Brad Pitt stars in F1: The Movie, an exhilarating action-drama crafted by the minds behind Top Gun: Maverick. First impressions from critics suggest it races neck-and-neck with its predecessor, offering a fresh take on the cinematic experience. The story follows an aging Formula One driver (Pitt), who returns from retirement to mentor a rising star played by Damson Idris. Although the script treads familiar ground, the high-octane racing sequences and Pitt’s magnetic performance ensure its place among this year’s most thrilling releases.
The “Turbo-Charged Dad Movie” of the Year?
F1: The Movie is a turbo-charged Dad Movie par excellence.
— Adam Woodward, Little White Lies
[It’s] a high-velocity dad movie of sturdy quality — something refreshing amid the latest clutter of poorly rendered superheroes.
— Trace Sauveur, AwardsWatch
F1: The Movie is heading for summer blockbuster status, delivering the adrenaline, charisma, and pulse-pounding action that epitomizes Formula One.
— Linda Marric, HeyUGuys
It’s undoubtedly a joyous cinematic experience, offering one of the best theatrical moments of the year.
— Giovanni Lago, Next Best Picture
A Companion Piece to Top Gun: Maverick
Director Joseph Kosinski and screenwriter Ehren Kruger, who collaborated on Top Gun: Maverick, reunite for a similarly earnest cinematic ride.
— Adam Woodward, Little White Lies
F1 succeeds for many of the same reasons as Top Gun: Maverick, elevating known material with old-school filmmaking flair.
— Jake Cole, Slant Magazine
These films effectively feel like companions; Kosinski could have titled this Form’ One: Maverick without raising an eyebrow.
— David Fear, Rolling Stone
F1 undoubtedly feels like a spiritual successor to the visceral excitement that defined Maverick, particularly behind the camera.
— Trace Sauveur, AwardsWatch
F1 works almost as a quasi-sequel to Top Gun: Maverick, exuding a meta-like quality of an older star striving to remain relevant amidst an evolving industry.
— Giovanni Lago, Next Best Picture
Racing Film Showdown
F1 resonates best when it returns to the racing sequences, which are precisely why audiences flock to the cinema in the first place.
— Jackson Weaver, CBC News
This film stands as a clever contribution to a robust lineage of motorsport cinema, joining the ranks of Rush, Gran Turismo, Ford v Ferrari, and the recent Ferrari.
— Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter
Yet, an emotional depth seems lacking, preventing F1 from achieving greatness among racing film classics.
— Giovanni Lago, Next Best Picture
Capturing the Thrill of the Sport
Similar to their breathtaking aerial shots in Top Gun: Maverick, Kosinski and cinematographer Claudio Miranda optimize wide-angle lenses that vividly convey G-force pressure while maneuvering at breakneck speeds.
— Jake Cole, Slant Magazine
Miranda’s pristine cinematography positions audiences in the driver’s seat, offering an experience unparalleled in film.
— Giovanni Lago, Next Best Picture
Some scenes place viewers intimately close to the brink of danger, effectively embodying the thrill of high-speed racing.
— Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter
While the orchestrated races captivate, they can’t quite replicate the authentic excitement of actual Formula 1, though the driving dynamics are executed remarkably.
— Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction
Documentary Vibes?
Even Netflix’s Drive to Survive fails to capture the teamwork and split-second reflexes that a grand prix demands.
— Jake Cole, Slant Magazine
Some angles resort to conventional top-down perspectives, revealing a lack of innovation in Kosinski’s approach to filming F1, contrasting with real-time TV broadcasts.
— David Ehrlich, IndieWire
Compared to Netflix’s hit docudrama Drive to Survive and F1: The Academy, this film falls short in weaving engaging emotional narratives from human experiences.
— Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction
If you’re seeking a deep dive into the exhilarating yet cutthroat world of Formula One, F1 may not be your best bet.
— Adam Woodward, Little White Lies
Accessible for Non-Racing Fans?
Even if you’re not a racing enthusiast, F1 proves captivating and engaging.
— Mae Abdulbaki, Screen Rant
Heart-pounding pit stops and hairpin turns serve to entertain both seasoned F1 aficionados and newcomers alike.
— Brian Truitt, USA Today
The film balances authenticity with its ambition to win over new fans while still delighting die-hard followers.
— David Ehrlich, IndieWire
This film aims to draw in new viewers but might miss the mark due to its complexity.
— Kaitlyn Booth, Bleeding Cool
Adrenaline-Pumping Racing Sequences
The racing sequences in F1 will grip your gut and make your eyes widen with excitement.
— Owen Gleiberman, Variety
Every time the engines rev and the red lights flicker before takeoff, it’s a nail-biting moment.
