Speed. Adrenaline. Timing. Precision. Emotion and Redemption —these are the words that come to mind after experiencing the explosive thrill-ride of Joseph Kosinski’s F1: The Movie.

After crafting 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick which singlehandedly “saved theatrical distribution”, Kosinski has helmed yet another high-octane cinematic ride which leaves viewers captivated by a riveting background score, strong acting performances, breathtakingly aesthetic visuals, and effective sound design.

While the screenplay is rather predictable, following a known style of repeated redemption arcs seen in films such as Top Gun: Maverick, Rocky, and countless other films in which a protagonist rises from the ashes and relentlessly paves his way towards the pursuit of victory, it is undeniable that this film is a visual masterpiece — a must-see experience in the IMAX format.

The film’s performances, though grounded at times, were able to compliment the required sense of pacing for a script of this caliber. With the constant jump from one Formula 1 race to the next, it is noticeable that the dialog and the editing was intentionally formatted in a way to keep with the spirit of speed.

Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Sonny Hayes, a “has been” Formula 1 driver, effectively conveys the character’s desire to rise from his meager and unfulfilling circumstances. Experience is on his side while past emotional trauma bashes against him, as his friend and former racing partner Ruben Cervantes (played by Javier Bardem), seeks his talents to help him revive his failing F1 brand named APx. As owner of APx, Cervantes pairs Sonny with Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris) who is a young, up-and-coming driver with the potential to dominate the sport. As the clash of egos and relentless desire to win persists between the two, Ruben along with the team’s technical director Kate McKenna (played by Kerry Condon) whether the storm between both the veteran and the rookie racers.

The film explores ideas of work-ethic, overcoming adversity despite past experiences and terrible odds, and an idea of working as a team in order to strategize and innovate - to which all of the actors exceedingly conveyed, although subtly at times.

The most memorable quality of this film lies within its racing sequences. The background score by Hans Zimmer paired with the realistic sound design takes it to another level. When you’re in the theater, and you watch the race first-hand, viewing the driver’s point-of-view angle: every turn, every acceleration, every swerve, and every crash reverberates through your being. The film becomes more than a viewing - it becomes an experience. And that, similar to Top Gun: Maverick, will be an experience I will always remember.

****

4/5 Stars