Your dad’s new favourite movie of the summer might just be more than a film for dads! Coming from someone who is not a fan of cars in the slightest, F1: The Movie keeps you hooked from the get-go. Take your marks. Race! A true race to the finish line. And though you may expect that typical happy ending, you never truly know where the movie will take you.
Summer 2022 had director Joseph Kosinski bring an impeccable sequel to cinemas. Top Gun: Maverick performed better and received perhaps more praise and acclaim than its predecessor, Top Gun (Scott, 1986). Just three years later, when cinemas are waiting for a new film to bring back their audiences, Kosinski speeds through the finish line and brings out F1: The Movie. Driving audiences back into cinemas.
Sonney Hayes (Brad Pitt) spent the 1990s developing a reputation as Formula 1’s most promising, yet reckless, new talent. That was until a terrible accident ended his career. After a decade out of the driving world, Hayes began to do anything it would take to get behind any wheel of a car. Spending time driving on different teams, different forms of racing, anything.
Three decades later, he is coaxed out of retirement by old racing buddy, Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), to help him and his struggling Formula 1 team while finally becoming the best in the world. The Apex Grand Prix (or APX GP) team has yet to win a race in the two and a half seasons since Ruben took over. Hayes is brought on board and is ready to whip this team, and their hotshot rookie, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), into shape. He, however, quickly comes to realize that his skills outside Formula 1 will not be enough. Because of course, in the end, Formula 1 is a team sport.
For those who do not follow Formula 1, or any form of car racing, F1: The Movie feels as though it brings out the most intense aspects of the sport. Not only does Kosinski feature actual Formula 1 racers and teams, but he also draws audiences in on the tensions between them. From the very beginning, we are invited into the world of Sonny Hayes and what he has spent the past thirty years of his life doing. Jumping from team to team and helping them with what they may need.
The preparation and routine a driver, such as Hayes, has before he gets into the car – which may just be the difference between life or death – is conveyed brilliantly straight from the beginning through to the end of the film. While Kosinski and writer, Ehren Kruger, developed an intriguing story together, the overall impact would not have been the same if it were not for its actors, camera choice, and score/soundtrack. Every choice made by the team during all aspects of production contributed their own acceleration to the film’s success.
There are many times when, as a member of the audience, you need to separate the art from the artist. And in F1: The Movie, some viewers may find themselves doing so. It all begins with Brad Pitt. The character of Sonny Hayes is, first, written so well that the decision to cast Pitt as their protagonist hides the actor within the film.
As the audience is hooked from the beginning and thrown right onto the track, Pitt’s portrayal of Sonny truly showcases how obnoxious and reckless he is. But how bold and intelligent he can be as well. Through his body language and tone of voice, Pitt conveys that sly punk type male aura as one expects in the character of Sonny Hayes. What allows the character roles to excel more is the chemistry between the actors. Whether or not the characters are at odds, competing against one another, or flirting, Pitt’s rapport with his co-stars further develops the film’s success.
Bardem, as always excels. However, it is Kerry Condon who accentuates her talents and proudly represents female engineers. Until the love interest arc proceeds with Hayes. Even Idris’ talents allow for the character of Joshua Pearce to come across as a young hotshot who is full of himself. Working together as a team, both in terms of the actors but within the film as well, allows for F1: The Movie to succeed just as we hope APX GP will do.
As Hayes further cements himself as a member of the APX GP team, tensions rise between teammates. Pearce becomes jealous and vengeful of the old man. An old timer and a hotshot young kid. They cannot work together, and it is just what audiences expect to happen. You cannot have Hayes join the team and suddenly everything becomes better. Kosinski and Kruger know this. And create a competition not only in Formula 1, but between the two who should be working together as a team. Their methods may confuse some, but once the film continues to flow, the racing becomes more magical and like a dance, consistent and precise.
There are complications and surprises along the way, without which the viewer would not be as hooked as they become. Constantly wanting to know what will happen next – what move will they make? Who will they go against next? As the team moves up in rank, we continue to wonder how long their luck will last, or will it just be that? Luck.
Of course, writing and acting are what allow for a film to have an enjoyable plot and characters. However, it is the camera work – including the choice to film completely in IMAX – and the wonderful score that truly are the most mesmerizing aspects of the film. Influencing audience members who have no Formula 1 knowledge, the camera whips and pans from the drivers face to their view or their rear creates an incredible sequence to behold.
Along with the numerous interesting camera choices, Hans Zimmer returns with another impeccable score, that accentuates each scene and each precisely required moment immeasurably. One can always rely on Zimmer to provide films with a level up when his composition is involved.
As a viewer who has no prior knowledge of Formula 1, and who may not be a fan of some cast members – or one in particular – F1: The Movie is hypnotic. From the first race of the film to Hayes’ final moments racing, you are sitting in the car with the driver. Another summer for movies, and another one of your dad’s newest favourite films. Joseph Kosinski has provided a new piece of cinema. Do your best to see this film in IMAX if you can. F1: The Movie is now in cinemas across the UK and Americas and hopefully racing to a cinema near you soon.
