REVIEW - F1: The Movie (2025)

A High-Octane, Heart Pounding Lap Around the Human Spirit

F1: The Movie doesn’t just race - it soars. It’s a turbocharged fusion of adrenaline and emotion, speed and substance, spectacle and soul. With heart-racing intensity and cinematic craftsmanship firing on all cylinders, it’s easily one of the most exhilarating and rewarding movie experiences of the year so far.

Director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick, Tron: Legacy) is no stranger to high-octane storytelling, and here he proves once again that he’s a master of balancing epic scale with intimate character work. With a script that hums with tension, personality, and heart, Kosinski injects each frame with energy and weight, creating a film that’s not only thrilling, but deeply human. It’s smartly written, sleekly paced, and unafraid to let its characters breathe in between the breakneck rush of the race.

Brad Pitt, stepping into the world of Formula 1 as a veteran racer brought back for one last shot at glory, delivers one of his most grounded and magnetic performances in years. There’s a quiet fire behind his eyes; a world-weariness that balances perfectly with his charisma and competitive spirit. Pitt brings every ounce of experience to the screen, not just as a character, but as a leading man who knows how to command attention without overplaying it.

Damson Idris is equally compelling as the rising star who finds himself suddenly thrust into the world Pitt’s character once ruled. Idris brings intensity, vulnerability, and a sharp edge to the role, and the dynamic between his character and Pitt’s is electric. Their scenes together crackle with tension, respect, and the unspoken pressure of a sport where fractions of a second can define legacy.

Even more impressive? Both Pitt and Idris do all their own driving in the film. That level of physical commitment doesn’t just add authenticity, it brings the action to life in a way that CGI never could. Knowing that the actors were really behind the wheel raises the stakes and immerses the audience even deeper into the rush of it all.

Javier Bardem, as the team principal caught between loyalty, ambition, and legacy, brings gravitas and layered emotion to a role that could have easily become one-note in lesser hands. Bardem’s commanding presence adds a level of complexity that elevates every scene he’s in.

And Kerry Condon? She’s phenomenal. As the lead engineer and emotional compass of the team, she’s the glue that binds the chaos. Condon delivers a smart, heartfelt performance that gives the film a grounded emotional center. She’s more than a side character, she’s the soul of the garage.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an adrenaline-fueled epic without Jerry Bruckheimer behind the wheel as producer. Known for delivering large-scale crowd-pleasers (Top Gun: Maverick, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Rock), Bruckheimer’s influence is felt in the film’s precision, polish, and pulse-pounding rhythm. He knows how to create an experience and F1: The Movie is no exception.

And then there’s the score. Hans Zimmer, working once again alongside Bruckheimer, delivers an electrifying soundtrack that shifts gears seamlessly, from subtle and emotional to epic and thunderous. Zimmer’s music doesn’t just accompany the film; it accelerates it. It’s a character in itself, rising and falling with every turn, every pass, every near miss.

Visually, the film is jaw-dropping. From in-helmet shots to sweeping aerials, the racing sequences are kinetic, immersive, and pulse-pounding. The camera work places you squarely on the track, allowing you to feel every corner, every gear shift, every moment of impact. And yet, despite the intensity, the action is always clear and coherent—elevated by brilliant editing and some of the best sound design in recent memory.

But what truly sets F1 apart isn’t just the high speed or the high stakes, it’s the heart. The film explores legacy, mentorship, ambition, and the pursuit of greatness. It’s a story about passing the torch, finding your place, and confronting what it means to still have something to prove even when the world thinks you’ve already peaked.

Whether you’re a die-hard Formula 1 fan or someone who doesn’t know the difference between a chicane and a pit stop, this movie is for you. It’s cinematic storytelling at its finest; big, bold, and brimming with purpose.

Rating: 9/10