F1: The Movie – A High-Octane Ride for Everyone

F1: The Movie, is a thrilling car racing drama directed by Joseph Kosinski starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris.

Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures

Brad Pitt and Damson Idris star in "F!," which tells the story of a Formula One racing team that recruits a NASCAR driver as a trainer.

As someone with absolutely no prior knowledge of car racing, I approached F1: The Movie with a blank slate. Yet the magnetic presence of Brad Pitt, coupled with the buzz of Tom Cruise's appearance at the premiere, made me think this was worth my attention.

"F1," as I've now learned, refers to Formula 1, an elite car racing series predominantly held across Europe, though it does venture to other global circuits. The film plunges us into the high-stakes world of a struggling F1 team, languishing in last place, which makes a bold move: drafting Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt. Hayes, a seasoned NASCAR driver, is brought in by the team manager, played by Javier Bardem, to mentor a promising but raw rookie, Joshua (Damson Idris), who is poised for greatness. (The distinction between NASCAR and F1 was lost on me but apparently it's significant.)

The film conveys that Hayes has a unique approach to the sport. Though some of his on-track "tricks" remained a mystery to my non-racing brain, his guidance undeniably elevates Joshua's performance. The dynamic tension between the two drivers, fueled by a compelling clash of styles and a shared streak of arrogance, makes for truly engaging viewing.

One training insight that resonated deeply was Hayes's preference for outdoor running over a treadmill. As a runner myself, I appreciate the technical benefits of a treadmill, but there's an undeniable truth: running outside is simply more invigorating and enjoyable.

Adding another layer to the narrative, Kerry Condon delivers a strong performance as a technical engineer on the team, evolving into a compelling love interest for Hayes. There is a particularly enjoyable poker scene that stands out.

Ultimately, F1: The Movie is an absolute blast, even for a complete novice to the world of car racing like myself. While the intricate mechanics of the plot were over my head, the sharp banter among the actors was consistently entertaining, and their performances were stellar. The racing sequences themselves were exhilarating and visually spectacular, and the film culminates in a deeply satisfying ending.

I wholeheartedly recommend F1: The Movie with a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. I think anybody can enjoy this movie.