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| Image Credit: Koimoi.com |
Joseph Kosinski has done it again. After the breathtaking aerial acrobatics of Top Gun: Maverick, he brings his signature visual flair and masterful direction to the world of Formula 1 racing, and the result is an exhilarating, surprisingly heartfelt, and undeniably entertaining cinematic experience. If you're looking for a generic, predictable sports story, you're in the right pit lane – but prepare to be genuinely thrilled by the journey.
Kosinski truly leans into those classic '90s plot structures and tropes, and it works wonderfully. You know how this underdog tale will end, but the sheer fun of getting there, coupled with enough moving parts (pun intended!) to keep you engaged, makes for a supremely satisfying watch.
What truly elevates F1 beyond a standard sports flick are its fantastic side characters. Brad Pitt delivers a classic performance, leaving much unsaid as his character stoically endures the hits the film dishes out, always staying motivated. One particularly memorable moment sees him asked about his failures and gambling debts during a press conference, simply leaning in to deliver a pitch-perfect, "yeah." It’s pure, vintage Pitt.
But the real heart of the film lies with the underdog racing team. His partner driver is given solid character development, making him far more than a mere rival. Kerry Condon, using her actual accent, absolutely steals the show and is given much more to do than just being the obvious love interest. Javier Bardem is also incredibly magnetic as the team owner. It’s the little touches, like the crew member bringing his family to the facility or the engaging storyline with the pit woman, that ensure everyone feels integral to the team's journey. When they all achieve that final win, it’s a truly moving moment that feels like a collective triumph, not just Brad's.
Kosinski truly leans into those classic '90s plot structures and tropes, and it works wonderfully. You know how this underdog tale will end, but the sheer fun of getting there, coupled with enough moving parts (pun intended!) to keep you engaged, makes for a supremely satisfying watch.
What truly elevates F1 beyond a standard sports flick are its fantastic side characters. Brad Pitt delivers a classic performance, leaving much unsaid as his character stoically endures the hits the film dishes out, always staying motivated. One particularly memorable moment sees him asked about his failures and gambling debts during a press conference, simply leaning in to deliver a pitch-perfect, "yeah." It’s pure, vintage Pitt.
But the real heart of the film lies with the underdog racing team. His partner driver is given solid character development, making him far more than a mere rival. Kerry Condon, using her actual accent, absolutely steals the show and is given much more to do than just being the obvious love interest. Javier Bardem is also incredibly magnetic as the team owner. It’s the little touches, like the crew member bringing his family to the facility or the engaging storyline with the pit woman, that ensure everyone feels integral to the team's journey. When they all achieve that final win, it’s a truly moving moment that feels like a collective triumph, not just Brad's.