The narrative centers on Brad Pitt's character, Sonny Hayes, a race car driver who fell from being among the greatest in the 1990s to driving a van and participating in one-off races.  He stays away from negotiations, but Sonny finds himself back in the Formula One scene when his old buddy and fellow racing car driver Ruben (Javier Bardem), who is now the head of APXGP, recruits him to win one race and pay off his debt. 
The movie is centered on the rivalry between Sonny and Ruben's rookie driver, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), which has layers that are revealed throughout the film, and the teamwork required to win, despite all of its technical jargon and the continuous onslaught of corporate-sponsored signs. 
In addition to having all the makings of a traditional underdog film, Formula One sets the old against the modern in a novel and compelling way.  Though it's a jog rather than a sprint, you eventually want Sonny and Joshua, whom Sonny calls JP, much to the latter's chagrin, to come on board and begin working as a team.  By the time they do, they have earned a historic moment. 
Brad Pitt still exudes the charisma that makes us believe in his character's underdog tale—the shrewd asshole whose relationship with Joshua and others is hampered by his former life as a race car driver and his views about it.  The plot never feels drawn out or overdone because of the strong push-pull relationship between Sonny and Joshua.  As Joshua, Damson Idris excels as well, enhancing the content with a confident demeanor that rivals Sonny's and well-timed glances.  In addition to being two sides of the same coin, they provide a pleasing contrast that highlights their responsibilities at various phases. 
Kate, played by Kerry Condon, is arguably one of the film's most interesting characters.  This is primarily because of Condon's portrayal, but it's also partly because of the writing.  Her on-screen persona is captivating, and her and Pitt's connection makes their characters' relationship seem extremely real.  She serves as the story's central character in many respects and provides a pleasant counterpoint to Sonny and Joshua.  Tobias Menzies has an especially brilliant interaction with Pitt that brings his character into sharper light, while Javier Bardem is also excellent and makes the most of his scenes. 
Every race, but particularly the final one, is superbly filmed, and stephen Mirrione's editing, which switches between the drivers and the crew, maintains the tension throughout.  The intensity is increased by Hans Zimmer's score, which alternates between heartwarming and tense music.  However, the most devastating sequence in the movie is soundless, and it's all the better because it heightens the feelings of the audience. 
Overall, F1 Feels Like a Throwback to ’90s Summer Blockbusters

Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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F1 Movie Review

SIBY JEYYA

26/06/2025 01:41 PM