Brad Pitt buckles up for a high-speed turn in F1 the Movie, a Formula One drama aiming for pole position on the silver screen. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for the visually stunning Top Gun: Maverick, this film plunges viewers into the high-stakes world of F1 racing, centered around a veteran driver making an improbable comeback. But does it cross the finish line as a champion or spin out? This review dives into the spectacle, the melodrama, and how Brad Pitt handles the intense pressure.
What’s the Story? A Veteran’s Return
The core premise introduces Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a charismatic sixtysomething driver returning to Formula One three decades after a near-fatal crash. Having spent time out of the spotlight, Sonny is recruited by his old friend and now team owner, Ruben (Javier Bardem), to help revive the struggling APXGP team. The move isn’t popular with everyone, facing resistance from the skeptical board member Banning (Tobias Menzies) and the team’s young, mercurial star driver, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), who sees Sonny as an “old man” threat.
The narrative broadly follows a classic “old guy mentors rookie” structure, reminiscent in theme to films like Cars. It’s a story of redemption, adapting to a new era, and challenging the established order, focusing on whether Sonny’s “crazy attack strategies” and wily experience can reignite the team’s fortunes and shake up the competitive F1 landscape.
Behind the Wheel: Style and Spectacle
One of the film’s most notable aspects is its production pedigree and visual flair. Explicitly licensed by the F1 brand, the movie integrates real-life race footage, placing Pitt’s character directly into the heart of the action. Lewis Hamilton is credited as a producer and makes a cameo, lending authenticity alongside glimpses of other real F1 figures.
Director Joseph Kosinski and cinematographer Claudio Miranda (also of Top Gun: Maverick) are skilled at capturing the thrilling speed and technological complexity of racing. The film showcases the “tech fetish of the cars themselves” and uses simulation graphics alongside the live-action sequences to convey the racing experience. While some critics note the film might prioritize visual melodrama over deep dives into the technical skills of F1, the result is undeniably spectacular and often surreal, even for those unfamiliar with the sport’s intricacies. The visual presentation, from corporate sheen to the “bizarre occult spectacle of motor racing,” is a key driver of the film’s entertainment value.
The Pit Stop: Characters and Performances
While the plot leans into familiar tropes, the cast brings energy to the story. Brad Pitt delivers a performance fitting his “amused-cowpoke” persona, portraying Sonny Hayes with a certain panache. However, some interpretations suggest his character’s rule-breaking can sometimes feel more like “weaponised incompetence” than charming rebellion, presenting a different facet of the veteran archetype compared to, say, Tom Cruise’s Maverick.
A crucial performance highlighted in reviews is Kerry Condon as the technical director, Kate McKenna. Condon’s portrayal is noted for adding significant relatability and grounding the film’s more bombastic elements. She is described as a “vital fuel ingredient” to the film’s success, essential for balancing the dynamics within the team. Damson Idris as the young hothead Joshua Pearce provides a counterpoint to Pitt’s veteran, though some feel the script occasionally sidelines his character in favor of focusing on Sonny’s near-mythical bravado. Javier Bardem as the team owner Ruben provides the emotional anchor for Sonny’s return.
The film also features notable cameos that connect it to the real F1 world. A moment where Sonny acknowledges Max Verstappen on track – “Damn, he’s good!” – serves as a nod to the current era. Verstappen, known for his early achievements including being the youngest driver to start a Grand Prix and win a race, represents the kind of modern F1 prowess Sonny is up against.
The Finish Line: Review Verdict
F1 the Movie is undeniably a “spectacular macho melodrama.” It embraces its “outrageously cheesy” elements with gusto, delivering a fiercely and extravagantly shot experience. While it might not satisfy purists seeking a gritty, hyper-realistic portrayal of Formula One’s technical demands, and some character dynamics feel predictable, the film succeeds as an entertaining spectacle.
The blend of real race footage, compelling visuals, and the star power of Brad Pitt, supported by strong performances like Kerry Condon’s, makes for an engaging watch. Director Joseph Kosinski navigates the blend of sports action and character drama with panache, resulting in a film that, while maybe not a deep dive into the sport’s nuances, captures its thrilling energy and dramatic potential. For F1 fans and newcomers alike, it offers a high-octane cinematic ride, proving to be a surprisingly enjoyable, if occasionally hokey, exploration of speed, legacy, and the drive to win.
