Neo is undoubtedly the single most powerful character in the entire Matrix saga, but his powers in The Matrix Revolutions showcase his power beyond the Matrix itself. With each movie growing and expanding on the hero’s powers, Neo transcends the shackles and limitations of even the real world and proves his unique abilities cannot be contained. Neo performs superhuman feats in the “real world” itself, proving his unique nature even from his prior possible incarnations. Even blinded, Neo learns discovers he can actually “see” the real world with everything illuminated as though it was on fire and bathed in gold.
Finally realizing his full potential in the Matrix in the first movie, Neo is still challenged in his war against the tyrannical machines that perpetuate the digital prison. Discovering the profound truth of what the Matrix is and why it exists in the second movie, he pushes himself to the very limits of the Matrix’s capabilities in saving Trinity. Neo awakens on the Nebuchadnezzar and learns he can actually sense the sentinels and even psychically destroy them, with the incredible effort putting him into a coma. Upon waking and attempting to continue his deadly pilgrimage to the Machine City, Neo is blinded by Agent Smith inhabiting the body of Bane.
Neo’s Powers Beyond The Matrix Make Him More Powerful
Neo learns during his struggle with Agent Smith that his able to “see” the devious program in his true form even though he is grievously blinded. This newfound ability extends to everything the machine world touches, and even allows Neo to destroy machines with nothing but his mind and considerable effort. Neo’s first “sight” of the enormous Machine City is a golden utopia bathed in light, contrasting that of the dark blue reality as seen by Trinity. Even his encounter with the ominous Deus Ex Machina, an incredibly powerful Machine, is that of a blindingly bright light not unlike a biblical incarnation of God.
This very power makes Neo a considerable threat to the Machines as it connects him to the Source, the mysterious and singular program at the heart of the Machines’ entire civilization and the Matrix itself. Even with the Machines’ considerable power, Neo is able to broker a deal with Deus Ex Machina, suggesting that his powers extend even beyond their own. With Neo and Agent Smith’s fates inextricably linked, Neo is the only one able to stop the rogue program from finally escaping the confines of the Matrix and usurping the Machines that have kept Agent Smith locked away for so long.
Neo’s Revolutions Weakness Is Deceptive
Neo’s protracted and challenging final confrontation with Agent Smith, the two seem to be almost equal in both their power and command of the Matrix itself. The two even create several impressive sonic booms as they trade blows in the downpour of the now-desolate Matrix. With Agent Smith eventually gaining the upper hand and besting Neo, the One is quick to reestablish his power not only over the Matrix but over that of Smith himself, delivering a series of blows that nearly decimates the villain. Emerging from the rubble, however, Smith is enraged by Neo’s continued defiance and renews his assault.
Interestingly, as the conflict approaches its inevitable conclusion, Neo is coming to a resolution. As Agent Smith lifts Neo up, there is a brief moment where Neo both lets go of Agent Smith’s hands, but also extends his hand open and outwardly to allow the Agent to land a critical blow. Despite Agent Smith and Neo’s power levels being near identical, this tiny detail shows that Neo is no longer fighting to win but actually allowing himself to lose, changing the context of Smith’s victory in The Matrix Revolutions. In making this explicit choice, his real power against Smith is revealed and Neo’s destiny as the One is realized. Neo’s true power is the will to choose.
