Filming in IMAX is something special. As of late, it’s starting to sound almost like a gimmicky trend to advertise a movie with, “filmed in IMAX.” But similar to the blockbuster Sinners, F1 the Movie lives up to the hype surrounding it and blazes a new path, combining the worlds of film and racing and boasting a glorious result.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film follows a former Formula One driver named Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) who faded into racing obscurity after a life-altering crash during a race. Now, he spends his time racing for the thrill of it whenever and wherever he can. His fortunes change after a visit from an old rival, Ruben (Javier Bardem), who owns a racing team and is in dire need of an experienced driver. Presented with an offer of a lifetime, Sonny reluctantly accepts and charts a new course, not just on the racetrack, but for his life.
For anyone who has seen Netflix’s docuseries Drive to Survive, similar challenges like trying to stay out of the red (financially) and fighting tooth and nail for points are also seen here. On the fan side, we’re spoiled with merchandise, video games, and the adrenaline that comes with loud engines and hard racing. On the side of the drivers, the money and notoriety come at a cost. There’s tremendous pressure on the drivers to perform every race, if not for themselves, then for their team. In F1 the Movie, Sonny joins APXGP, a team at the bottom of the standings that needs a driver with experience and an edge. He joins rookie driver Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), who’s part of a group that needs work internally and externally.
Internally, the two show immediate resistance, with a clear and visible distaste for one another. Pearce was arrogant for looking down at Sonny because of his age. Sonny showed a similar attitude, but because Pearce was young and lacking maturity. The presence of a handful of women in positions that are normally dominated by men didn’t help the matter either. As the principal owner, Ruben explained that even though the team is his, the board could remove him and sell the team if he didn’t perform. So with a last place standing and down a driver, his desperation pointed him in Sonny’s direction.
Kerry Condon and Callie Cooke were excellent as women breaking barriers without help or handouts. Cooke stood her ground better than Condon, who eventually sidesteps professionalism for Brad Pitt (which was expected), but regardless, they were both excellent. Javier Bardem is woefully underrated as an actor and was simply brilliant as Ruben. His dry wit and humor, balanced with his serious title and responsibility, played out well onscreen, as did his sibling-like relationship with Pitt’s character.
The majority of the film is spent playing up the rivalry between Sonny and Joshua Pearce. Both drivers face setbacks at different times, adding to the already tumultuous relationship between the two. It felt as if they made Idris’s character play up more of the a-hole persona than Pitt, and it lasted longer than expected. Pitt came in as the straight-shooting, no bull, cowboy type. Of course, Mr. Heartthrob gets the girl in the end, but that’s one of only two or three clichés that are played up.
The racing is incredible. The camera is in constant movement, changing positions and angles to feel every part of the car. Unlike its blockbuster counterpart, Sinners, this film is all action and adrenaline, begging for the audible quality that comes with IMAX. The roar of the engines can be felt in the seats, along with tires peeling and the ASMR of pit crew stops. Featuring real racing figures like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, as well as authentic F1 talking heads like Will Buxton, their presence lends the film a more genuine feel than anticipated.
F1 the Movie gets a 9.5 out of 10. The story, soundtrack, and racing are truly a sight to behold onscreen. As far as character depth and backstory, it takes a backseat, and for good reason. This film hasn’t been hyped since February for some endearing storyline or fabled heroes’ tale (we get one, but it’s more like a diet tale). This was meant to bring Formula One to the main stage. Much like football (soccer), Formula One is a racing series that’s popular everywhere else but the U.S. In recent years, it’s gained popularity, thanks in part to the addition of races throughout the country (Las Vegas, Miami). It’s something different for Pitt and Idris, but it works. The film is full of excitement and a healthy dose of humor.
For the cynic, it might look like one long advertisement with sponsorship placements as far as the eye can see (Tommy Hilfiger, Apple, Take 5, Puma, etc.), but that adds to the authenticity because that’s what you see in F1. The runtime is well over two hours, but it doesn’t feel like it at all. You’ll be too busy experiencing the exhilarating thrill of 200mph turns before you realize the film is over.
F1 the Movie premieres in theaters on Friday, June 27.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Courtesy of Apple TV+
Genre: Action, Drama
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 2 hrs 35 mins
Trailer: Watch
U.S. Release Date: June 27