Transformers: The Last Knight
Introduction
Transformers: The Last Knight, released in 2017, is the fifth installment in the live-action Transformers film series, following the events of Transformers: Age of Extinction. Directed by Michael Bay, the film is based on the popular Hasbro Transformers toy line and continues the epic battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. The screenplay was written by Art Marcum, Matt Holloway, and Ken Nolan, with a star-studded cast including Mark Wahlberg, Josh Duhamel, Stanley Tucci, and Anthony Hopkins.
Produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, and Don Murphy, among others, the film had a significant production budget ranging from $217 to $260 million. It premiered on June 18, 2017, at the Odeon Leicester Square in London and was released in the United States on June 21, 2017, by Paramount Pictures. What sets Transformers: The Last Knight apart is its intricate plot, which delves into the ancient history of the Transformers and their connection to Earth, adding a new layer of depth to the franchise.
Plot Summary
The plot of Transformers: The Last Knight is multifaceted and spans across different timelines. The film begins with a historical segment set in 484 AD, where Merlin, with the help of the Knights of Iacon (a group of Transformers), aids King Arthur in defeating the Saxons. The Knights hand Merlin a powerful staff, which is crucial for the events that unfold in the present day.
In the present, Optimus Prime, after leaving Earth, finds his home planet Cybertron in ruins and discovers that he was responsible for its destruction. He encounters Quintessa, the Cybertronian goddess, who brainwashes him into becoming Nemesis Prime and tasks him with retrieving Merlin’s staff from Earth. This staff is essential for restoring Cybertron by draining Earth’s energy core, which Quintessa believes is the ancient enemy Unicron.
On Earth, Cade Yeager, an ally to the Autobots, is given a talisman by a dying Transformer knight. This talisman sets off a chain of events as Cade, along with Bumblebee and a new character, Izabella, a young Latina scavenger, become embroiled in a global hunt for the staff. They are pursued by the Transformers Reaction Force (TRF), a paramilitary task force, and the Decepticons, who have aligned themselves with Quintessa.
The story takes a dramatic turn as Cade and his allies travel to London to meet Sir Edmund Burton, an eccentric British professor, and Viviane Wembly, a descendant of Merlin. Together, they uncover the secrets of the staff and the true nature of Earth as Unicron. The climax of the film involves a massive battle between the Autobots, the Knights of Iacon, and the Decepticons, with the fate of both Earth and Cybertron hanging in the balance. Ultimately, the staff is removed, stopping the energy transfer, and Optimus Prime defeats Megatron while Bumblebee seemingly kills Quintessa, saving both worlds but leaving them attached in a new configuration [1][5].
Themes and Symbolism
Transformers: The Last Knight explores several central themes that enrich its narrative. One of the primary themes is the struggle for control and the consequences of attempting to dominate others. This is evident in Quintessa’s plan to use the staff to drain Earth’s energy, as well as the TRF’s relentless pursuit of the Autobots. The film highlights how such attempts at control inevitably fail, as seen in the Autobots’ resistance and the eventual defeat of Quintessa and Megatron.
Another significant theme is the concept of identity and redemption. Optimus Prime’s transformation into Nemesis Prime and his subsequent return to his true self serve as a powerful metaphor for the struggle between good and evil within oneself. This theme is also reflected in Cade Yeager’s journey, as he navigates his role as a protector and ally to the Autobots, ultimately finding a sense of purpose and redemption.
The film also delves into historical and mythological symbolism, particularly with the inclusion of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. This adds a layer of depth to the Transformers universe, linking their ancient history to human mythology and emphasizing the interconnectedness of their worlds [1][5].
Cultural Impact
Transformers: The Last Knight had a significant cultural impact upon its release, though it was not without controversy. The film grossed $605.4 million worldwide but received largely negative reviews from critics, leading to an estimated loss of $100 million for Paramount Pictures when marketing and distribution costs were factored in.
Despite the critical reception, the film contributed to the ongoing popularity of the Transformers franchise. It introduced new characters and plotlines that expanded the universe, such as the revelation that Earth is actually Unicron, a planet-eating Transformer. This twist opened up new possibilities for future films and other media within the franchise.
However, the film was also criticized for its portrayal of female characters and people of color. The depiction of Izabella, a young Latina character, and the handling of certain scenes involving racial stereotypes were particularly contentious [3].
Critical Reception
The critical reception of Transformers: The Last Knight was predominantly negative. Critics panned the film for its convoluted plot, excessive length, and poor character development. The film holds a low rating on various review platforms, with many critics feeling that it failed to live up to the standards set by previous films in the series.
Audience reception was also mixed, with some fans appreciating the new plot twists and others feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of the story. The film’s use of historical and mythological elements was seen as both innovative and confusing by different viewers.
Controversies surrounding the film’s portrayal of racial and gender stereotypes further marred its reception. The scene involving a young Black man throwing himself in front of a bullet to save a white character was particularly criticized for its insensitivity and lack of consideration for the impact on Black viewers [3].
Legacy
Despite the mixed reception, Transformers: The Last Knight has left a lasting impact on the franchise and cinematic history. It marked a significant shift in the narrative direction of the Transformers films, introducing new characters and plotlines that have influenced subsequent movies.
The film’s visual effects and action sequences were praised, even by critics who otherwise disliked the film. The battle scenes, particularly the final confrontation between the Autobots and the Decepticons, set a high standard for action films in terms of scale and intensity.
Transformers: The Last Knight also paved the way for the prequel Bumblebee, released in 2018, which received more positive reviews and is seen as a more focused and emotionally resonant entry in the franchise.
In conclusion, while Transformers: The Last Knight may not be the most acclaimed film in the series, it remains an important part of the Transformers narrative, contributing to the rich and complex universe that fans have come to love.
