F1: The Movie (2025) - Film Review

      F1 The Movie, 2025.

      Directed by Joseph Kosinski.

      Featuring Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Kim Bodnia, Tobias Menzies, Shea Whigham, Sarah Niles, Samson Kayo, Lewis Hamilton, Will Buxton, Joseph Balderrama, Callie Cooke, and Will Merrick.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A retired Formula One driver returns to mentor and partner with a younger racer.

      At a crucial moment in Joseph Kosinski's F1 The Movie, Javier Bardem's former racer and current Formula One team owner, Ruben, confesses to Brad Pitt’s disgraced "never-was" driver, Sonny Hayes, that they are both failures, expressing confusion over why they pursue such elusive and daunting success. This monologue can also be viewed as a filmmaker reflecting on the risks and madness inherent in their craft, particularly in light of the director's recent works.

      It's clear that racing has never been depicted with such realism, excitement, and sensory impact as in F1 The Movie. This outstanding achievement is thanks to the Top Gun: Maverick director, who revisits the thrilling filmmaking philosophy of Tom Cruise, this time placing Brad Pitt and Damson Idris behind the wheel of Formula One cars on global tracks. The film employs a mix of cockpit and overhead shots, combined with powerful sound design (a blend of roaring engines, adrenaline-pumping music from Hans Zimmer, and faint race commentary that aids in understanding the events) and stunning visuals (sparks and crashes) that together create an unforgettable experience likely to remain unmatched.

      If one wonders why anyone would endure the significant challenges of creating a film in such a practical manner, or why actors would undergo the training to perform it authentically, this theme also emerges.

      Despite suffering serious injuries and tarnishing his reputation through gambling scandals, Sonny Hayes continues to race professionally, even if he is uncertain about the purpose of it all. Teamwork doesn't seem to be his focus; he humorously, yet calmly, warns another driver against losing his lead during a 24-hour race. There’s a sense that money and material things aren't significant to him either. When he reunites with Ruben to drive for his struggling F1 team and possibly save it from being shut down by financial investor Banning (Tobias Menzies), it becomes evident that Sonny is indifferent to fame and social media validation, particularly dismayed by his younger partner Joshua Pearce's (Damson Idris) show-off tendencies.

      Again, Sonny is not particularly team-oriented; he is a confident individual who embraces flattery and idolization while often radiating a carefree, rebellious demeanor. Nonetheless, he understands what is needed from him and the crew, including technical director and wind analyst Kate (Kerry Condon), who must modify vehicle components to help counteract their deficiencies. With Sonny's strategic rule-bending during races (the film details racing strategies and regulations with clarity for newcomers and seasoned viewers alike), they may have a shot at winning a race that could save the team.

      A notable focus is also placed on Joshua, who thrives on the excitement of racing but is increasingly drawn into the pitfalls of public relations and social media attention rather than allowing his performance to speak for itself. When Sonny finally tells Joshua that all the hype is simply "noise," it reflects Joseph Kosinski's commentary on the dismal state of the film industry and influencer culture. It also serves as a general yet empowering reminder to pursue one's passion, setting aside fame and fortune.

      These are the more engaging aspects of an otherwise predictably clichéd screenplay by Ehren Kruger (who collaborated with Joseph Kosinski on the story) that indulges in every racing trope imaginable. Yet, the filmmakers leverage the immense star power and charm of Brad Pitt, who effortlessly embodies the movie star persona. In a media briefing scene, Sonny responds to each superficial question with a relaxed "yes!", creating a striking contrast to Joshua's eagerness for attention. It seems few actors can achieve such an effortlessly convincing performance.

      This is not meant to overshadow Damson Idris, who is equally dynamic and compelling as Joshua. Both characters are in search of deeper understanding and purpose behind their choices and motivations. Even when F1 The Movie leans into retro cheese by making Kate a romantic interest for Sonny, one may want to resist the overt corniness, yet it works; these movie stars can take even the most conventional storytelling elements and make them compelling against the odds.

      This prompts reflection on whether the clichés themselves might be flawed. Proven formulas exist across genres, and the execution is what truly matters. Bold filmmaking that authentically captures the essence of Formula One racing also helps to smooth over these bumps. F1 The Movie is a triumphant return to the grand, engaging blockbusters of the past, reminding us of how enjoyable they once were. May Joseph Kosinski, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Damson Idris,