F1: The Movie
3 / 5 | DIRECTOR: JONATHAN KOSINSKI
From the grandstands of Monaco to the seats of your local cinema, F1: The Movie takes a dive into the world of Formula One with the likes of Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, and Kerry Condon. Bringing a mix of racing action and character redemption to our screens, the film exposes audiences once more to a beloved sport that is still growing across the world.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski who directed the highly rated Top Gun sequel “Top Gun: Maverick” along with other notable films such as Tron: Legacy and Twisters takes full control F1. Kosinski showcases their skills once again with their creative cinematography on screen. Creating a trademark effect with their efficient use of wide angle camera point of views in intense scenes to bring unique dramatic perspectives to viewers.
The film itself mainly focuses on Sonny Hayes played by Brad Pitt and Jonathan Pearce played by Damson Idris contrasting journeys to Formula 1. Hayes is trying to prove that he can outdo his opponents through experience and bravado. On the other hand Damson Idris who stars in his breakout movie role as Jonathan Pearce with previous TV Series roles in Snowfall, Black Mirror, and The Twilight Zone is trying to keep his racing seat for another year. Both characters create a fierce rivalry that ends up turning into a strong friendship by the end of all the twists and turns they face racing for APX GP.
Brad Pitt himself knocks the role out the park by turning Sonny Hayes into a wildcard “cowboy” style racer similar to legendary driver James Hunt who has a film of their own in “Rush” from 2013. Pitt does a great job at becoming a star for being exactly who he is, a risk taker that cares more about getting results than the media attention. At the same time he is trying to mentor a young Jonathan “JP” Pearce into fulfilling his talent with hard work, ethic, and strategy. While trying not to ruin the team legacy of his longtime friend Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem).
The hardest criticism of the film would be the love story between Sonny Hayes & Kate McKenna (Kerry Condon) which to many F1 fans might seem as a step backwards in this day in age. Preferring not see love affairs between a driver and a team member for obvious reasons. But, for the average film viewer it adds another layer of drama to the film for entertainment purposes. Personally, I believe the movie would have been better off without it or with it if it had more substance than just two beautiful actors crossing paths temporarily. At the end, the movie still holds great insight into what the love life really is for a modern Formula 1 driver and team member. Individuals who have to put their careers first and hope that some point love finds them.
In terms of racing accuracy, the movie still does a good job at incorporating important facts and ideas that belong to the sport without overwhelming viewers with technical information. The films racing scenes showcase what racing can really be like. Many of the events portrayed in the film actually happened in Formula 1. Much credit has to be given to Producer Lewis Hamilton who was able to give a lot of input for the film, being a 7 time world champion and current driver of Scuderia Ferrari.
Overall, the film has a lot of exciting dramatic scenes with a great ending. Joseph Kosinski was able to make a 155 minute film feel shorter than it really was which is credit to him being able to keep viewers engaged and attentive throughout. This is definitely a must watch film regardless if you hold interest in motorsports or not as it is able to draw in both with their mix of racing and entertainment. Hopefully we get to see more films like this in theatre’s along with the great cast in future films but hopefully with a better plot.
