F1

If you're into high-octane racing, big personalities, and a bit of Hollywood flair, F1 is the movie for you. Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and starring Brad Pitt, this sports drama dives headfirst into the world of Formula One, blending real-life racing action with a fictional underdog story that’s all about second chances and redemption.

Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a former F1 prodigy who’s been out of the game for decades after a brutal crash. Now a nomadic racer-for-hire, Sonny gets pulled back into the F1 world to help save a struggling team, APXGP, from collapse. Along the way, he’s tasked with mentoring a cocky young driver, played by Damson Idris, while chasing one last shot at glory. The film also stars Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, and Tobias Menzies, rounding out a solid cast.

What sets F1 apart is its authenticity. The movie was filmed during actual Grand Prix weekends, with real F1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton (who also produced the film) making appearances. The racing scenes are intense and beautifully shot, thanks to cutting-edge camera tech and a hybrid score by Hans Zimmer that mixes orchestral and electronic sounds to match the adrenaline of the sport.

F1 has been a box office hit, raking in over $580 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing film of Brad Pitt’s career. Critics have mostly praised it, especially for its visuals and Pitt’s performance, though some hardcore racing fans and motorsport journalists have pointed out the film’s Hollywood-style plot and character tropes as a bit over-the-top or unrealistic.

If you’re a casual viewer or someone who loves a good sports drama with slick visuals and a killer soundtrack, you’ll probably have a blast. Fans of Top Gun: Maverick will feel right at home with the style and pacing. On the other hand, if you’re a die-hard F1 purist looking for a documentary-level portrayal of the sport, you might find yourself rolling your eyes at some of the dramatics.

Either way, F1 is a crowd-pleasing ride that brings the speed, the spectacle, and just enough heart to keep you strapped in for all 156 minutes.