- Date of Release: 27 June 2025
- Genre: Action, Drama, Sports
- Language: English
- Watch On: Theatres Only
F1 The Movie
Introduction
At the heart of things, the new English film ‘F1 The Movie’ can be regarded as a typical underdog story in the purest sense. When you are first introduced to Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), you see a poker-faced man splashing water on his face before entering a 24 hour race at the Daytona Oval. Sonny is similar to the old-rookie animated character in Cars (2006) who was once a star-driver within touching distance of glory at the Formula One Racing stage, before an unexpected crash stalled his budding career. In fact, the arrogance and grit that you witness early on with Sonny is basically his defence mechanism to cope with the outer world, while having to internalize his pain every single day (a pack of cards is used as a means for focus and distraction). In order to cope, you also see him taking up odd jobs even to the extent of a New York Taxi driver (he is clear by stating that it isn’t for the money), occasionally also signing up for races, and in the process enamouring the people around him. In other words, Sonny is a typical underdog whose second chance in life and on wheels, is just around the corner.
Story & Screenplay
The writers introduce the key conflict early on, through the character of Ruben (Javier Bardem). Back in the day, Ruben and Sonny were buddies, racing together, competing together and living life together until tragedy had plagued their lives. Instantly, there is a sense of nostalgia that binds the two characters together, even as the duo bond over drinks, even as Ruben floats an idea of Sonny joining Apex GP, his F1 team that is struggling with a debt of 350 million dollars. It is indeed a match made in heaven, even as Sonny remarks the offer to be ‘too good to be true’, while eventually agreeing to sign up! And thus begins a sports drama that is heart-pounding to the core, even while tracing Sonny’s journey from the British Grand Prix to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The chief highlight of the drama remains the races that unfold like a thriller stacked up in a haunted house. The sheer presence of ‘in-box’ cameras, first-person views and tailing tracking shots are enough to get your heart pumping, while being enamoured by the world of racing. And it is almost as if the pace of the drama is committed to compete with the pace of the races, that collectively accumulates a lot of emotions along the way. This is further accentuated by Sonny’s ultra-aggressive style of functioning, both on and off the tracks, that further spices up things. In a particular scene, you see him demanding a change in plan in the middle of the race at the pit-stop, a fleeting moment that ensures that dangerously aggressive style of play. His aggressive streak resembles Kabir Khan from Chak De India (2007), who had famously stated that he was the ‘Gunda’ (Thug) of the team!
Whilst the excitement often piles up on the racing tracks, the drama is smart enough to work with the dynamics between the characters that often forms the ‘driving force’ of the drama. For instance, you see Sonny sharing a bittersweet bond with Kate (Kerry Cordon), team’s first female technical director who is driven with a point to prove to her ex-husband and all her naysayers. In any other universe, this could well have been her story with a redemption arc, while Sonny being the catalyst in it. Elsewhere, Sonny is also seen sharing a thorny and bittersweet bond with a rookie driver Joshua “JP” Pearce (Damson Idris). JP remains a Gen-Z driver often driven by fame, the places that he visits and the number of followers on social media, something that remains a higher priority than the actual race itself. Hence, before Sonny is a part of his team’s setup, JP has been languishing at the bottom without even scoring a single point for his team. But clearly, JP sees Sonny as his competition, thereby resulting in several confronting moments both on and off the tracks with Sonny. Elsewhere on the racing track, you do feel a sense of synergy that creeps in with the team members, who are active cogs of the races while having to compete for “time” with members of the other teams, a plot-point that is brilliantly highlighted during the actual races.
From the writing perspective, the drama doesn’t always buildup on a few subplots that are attempted in the second hour, but quickly moved on from them. For instance, the thorny conflict created between Sonny and JP does have a much simplistic and convenient resolution wherein the realisation needed to be fleshed out a little more. Likewise, the seed of contemplation of Sonny (on an alternate career in moto-sports) felt slightly half-baked, given how the conflict never became internal, while quickly evaporating in a matter of scenes. But these minor cracks are completely papered over by an exhilarating final act that is filled with F1 jargons and strategies which will be a wet dream of every F1 fan on the planet. At the same time, you witness a selfless attitude on the part of Sonny who coaxes his teammate to push harder, a sequence that is absolutely top-drawer from a technical cinematic standpoint. The emotions and the adrenaline rush remain at an all time high during the grand finale that is absolutely heartpounding and breathtaking. The high is unparalleled, even as the sport may have achieved a new fan in me (I had fallen out of love with the sport after Michael Schumacher had retired). The screenplay has a few writing flaws but completely overpowered by the racing sequences that make for an experience of a lifetime!
