Movie Review: Brad Pitt at the wheel in top level F1 triumph
Theatrical release poster of F1 the movie. Photo Credit- Inside Magazine
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Cast: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles
Theatrical release: Worldwide, June 27, 2025
Just hours after its global theatrical premiere, F1 has roared into cinemas, leaving audiences revved up and critics buzzing. Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), this adrenaline-fueled sports drama stars Brad Pitt as a veteran racer returning to Formula 1, blending real-world racing with cinematic flair. Drawing from early reviews on Rotten Tomatoes (83% approval from 223 critics) and IMDb (7.9/10), alongside initial social media reactions, this piece is set to review the film’s plot, direction style, language, cast, and overall impact.
F1 movie plot
F1 follows Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a former Formula 1 driver who retired after a career-ending crash in 1995, only to resurface decades later to mentor Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), a rookie on the struggling APXGP team. Set against the high-stakes world of modern F1, the narrative tracks their journey to revive the team, facing off against rival drivers and internal rivalries. The plot thickens with a subplot involving team principal Zac (Javier Bardem) and engineer Kate (Kerry Condon), whose innovative car design becomes both a lifeline and a target. Culminating in a nail-biting race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the film blends personal redemption with competitive tension. While the storyline adheres to sports-drama tropes, which are underdog triumphs, last-lap heroics and elevated by its authentic racing context, though some critics,feel some scenes were predictable at times, but the races make up for it.
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F1 direction style
Joseph Kosinski delivers a masterclass in kinetic filmmaking, leveraging his Top Gun: Maverick expertise to craft a visually stunning experience. Filmed during actual F1 races with 26 cameras mounted on cars, the action feels real like roaring engines, screeching tires, and dizzying POV shots that plunge viewers into the cockpit. The cinematography, led by Claudio Miranda, captures the sport’s beauty and danger, from Monaco’s tight corners to Abu Dhabi’s neon-lit track. Kosinski’s pacing is relentless, with race sequences dominating the runtime, but quieter moments like Sonny’s reflective flashbacks feel slightly rushed. Critics praises the “souped-up engine” of his direction, while some just raved about the feeling “like you’re racing unbelievable visuals!” The film’s score, featuring Hans Zimmer’s pulsating beats, amplifies the tension, though some critique its overuse.
Language style used in F1
The dialogue is sharp and functional, balancing technical racing vocabulary with emotional beats. Lines like “This isn’t just a race, it’s a reckoning” (delivered by Pitt) carry weight, reflecting Sonny’s journey, while lighter exchanges between Joshua and Kate add affection and association. The script, co-written by Ehren Kruger, leans on sports cliches “You’ve got to believe to achieve” but grounds them with authentic F1 terminology, enhancing realism. The language is predominantly English, with a global cast delivering neutral accents, though this slightly dilutes the cultural flavor of the sport’s diverse teams. Film critics spot the dialogue as basic but the action speaks,” suggest it’s the visuals, not words, that drive the film.
Analyzing the casts in F1
Brad Pitt is magnetic as Sonny Hayes, bringing a weathered charisma that recalls his Fight Club days, tempered with vulnerability. His chemistry with Damson Idris, who shines as the eager Joshua, anchors the film. Idris’s athleticism and earnestness make him a breakout star. Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin) adds depth as Kate, her sharp wit and emotional range elevating the technical role. Javier Bardem covers some scene as the passionate Zac, while Tobias Menzies and Sarah Niles provide solid support as rival team leaders. Critics highlights Pitt’s “laidback magnetism,” as Piitt owns every lap. The cast’s synergy, bolstered by cameo appearances from real F1 figures like Martin Brundle, enhances authenticity.
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F1 analysis and rating
F1 is a triumph of execution, merging Kosinski’s technical prowess with Pitt’s star power to deliver one of 2025’s standout action thrillers. Its strengths lie in the breathtaking race sequences, arguably the best ever filmed captured with unprecedented access to the F1 circuit, and Zimmer’s electrifying score. The film succeeds as both a love letter to motorsport and a character study of redemption, with Pitt and Idris carrying the emotional load. However, it’s not flawless: the predictable plot and occasional overreliance on slow-motion heroics (e.g., the final lap) feel formulaic, and the supporting characters lack depth beyond their roles.
Compared to Top Gun: Maverick, F1 shares a similar adrenaline rush but trades aerial acrobatics for ground-level speed, making it a worthy companion. Early social media reactions are overwhelmingly positive, with fans calling it “a race lover’s dream,” though some, lament, “Needed more surprises.” At 2 hours 1 minute (PG-13 for intense sequences), it’s a lean, thrilling ride that leaves you exhilarated.
