F1 | Review by: Gal Balaban

Brad Pitt leads F1 with his signature leading charm that’s effortless and likable, even when character makes selfish decisions. Together with the rest of the cast, and the film’s commitment to in-camera racing and massive scale, this sports drama has all the right ingredients, even if the story is rather standard. The cinematography in the racing action is beautiful, and the sound design is impeccable and immersive. Hans Zimmer’s score is a standout, as is the soundtrack that includes celebrated contemporary hip hop artists. This exciting energy elevates the film and makes what you’re seeing feel so real.

However, the character beats are almost all formulaic (no pun intended) — the reluctant veteran thrown back in, the cocky rookie and the rivalry between them, the antagonistic businessman, and so on. It’s never hard to tell where the story is going, and we’ve seen similar arcs before, even in Joseph Kosinski’s own Top Gun: Maverick. That said, the aforementioned rivalry between Pitt and Damson Idris is admirable and complex, and the experience is elevated by knowing they’re actually driving those cars. Idris and Kerry Condon are standouts from a performance perspective. Idris’ almost vain excitement to be in the big leagues contrasting Pitt’s strategic mind who’s also a bit worn out and not sure he’ll ever find that spark he once had for racing again. Condon makes us root for her part just as much, a brilliant technical direction behind the scenes who’s also in pursuit of a complete victory.

F1 packs few surprises in its script, but it more than redeems itself with the exhilarating scope that justifies the theatrical experience. Best of all, it celebrates not just the grandeur of the sport in its highs, lows, and the ambitions of those behind the wheel and the pit stop, but the potential of the blockbuster, especially with practical effects. It completely delivers on its promises with astonishing action and cinematography, and the familiarity is more than redeemed by the entertaining cast and the stunning technological accomplishments.

4/5

Review by: Gal Balaban

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