— Mae Abdulbaki, Screen Rant
Kosinski stages his action with precision and flair, creating a sense of exhilarating motion that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
— Trace Sauveur, AwardsWatch
Capturing speed on film is a challenge, yet Kosinski and his team immerse you in the experience, from the intense sounds to the dynamic camera work.
— Kaitlyn Booth, Bleeding Cool
Fans may find themselves wanting more driving scenes, as F1: The Movie leans heavily on montages rather than actual race footage.
— Ian Sandwell, Digital Spy
Adequate But Not Exceptional?
Some electrifying moments focus on the strategy box, where quick decisions can mean the difference between victory and defeat, while showing how rapidly a pit crew can repair a car and get it racing again.
— Jake Cole, Slant Magazine
Apart from the remarkable race scenes, the film also touches on the generational differences between the lead characters and how the sport has evolved.
— Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter
Whenever Pitt and Idris share the screen, F1 truly shines.
— Giovanni Lago, Next Best Picture
Outside of the adrenaline-filled action sequences, there’s little that feels fresh or uncharted.
— Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction
Brad Pitt’s Performance: A Dazzling Highlight
It’s undeniable that Brad Pitt shines on screen, exuding a laid-back charisma.
— Trace Sauveur, AwardsWatch
Pitt manages to steal the spotlight from the cars, channeling iconic Hollywood stars like Steve McQueen and Clark Gable.
— David Fear, Rolling Stone
Pitt effortlessly captivates the audience, blending gravity with grit much like Rocky Balboa did.
— Linda Marric, HeyUGuys
He commands every scene with a tangible swagger, demonstrating the skill that only a talent of his caliber can.
— Charlie Ridgely, ComicBook.com
Pitt’s magnetic charm keeps you invested in his character’s journey as an underdog.
— Mae Abdulbaki, Screen Rant
Some critics suggest that his performance feels like a diluted version of his work in Moneyball.
— Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction
Spotlight on the Supporting Cast
The supporting cast excels, with standout performances from Bardem and Condon.
— Giovanni Lago, Next Best Picture
Condon shines brightly, adding depth to what could have been a soulless role in less gifted hands.
— Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction
Damson Idris brings a strong performance as Joshua, effortlessly matching Sonny’s energy and demeanor.
— Mae Abdulbaki, Screen Rant
Character actor Shea Whigham makes a memorable impact in just a couple of scenes, leaving a lasting impression.
— Charlie Ridgely, ComicBook.com
The Script: A Simple Narrative
While the old guy vs. rookie dynamic feels lean, it’s sufficient for generating audience investment and cheer moments.
— Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction
F1 navigates familiar tropes within a steady sports underdog narrative, offering audiences a rewarding ride.
— Trace Sauveur, AwardsWatch
The characters are sufficiently fleshed out, ensuring audience engagement throughout the plot.
— Mae Abdulbaki, Screen Rant
Its simplicity works in its favor, maintaining focus on the action-packed visuals.
— Charlie Ridgely, ComicBook.com
This straightforward premise helps Kosinski navigate the complexities of F1 rules, although he struggles to incorporate them seamlessly.
— David Ehrlich, IndieWire
F1: The Movie may dazzle with its action sequences, but without compelling characters, the emotional investment feels lacking.
— Ian Sandwell, Digital Spy
Hans Zimmer’s Score: An Auditory Engine
Composer Hans Zimmer delivers a pulsating techno score reminiscent of Reznor and Ross’s work in Challengers, marrying sports with allure.
— Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction
Zimmer’s music drives the narrative forward, the same way Reznor and Ross’s score amplified Challengers with its EDM pulse.
— Owen Gleiberman, Variety
This electrifying score intensifies nail-biting moments—perfectly timed with actions like daring turns and lightning-fast pit stops.
— Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter
Zimmer’s soundtrack is poised to become the go-to workout playlist for many viewers.
— Kaitlyn Booth, Bleeding Cool
Edit Functionality: Keeping Pace
Editor Stephen Mirrione masterfully maintains a rapid momentum during racing scenes while allowing pivotal moments to resonate with the audience.
— Jake Cole, Slant Magazine
His swift cuts imbue exhilarating racing moments with heightened energy, fueling audience engagement.
— Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction
Interestingly, the symmetry in racing sequence editing surpasses that of dialogue-heavy scenes, which can feel clunky at times.
— Giovanni Lago, Next Best Picture
Room for Improvement?
F1 was produced in partnership with the Formula One World Championship’s governing body, making its innovation somewhat limited.
— Trace Sauveur, AwardsWatch
The FIA’s involvement lends the film an unmistakable whiff of a polished PR exercise, beyond just the palpable thrill of speed and competition.
— Adam Woodward, Little White Lies
The melodrama and extended run time hinder the film from zipping along as it should.
— Brian Truitt, USA Today
F1: The Movie races into theaters on June 27, 2025!
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