Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dark, pretentious sci-fi thriller tackles big questions.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Transcendence
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is mostly disappointing, with many finding it slow-paced and boring, particularly for younger audiences, though older teens might appreciate the sci-fi concepts and emotional themes. While the special effects and some action scenes received praise, numerous reviewers highlighted the poor execution and lack of engaging content, with conflicting opinions on its suitability for younger viewers due to mild violence and language.
- disappointing execution
- slow-paced
- older teens appeal
- mild violence
- special effects praised
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp), the world's preeminent expert on artificial intelligence, is attacked by a band of anti-technology extremists, leaving him close to death. His research partner/wife, Evelyn (Rebecca Hall), realizes that she and their brilliant scientist friend (Paul Bettany) can save Will -- or at least his mind -- by transferring his consciousness into a powerful experimental computer. The scientist quickly becomes intertwined with the Internet, giving him access to every electronic system on Earth, and is soon developing stunning breakthroughs that promise to change the planet for the better. But Will has other goals as well, and his growing power makes him a threat to anyone in his way.
Is It Any Good?
TRANSCENDENCE is ambitious, with an interesting premise, making for an engrossing cinematic experience. But, just like the supercomputer at the center of its plot, it feels at a slight remove. Yes, the cinematography is impressive and the actors are talented, but it doesn't fail to remind you at every turn that it's epic -- to the point of pomposity.
Still, the film asks some very compelling questions: At what point does human interest in artificial intelligence cross the line? How far do we want science to go? Are there any downsides to our yearning to create a "sentient machine"? The movie addresses all of these somewhat, but only on the surface. It's got too much on its plate -- special effects, dystopian plot, Depp -- to pay close attention to other themes it raises: love, death, immortality. Perhaps if it had allowed some of its more intimate moments to linger, Transcendence would actually be transcendent.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Transcendence's messages about technology. Is this a cautionary tale? Do you think anything like this would ever be possible in real life?
Is that really Will in the computer? How is he like a human, and how is he not?
What do you think about the relationship between Evelyn and her virtual husband? How do her feelings change toward Will, and how does his digital consciousness react?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 18, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : July 22, 2014
- Cast : Johnny Depp , Kate Mara , Morgan Freeman
- Director : Wally Pfister
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Run time : 119 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sci-fi action and violence, some bloody images, brief strong language and sensuality
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate