Running Time: 156 minutes
This feature from Warner Bros. opens exclusively at theaters and on IMAX screens on June 27th.
For most racing fans, Formula One® is considered the best in the world. The vehicles are faster than in any other motorsport, and each Grand Prix takes place on a unique circuit in different countries around the globe. Naturally, it has inspired a few film narratives over the years, as well as biopics and several documentaries. F1® The Movie is the newest attempt by filmmakers to create a fictional tale capturing the thrills and drama of the competition. When the cameras are zipping around with the drivers, it easily captures that excitement, but the storyline isn’t as unique or memorable.
Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) was once a promising driver, but his wild streak caused his career to come to a literal crashing halt. Years later, the loner now spends his time as a racer-for-hire, appearing on random circuits in various leagues, often creating chaos on the track. After his latest competition, he is approached by old friend Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), a former driver turned F1® team owner. Unfortunately, his group is hundreds of millions of dollars in debt, without even one top ten finish. Their lead driver and rookie, Joshua “Noah” Pearce (Damson Idris), has been struggling. Hayes is asked to race alongside him and help the team improve. Naturally, Hayes and Pearce butt heads immediately. The new arrival also irks some crew members, including technical director Kate McKenna (Kerry Condon). But as he offers suggestions on how to improve the speed of their cars, the two grow closer.
As you might have guessed, the racing and drama around the track is exceptionally captured. There are some great camera set-ups, with one placed on a helmet during a race, and others on the sides of the cars as they hurtle around the track at top speed. You really get a sense of the high speeds and it is exhilarating to watch. Additionally, viewers see some of the devious tricks used during competitions. Hayes knows these rules down to the letter, and frequently uses them to help his partner. This includes clipping other cars to get debris on the track and allow Pearce to catch up with the leaders. His methods are far from ethical, but it is interesting to watch and witness this strategy being used.
The banter between Hayes and Pearce and their rivalry is also interesting. While they’re both on the same team, there is a major rivalry. The younger man wants to prove himself on the track, resenting and rebuking the blunt advice of the other driver. Hayes has a temper as well, getting incensed at Pearce when the methods that, frankly, he uses on others are employed against him by his teammate. There’s some interesting and entertaining drama as the two slowly develop mutual respect.
While the racecourse drama is consistently good, the drama off the track is more generic. Condon is fine in her role as a tech advisor and car designer, but the romance subplot isn’t necessary. And when Hayes opens up and talks about what makes him want to race, the explanation isn’t anything unexpected. Paraphrasing, he goes on about the feeling of clarity and freedom traveling at high speeds with no one in front of you. Yes, the rationale may make sense, but it might have been more interesting to go deeper into his psyche and explore other, muddier motivations. There is also an investor in the team who is hoping for failure to benefit himself. The character feels like he has been written in simply to provide the film with a villain, and is overly exaggerated.
F1® The Movie is beautifully shot and edited. And the bickering between team members and competitors (which includes several amusing cameos from real racers), is equally exciting to watch. But the personal journey of Hayes and subplots off the track aren’t as convincing or effective. In the end, the movie does make it to the podium, but there’s enough drag here and there over the running time to prevent it from truly excelling.