F1

This is, hands down, one of the best sports car pictures ever made. There’s not much else to say. Same world, different era. You’re taken as far as Daytona — even though it’s only shown briefly — it’s transcribed faithfully, with amazing sound and atmosphere. That was my main expectation: sound design. And what a hell of a score they gave us. The F1s (technically modified F2s, but still) sounded so good it was insane. As for the overall score, they brought back Hans Zimmer, who I thought had retired — well, unc’ definitely still got it. Now, anyone would understand if the script of a sports car movie not based on a true story turned out mid — but they outdid themselves here too. A fall, a deeper fall, a stoic kind of resilience, and eventually, The Rise. All of that only makes sense towards the end of the movie, when you realize why we’re following the older character instead of the younger one. The movie also, rightly so, mocks the younger generation and everything that comes with it — not in a childish “look at me, I’m a boomer and my time was better” way, but with a smarter tone: "Your money and future are tied to internet fame, fake moments, interaction farming, and staying relevant at any cost." This movie feels like it was made by someone smart enough to win — not because of natural talent, but because they weren’t afraid to use their brain. Someone who just keeps driving until everything feels right in the car. On the more sporty side, it felt like the real deal — and it was, almost the entire time. Inside the cockpit, inside the crew, inside the Grand Prix. What I absolutely wanted was finally delivered here, and that made it all the better. Involving actual Formula One drivers ? That one hit real close to home. Anchoring the film deep in reality made everything feel more intense, more earned. They could have gone the easy route — stuntmen in helmets, a few brand shots, and done. Many movies have. But this one actually delivers, and that deserves real credit. There is, however, one thing missing from this picture. In the third act’s resolution, they use something very F1-specific regarding resources they still have because their car ass. But the explanation — that they didn’t push the car in practice sessions — is never actually shown. We’re just shown them starting at the back or mid-grid, but never see why they do. They explain and show a lot from Formula One, but not this. Just a quick visual at each race, a Chekhov’s gun for those tires would have paid off big time. As it is, we’re just told and that leaves you with a “well, then show me?” feeling — which is despicable. One more thing: the camerawork. I saw the film in IMAX, and what was shot from inside the cockpits was with iPhones. Absolutly stunning. Shocking, really. And since the director also did Top Gun: Maverick, you can imagine how the training, pressure, struggles and realism are captured — and it works damn fine. You’ll enjoy this movie no matter your knowledge of Formula One or sports cars. You might even start watching GPs after this. Truly something to watch if you’re a fan of the genre.