Sports dramas are one of the most conservative film genres. Their structure is usually rigid and predictable, like the route of a car on a race track: there is an outsider, there is a challenge, there are grueling training sessions, there are defeats and, finally, there is the final competition, where everything is decided. It is almost impossible to say something new within this framework, so the success of such films depends not on the originality of the story, but on the skill of its creators. And the film F1 The Movie directed by Joseph Kosinski is brilliant proof of this.
| Name | F1 The Movie |
| Genre | sports, drama |
| Director | Joseph Kosinski |
| Cast | Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia and others |
| Studios | Apple Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures |
| Timing | 2 hours 36 minutes |
| Year | 2025 |
| Link | IMDb |
The plot introduces us to Sonny Haze (Brad Pitt), a former Formula 1 star from the 90s, whose career was tragically cut short after an accident. Even a decade later, he cannot let go of his past, associated with high speeds. However, fate gives him a chance to return to the world of big races, but already as a mentor for a young and incredibly talented, but unstable pilot Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). Together they will have to not only fight for victories on the track, but also overcome their own demons, find a common language and withstand the pressure of one of the most expensive and dangerous sports in the world for the sake of the prestige of the APXGP team.
It is worth noting right away: this review is written by a person far from the world of Formula 1, so the film will not be evaluated for its sporting veracity, but for the film itself – its story, direction and emotional impact. After all, it is obvious that a mass film should still resonate in the hearts of viewers who know nothing or almost nothing about the central theme.
The main thing that F1 The Movie will be remembered for is its phenomenal racing scenes. Joseph Kosinski, who has already proven his skills in the film Top Gun: Maverick, takes it to a new level. He places the viewer not just in the stands, but directly in the cockpit, making you feel every vibration, every sharp turn and every second at breakneck speed.
This is not just a film – it is a symphony of roaring engines, lightning-fast maneuvers and constant danger. Thanks to innovative camera work and stunning sound design, the race turns into an adrenaline-pumping attraction that takes your breath away. Even a person who does not understand the intricacies of this sport will definitely be able to get carried away by the spectacle and start rooting for the heroes.
Off the track, the film relies on the charisma and acting chemistry of the main duo. Brad Pitt plays a role that seems to be created especially for him: a life-weary, but still charming veteran, in whose eyes you can read both the bitterness of past defeats and the fire of former glory. This role definitely suits him, as he also proved in Babylon.
Damson Idris perfectly embodies the image of a young and ambitious talent, combining confidence bordering on arrogance with childlike vulnerability. Their interaction is a classic example of the mentor-student dynamic, and although it develops according to all the known canons, it is still a pleasure to watch.
However, when the cars enter the pits, the film's weaknesses quickly emerge. The story that unfolds between the races is surprisingly familiar and formulaic. The script does not try to avoid any clichés of sports dramas, sometimes resorting to frankly artificial dialogues and situations. Still, it is noticeable that it is the elaboration of the depth of human emotions that is the weakest point of Kosinski's work.
The character development between races feels superficial, and some of the storylines, especially in the third part of the film, lose their pace. This creates a certain dissonance: the viewer receives incredible audiovisual pleasure during the action scenes, but is somewhat bored in between, waiting for the next race.
And yet, despite the script's secondary nature, F1 The Movie leaves an extremely positive impression. Kosinski and his team work confidently, with a scope and with a clear understanding of what kind of film they are creating. They do not claim the laurels of a deep psychological drama or a philosophical parable. Their goal is to create a first-class, exciting and emotional blockbuster that gives pure pleasure from watching.
And they do a great job of it. The film can be called old-fashioned in the best sense of the word. It is not afraid to be simple, sincere and a little naive, relying on time-tested values: friendship, rivalry, respect and the desire to win.
F1 The Movie is a film of two speeds, the switching between which you will see immediately, even if you know nothing about racing and sports dramas. On the race track it rushes at breakneck speed, striking with technical perfection and immersing the viewer in the whirlpool of events. In moments of calm it moves more slowly, along the familiar and predictable route of the chosen genre.
But thanks to the masterful direction, excellent acting, and overall atmosphere of genuine enthusiasm for the world of racing, its shortcomings do not spoil the overall impression. This is a spectacular, emotional, and simply beautiful film that is capable of making even those who still don't know the difference between a pit stop and a pole position fall in love with Formula 1.
And now some thoughts from a person who understands all the nuances of Formula 1. This is a commentary on the film by Ukrainian sports commentator Max Podzigun, who has been covering the royal race for many years and participated in the dubbing of the Ukrainian version of the film.
"I will share my impressions in a separate episode of the podcast, but here I will say that this film is not only for the "general public", it is also for you and me.
Lots of cool moments, tricks and jokes that true F1 fans will appreciate. Interesting historical parallels, filming at real team bases (can you guess whose?), cool technical details and much more.
And filming the races themselves. This is the next level. I don't fully understand how they did it, but I don't think they've ever filmed a race on the track like this!
"It's definitely coming."
PS Let us remind you that the APXGP team's cars, the film's characters, and the mini-campaign based on the film are in the official F1 25 simulator from Codemasters/EA.