F1 The Film is basically a two-and-a-half-hour business with a surprisingly compelling story. Manufacturers are littered all through the movie, and the title itself is pulled from Formulation One racing. It’s not unique in any respect, and but I used to be riveted by each minute of the movie. Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Prime Gun: Maverick) from a screenplay by Ehren Kruger, F1 The Film is participating and entertaining, constructing momentum and laying the groundwork for character payoffs. It may’ve simply phoned it in, as so many brand-related films are wont to do, however Kosinski’s movie makes us really feel one thing.
At its coronary heart, the film is in regards to the triumphant return of a has-been who learns a factor or two about working with a staff and rekindles his love of racing. The story follows race automotive driver Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), who went from being among the best within the 90s to driving a van and driving in one-off races. He avoids offers, however when his outdated buddy and fellow former race automotive driver Ruben (Javier Bardem), now the top of APXGP, recruits him to win one race and convey him out of debt, Sonny finds himself returning to the world of F1.
F1 Is A Traditional & Entertaining Underdog Film
You’ll by no means guess from the trailers alone, however F1 is kind of entertaining. It has an irresistible charisma, there are precise stakes, and the racing scenes are fairly suspenseful, intense, and terrifically executed. I used to be stunned by its comedic moments; they have been well-timed and added to the character dynamics. Even with all its technical phrases and the fixed barrage of corporate-sponsored indicators, the movie is definitely grounded, centered on the rivalry between Sonny and Ruben’s rookie driver, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), which has layers which might be peeled again all through the movie, and the teamwork it takes to win.
The most effective issues in regards to the movie is the truth that the primary characters are fleshed out sufficient for the story to work
The characters are straightforward to root for, the connection buildup is well-paced and infrequently complicated, and the racing itself is heart-pounding. F1 has all the weather of a traditional underdog film, but in addition pits the outdated towards the brand new in a method that’s contemporary and intense. There’s not a second you don’t need Sonny and Joshua — whom Sonny nicknames JP, a lot to the latter’s annoyance — to suck it up and begin working collectively as a staff, however it’s a jog and never a dash to get there. By the point they do, it’s a monumental second that’s earned.
F1 Has A Incredible Ensemble Forged
The most effective issues in regards to the movie is the truth that the primary characters are fleshed out sufficient for the story to work — with characters like Joshua and Kate, I wished to know much more about them than the story offers us, which is part of what makes a great character. The F1 staff that works alongside Ruben and the drivers is great and made up of an ideal solid that every one pull their weight. Each failure or win actually looks like a collective staff effort, and the pitch-perfect ensemble actually sells each second.
Brad Pitt nonetheless has that onscreen attraction that convinces us to consider in his character’s underdog story, the asshole with an eye fixed for technique whose previous life as a race automotive driver (and his emotions about it) stands in the best way of his reference to Joshua and different folks. Sonny and Joshua have a great push-pull dynamic that retains the story going; it by no means feels extended or goes overboard. Damson Idris can also be wonderful as Joshua, elevating the fabric with well-timed seems and an assuredness that rivals Sonny’s. They’re two sides of the identical coin, whereas additionally providing a pleasant distinction that underscores their roles at totally different phases.
Damson Idris can also be wonderful as Joshua, elevating the fabric with well-timed seems and an assuredness that rivals Sonny’s.
Kerry Condon as Kate is maybe one of many extra fascinating characters within the film. That is partially as a result of writing and principally resulting from Condon’s portrayal. She has a compelling onscreen presence and he or she and Pitt have good chemistry that makes their characters’ relationship very plausible. In some ways, she is the center of the story and her presence acts as a pleasant steadiness between Sonny and Joshua. Javier Bardem can also be nice and makes probably the most of his scenes, whereas Tobias Menzies has a very implausible scene with Pitt that pulls his character into higher focus.
The Film’s F1 Racing Is Intense & Riveting To Watch
After all, the movie wouldn’t be what it’s with out the racing. Each time the drivers get into their automobiles and the crimson lights start showing earlier than the race begins is a hold-your-breath second. It’s a film the place chances are you’ll know what’s going to occur by the tip, however the journey to get there isn’t totally set in stone. Even in its most predictable moments, the story had me in its grip.
On the movie’s turning level (and also you’ll comprehend it whenever you see it), F1 could have you fearing the worst. All of the races — and particularly the final — are expertly shot, and the modifying by Stephen Mirrione, because it shifts from the drivers to the crew, creates a way of depth that by no means lets up. The rating from Hans Zimmer provides to the depth, oscillating between music that retains us on edge after which warms the center. Probably the most heartbreaking scene within the movie, although, has no sound in any respect, and it’s all of the stronger for it because it elevates the feelings of the second.
F1 is a theater film for positive. It’s thrilling to observe it with a crowd that’ll react appropriately, from the laughs to the gasps to the cheers (my theater viewers had all three reactions). Even in the event you’re not into the game or have by no means watched a race in its entirety (I haven’t), F1 will nonetheless maintain your curiosity. It is perhaps a Formulation One promotional film at its core, however at the least it’s a rattling good movie.
F1
8/10
- Launch Date
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June 27, 2025
- Director
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Joseph Kosinski
- Writers
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Ehren Kruger
- Producers
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Brad Pitt, Chad Oman, Jerry Bruckheimer, Jeremy Kleiner, Lewis Hamilton, Joseph Kosinski, Dede Gardner
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Damson Idris
Joshua ‘Noah’ Pearce
- The ensemble solid is great and works properly collectively
- The racing scenes are intense and well-shot
- The movie has nice buildup and a great total story
- The music and modifying is implausible
- The movie may’ve been a contact shorter