F1 Movie Review: Brad Pitt Drives a High-Octane Spectacle
Joseph Kosinski, the director behind the thrilling Top Gun: Maverick, returns with F1: The Movie, a high-budget racing drama that places audiences squarely in the intense world of Formula One. Starring Brad Pitt as a veteran driver making a comeback, the film promises pulse-pounding action and a look inside the elite sport. However, beyond the roaring engines and cutting-edge visuals, the movie often feels like a meticulously crafted vehicle for its leading man, exploring both Brad Pitt’s enduring strengths and perhaps some limitations as a modern movie star.
At its core, F1 tells the story of Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a seasoned driver brought in halfway through the season to revitalize a struggling team, APXGP. He’s paired with the rising but perhaps overly-focused-on-appearances rookie, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). Their dynamic is portrayed as a clash of generations and styles – Sonny, an “old school” figure who overlapped with legends like Ayrton Senna, lives simply out of a camper van, prioritizing the pure act of driving. Joshua represents the new era, concerned with simulators, sponsors, and his online image, living a sleek city life. This veteran-rookie pairing provides a central tension, though reviews note the storyline can lean heavily on predictable clichés found in sports dramas.
Brad Pitt’s Star Power on Display
Much like Top Gun: Maverick served as a treatise on Tom Cruise, F1 functions significantly as a showcase for Brad Pitt. The film positions Sonny Hayes as a kind of “ronin” figure, representing authenticity and grit in the highly polished, commercialized world of modern F1. Despite being portrayed as a washed-up veteran, Pitt’s character maintains an effortless cool, looking perpetually ready for a magazine shoot – denim shirt, bohemian necklaces, tattoos on display.
The film acknowledges Pitt’s age (60 at the time of production), not as a hurdle, but as an asset, highlighting his character’s “patina” and experience alongside the youthfulness of Idris. The camera clearly loves Pitt, capturing his charm and presence on track and off. His portrayal leans into wisdom and resilience rather than his typical smarm, which some critics found refreshing. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer highlighted that the narrative was crafted around a “redemption and second chances” theme for Pitt’s character, akin to classic sports underdog stories like Rocky.
However, the film also exposes a potential limitation noted by some: Pitt’s often reserved, cool demeanor means his performances are frequently enhanced by a strong foil. While Damson Idris is a talented actor, some reviews suggest his character doesn’t provide the dynamic counterpoint needed to fully ignite Pitt’s performance or the central relationship.
A Spectacle of Speed and Sound
Where F1 truly excels is in its technical execution. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his visual prowess, the film prioritized realism. The production team, including Bruckheimer and writer Ehren Kruger (reuniting from Top Gun: Maverick), worked extensively with Formula One management (like Stefano Domenicali) and key figures like Lewis Hamilton (who served as a producer) to gain access to real F1 race weekends.
Filming took place during actual Grands Prix, utilizing innovative camera technology to capture the visceral experience of racing. Brad Pitt and Damson Idris underwent rigorous physical training for months to handle the demands and G-forces involved in driving F1-style cars at high speeds (Pitt reportedly drove up to 180 mph). This commitment to practical effects and filming on real tracks, rather than relying heavily on bluescreen, results in racing sequences that are widely praised as good, often great, and incredibly immersive.
The film successfully conveys the sense of speed, the jockeying for position, and the sheer spectacle of F1 racing, putting the audience right in the cockpit. This technical mastery creates an exhilarating “thrill ride,” making it feel like an “amusement park attraction” at times, especially when viewed on a large screen with premium audio, as recommended by critics.
Lacking Emotional Traction?
While the spectacle is undeniable, several reviews point to a notable lack of emotional depth and strong character development outside of the core veteran/rookie dynamic. Despite the characters discussing concepts like reaching a “flow state” in racing, the film reportedly struggles to make the audience feel that intensity or truly connect with the characters’ inner journeys.
Critics argue that the script, despite the talented cast including Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, and Kim Bodnia, doesn’t always allow the personalities to shine through. Some felt that potentially interesting characters, like the team’s technical director (played by Kerry Condon), were underdeveloped. One review suggested the film missed the core appeal that has driven F1’s recent popularity surge, which is less about the technicalities and more about the compelling personalities of the drivers and team members showcased in series like Drive to Survive.
The film’s heavy reliance on F1 branding and its massive budget (reportedly $305 million from Apple Studios) is visible on screen, contributing significantly to the spectacle. However, as one reviewer noted, while money can buy spectacle, it doesn’t guarantee emotional resonance or make audiences “touch our hearts.” The ever-present commercial world of F1 in the film perhaps overshadows the more intimate character moments.
A Big, Brash Blockbuster
Despite criticisms regarding narrative predictability and emotional depth, F1: The Movie seems poised to function effectively as a large-scale summer blockbuster. It delivers on its promise of high-octane racing spectacle, benefiting from incredible access and cutting-edge filmmaking techniques. Brad Pitt’s presence provides a central star power that anchors the film, even if the character dynamics aren’t fully realized.
The film was specifically greenlit by Apple with a significant global theatrical release through Warner Bros., a testament to the producers’ belief in the theatrical experience for this kind of visually ambitious film. While longtime F1 fans might spot technical inaccuracies or plot holes, casual viewers are more likely to be swept up in the sheer speed and sound.
Ultimately, F1: The Movie offers an exhilarating ride into the world of Formula One, showcasing incredible racing visuals and featuring a charismatic performance from Brad Pitt. While it may fall short on character development and emotional resonance compared to its technical achievements, it delivers a big, loud, and undeniably impressive spectacle designed for maximum impact on the largest screen possible.
