potential, it sets into motion the fall of the friendship. D-16 is bitter and angry and sees violence as the only way forward. While Orion wants to change Cybertron through hope and unity,

As the movie progresses, this philosophical divide becomes too large to bridge. D-16 takes on the name Megatron, and what started as a fight for justice becomes a war for power. The final act, where Optimus Prime and Megatron come to blows, starts the infamous war between the Autobots and Decepticons.

Chris Hemsworth voices Optimus Prime, a departure from Peter Cullen’s classic, authoritative take on the character. While it was necessary to bring a youthful edge to Optimus Prime, it was a little disappointing not hearing that iconic voice booming in stereo.

Brian Tyree Henry’s Megatron, on the other hand, captures the tone of a character who’s not purely evil but is driven by his own distorted sense of justice. It’s a beautiful balance of ambition and tragedy, and it’s hard not to feel sympathy for the one who would become the ultimate villain of the Autobots.

At its core, Transformers One is a story about friendship, betrayal, and the fight for freedom. Orion Pax is the optimist who believes in the power of unity and hope. He embodies the hero’s journey, going from a humble miner to the leader of a revolution. On the other hand, D-16 (Megatron) is the tragic figure, consumed by rage and a desire for justice, which ultimately warps into tyranny.

The movie does an excellent job of showing that Megatron wasn’t always a villain. In fact, in the early stages, it’s hard not to root for him. He fights for the rights of the downtrodden and challenges the corrupt system led by Sentinel Prime. But his descent into darkness is heartbreaking.

The relationship between Optimus and Megatron isn’t black and white, and Transformers One revels in the gray areas of their friendship-turned-rivalry.

That said, these are minor gripes in the grand scheme of things. Transformers One does what it sets out to do: it tells an emotionally charged origin story that’s equal parts heart and spectacle. It’s a film that both die-hard fans and newcomers can appreciate, thanks to its emphasis on character development and the beautifully rendered world of Cybertron.

With a strong voice cast, breathtaking animation, and a storyline that digs deeper into a shared history, it stands as one of the best entries in the Transformers franchise. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of Cybertron, this film is a must-watch.

★★★★☆