"F1" Film Review

F1

Rating: 5/5

By: Nathaniel Simpson

    Just the idea for the F1 movie sounds intriguing - Brad Pitt racing against well-known and beloved F1 drivers in a movie directed by the director of the blockbuster hit, Top Gun: Maverick. The premise and the cast and crew alone was enough to promise the viewer a hell of a fun time at the movies, showing what the summer blockbuster should be like. Thankfully, they did not disappoint one bit, with F1 being a high-octane rollercoaster from start to finish; this here is a movie that will have your adrenaline pumping and keep a huge smile on your face from start to finish. 

    Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a former promising F1 driver who has struggled to find where he fits in the racing world for almost thirty years. Therefore, when his old-time rival/friend Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem) comes to him with a proposition for Sonny to race for his F1 team, it sounds not only daunting, but too good to pass up. However, on this new team which is called APX, he teams up with Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), who is a hotshot rookie that has yet to win a race. The two clash and butt heads over everything, and they have to figure out how to work together to be able to give APX their first win in F1 before they are shut down for good. 

    This is undoubtedly Pitt's Top Gun. He plays this aging racer who is handsome and charismatic, but has to go up against this new slew of younger racers that don't think he can keep up with them. He is the Tom Cruise here in this movie, showing how even though he may be older and be out of the game for quite some time, that doesn't argue with God-given talent. His foil comes in the form of Pearce, who Sonny gives the nickname JP. He is young and stubborn, thinking he is the best and will do anything for sponsorships and fame. It is obvious his heart is not in the right place, which then starts a contrast between him and Sonny. I think the chemistry and the ongoing tension between these two characters radiates off the screen, and you would start to believe that the two actors truly hate each other's guts. They both do so well here in the constraints of the film, and they are both playing such badass characters that you want to root for. 

    I also really love the budding romance chemistry between Pitt and Kerry Condon's character, as well as his friendship with Bardem's character. His relationship on-screen with Condon's character isn't necessarily very deep, but it is one of those that makes you swoon and find yourself with a huge smile whenever they're on the screen together. They are both very attractive and charismatic characters, and it's hard not to fall for them. The same can be said for Bardem and Pitt, in a different sort of light. This relationship between the two of them is that of two old buddies who have been in this game for so long and haven't gotten the recognition they deserve. They both vie for that win simply out of their love for the sport. 

    The racing scenes here are electric and keep you on the edge of your seat. I have seen people grumble and complain about it not being very factual to the rules and the actual racing of Formula 1, but let's be honest, are we really expecting that for a film? It's a fictional story that solely exists to tell a fun and entertaining story, and I think it did that perfectly here. This movie isn't meant to be taken very seriously or be nitpicked on every little aspect, and when you watch it in that light, you will recognize how fun this movie truly is. The racing segments are fast-paced and full of energy, while also being able to interject humor and character development for the movie. In addition, the soundtrack that they have conjured up for this picture is incredible and works so well in the context of the racing scenes. 

    The cinematography is also top-notch, just like that for other films from director Joseph Kosinski and cinematographer Claudio Miranda. They are able to work together to get these shots that are so beautiful and spike the viewer's adrenaline levels when watching it. Consider any of the racing segments throughout this film; they are so beautifully shot and really puts the audience inside that car with Brad Pitt. It had me on the edge of my seat and holding on for dear life in every single one of these racing segments. 

    F1 delivered everything I wanted from this movie, and I had such a good time with it. From start to finish, you can tell the entire cast and crew had a blast making this picture, and they are injecting those fun, energetic vibes into the picture. I'm really enjoying this new era in Pitt's career, allowing him to take on such fun roles like this. I can understand why some big F1 fans might have some problems with it, but I think this movie opens the door for a whole new generation of F1 fans.