F1: The Movie

REVIEW:

There is no better place to start than with the biggest endorsement I can possibly give this film. Prior to watching it, I had never watched Formula 1. Not a race, not a highlight, nothing. Yet after experiencing this movie, I will be following F1 going forward without question. It hooked me instantly. Sometimes a film opens the door to a world you never knew you would enjoy and this one slams that door wide open. I walked away genuinely annoyed at myself for not being on the F1 train sooner.

I also have to confess something that still gives me a bit of film fan guilt. I did not get to the cinema for this one. Life got in the way, timings never lined up and I had to wait for the physical release. The moment the credits rolled, I felt disappointed in myself because this is a movie that absolutely needed to be experienced on the biggest screen possible. The sound, the scale, the speed. Watching it at home was great but it made me painfully aware of what I had missed. If I could go back, I would drag myself to that cinema no matter what.

Joseph Kosinski proves once again that when it comes to high speed vehicles, no one else is operating on his level. Between this and Top Gun: Maverick, it is clear this man is a wizard behind the camera. There is no vehicle he cannot capture in a way that pumps adrenaline straight into your bloodstream. His ability to frame motion, speed and danger is unreal. Whether it’s a fighter jet tearing through the sky or an F1 car screaming around a corner, Kosinski puts you right in the cockpit. Every burst of wind, every tight turn and every bone rattling crash feels real.

The cast is stacked and everyone shows up ready to give something memorable. Brad Pitt brings a grounded intensity that suits the world of racing more than I expected. Javier Bardem is magnetic every time the camera lands on him. Damson Idris delivers what might be the heart of the film, balancing confidence with vulnerability. Kerry Condon adds weight, humour and the kind of authenticity that instantly makes every scene more alive. It is a rare film where every main actor feels like they are in perfect sync with the tone and pace.

One detail I absolutely loved, and it is something more sports films should do, is the way the movie introduces each new track. Each location gets its own moment on screen, almost like a chapter in a book. It instantly sets the tone for the upcoming race, lets the audience reset and gives every track its own personality. It seems simple but it adds so much and makes the world feel larger and more exciting.

Then we get to the soundtrack and honestly, this might be one of the most infectious film playlists I have heard in years. The moment I finished watching, I had songs like Lose My Mind, Drive and Bad As I Used To Be on repeat. They sit perfectly with the energy of the film and the second they kick in you cannot help but tap your feet or nod along. A great soundtrack enhances a movie but this one elevates it in a way that sticks with you.

The pacing is absolutely relentless in the best possible way. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire runtime and those two hours and thirty five minutes flew by. I genuinely did not want it to end. Even the quieter moments feel like they are building tension for the next burst of speed. It is rare for a film of this length to feel this light but this one breezes by as if it is doing laps of its own.

If you enjoy sports movies, this is an absolute must watch. If your tastes lean toward films like Rush or Ford Vs Ferrari, then this one is right up your street. I still prefer Top Gun: Maverick but only because jets give me that extra thrill over cars. But honestly, both films sit at the very top of my modern blockbuster list. F1 The Movie earns full marks from me. Five out of five without hesitation.