Product Info

Studio

Warner Bros., Apple Studios

Director

Joseph Kosinski

Genre

Action, Drama, Sport

Rated

PG-13

Theatrical Release Date (NA)

Jun 27, 2025

Film Length

2hr 35min

Purchase From

F1®: The Movie is a surprising racing film that not only focuses on the racetrack but also delves into the lives of the characters and utilizes cinematography to create a real and suspenseful atmosphere.

Making a Return

Brad Pitt (Fight Club, Mr. & Mrs. Smith) portrays Sonny Hayes, a former F1® prodigy racer with a troubled past who comes out of retirement to assist a struggling Formula 1 (F1®) team. Sonny, initially portrayed as a jerk due to his attitude and snarky comments, was forced into early retirement after a horrific incident on the race track in the early ‘90s. Thirty years later, he returns to racing as a hired driver in various races, including Nascar.

Ruben, played by Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men, Skyfall), a former F1® racer and friend of Sonny, who recruits Sonny to join his F1® team as an additional driver to help transform them into contenders. Initially hesitant, Sonny eventually accepts the offer and returns to the F1® scene. As Sonny integrates into the team, drama ensues as his personality clashes with the team’s chemistry, a common occurrence in team sports portrayed interestingly in the film.

Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris (Snowfall, Outside the Wire), a promising rookie on the F1® team who initially dismisses Sonny as a joke. However, through their clashes and interactions on and off the tracks, Sonny’s ambition and personality influence Joshua and the rest of the team. The film also delves into the internal drama within the F1® team, adding depth to the storyline and showcasing the complexities behind the scenes of the racetrack.

Rubber Hit the Floor

As the F1® team strives to become relevant the story is reminiscent of films like Top Gun, where teammates compete and a love interest adds another layer of intrigue. Despite its predictability, the growth of the mishap F1® team is captivating, enhanced by the film’s cinematography that captures the speed and intensity of the races.

For example, showing half the screen of each driver (Sonny and Joshua) before the race makes it feel competitive, then switching back to one of the drivers. The camera shot showing the front of the driver and the track behind in one shot makes an impact for viewers. The sound effects not only make the cars sound loud but also emphasize the impact they make. Even a mishap in the pit stop, you can hear the car’s impact to it and the pit’s facial expressions afterwards.

F1®: The Movie cleverly incorporates details from earlier scenes into the conclusion, such as Sonny’s superstitions with trophies and inserting a playing card in his uniform, encouraging viewers to pay attention to the subtle nuances throughout the film.

The Final Race

F1®: The Movie is a thrilling and engaging film both on and off the racetrack, solidifying its place as one of the best racing films of today.

An early screening provided for this review. F1®: The Movie arrives in theaters on June 27th. Fans can visit the official website for more information and tickets.