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are conversational but laced with poker-faced humour that is in perfect sync with the personality of the protagonist. The technical jargons are introduced with an unhinged banter that will surely attract new fans to the sport. The emotions and excitement remain two key by-products in the lines that exude of a throbbing synergy. The BGM by Hans Zimmer is absolutely top drawer. The pulsating beats compliment the extravagent racing sequences, wherein the BGM doesn’t miss a beat. It almost felt like the sequence ‘fitted’ to the beats of the score seamlessly. It is just amazing on how well has Zimmer understood the world, thereby producing an absolute banger with the music and sound design!
The cinematography is unique in every sense of the word! Be it the first-person cameras in the cockpit, or the intercutting tail tracking shocks, or the aerial shots of the racing sequences, Claudio Miranda absolutely hits the bullseye with the camerawork. The adrenaline-rush and the gush of emotions is also a result of how the film is shot, something that warrants the biggest screen experience if you plan to watch it. The editing is fast-paced with sharp jump-cuts that enhance the viewing experience while elevating the pulsating beats of the drama. Director Joseph Kosinski has hit a purple patch after Top Gun Maverick (2022), and he soars once again with his impeccable vision here. He has understood the world of F1 perfectly (it did help that F1 legend Lewis Hamilton was a producer on the film too), but more importantly, he has understood the pulse of the audience and their needs even better. As a result, he doesn’t dwell into the emotional core of the characters much like what Ferrari (2023) had done. This is more on the lines of a modern F1 setting, wherein the excitement levels are palpable and the emotion that arises more from the sport, and not so much the characters per se. And this results in a heartpounding sports drama for the ages, wherein the director shines in so many well executed sequences!
Performances
The performances are wonderful to witness by the members of the cast. The fans of F1 are in for a treat given that they will spot so many of their stars that will invariably result in hoots and cheers. Tobias Menzies as Peter has a character trait of being artificial with his mannerisms and the ‘fake-ness’ that he brings to the table. And this invariably accounts for humour to erupt at various places, even as Tobias manages to impress. Callie Cooke as Jodie has an inherent trait of a rookie, something that automatically accounts for a minor character arc of her own. And she has her moments to shine. Samson Kayo as Cashman and Sarah Niles as JP’s mother are excellent cogs in the screenplay, and they have their moments to shine. Kim Bodnia as Kasper is first rate as well. Kerry Cordon as Kate has a minor emotional arc to her character, and this also remains an underdog story if it were to unfold through her gaze. And she has a charming presence onscreen.
Javier Bardem as Ruben delivers a dignified performance with subtle bouts of energy, something that makes you gravitate towards him. His sincerity and more importantly his friendship with Sonny is something that makes his character quite affable.
Damson Idris as JP is quite a repulsive character to begin with, from his body language to moody expressions that automatically classify him as Sonny’s competitor. Yet, his redemption arc is wonderful too especially towards the end that makes him a team man, and a worthy successor to Sonny. After Tom Cruise, another man in his 60s has defied age and produced a heart-pounding drama for the ages.
Brad Pitt as Sonny shines and how! His poker-faced humourous streak is often used as a mask for a deeper emotional core, of a hunger for a second chance, and of an aspiration to succeed atleast once in a sports that is his life. And to add such intensity to his performance is a phenomenal achievement, given the emotions that eventually translate to the viewers during races that he is a part of. He infuses life into this already exciting world of F1, and the result is a sporting drama for the ages!
Conclusion
<span;>F1 The Movie is a blazing high-octane banger packaged as a heartpounding sports drama for the ages that is brilliant in every sense, and deserves to be watched on the biggest screen possible (my highest recommendation is to experience it in IMAX if possible). Available in a theatre near you and Highly Recommended!