The Wasteland Reviewer

F1: The Movie (2025) Written Review

How does Joseph Kosinski follow up his immense success with Top Gun: Maverick? Kosinski gained some attention with his first two directorial outings because he delivered some gorgeous looking cinematic experiences. Tron: Legacy and Oblivion are not beloved, but they do receive plenty of praise because of the impressive direction and visual experiences. But Maverick was an opportunity that showed some impactful emotional resonance (like his film Only the Brave) while still delivering a jaw-dropping cinematic experience. Kosinski (and company) channel the success from that legacy sequel and brings many of those impressive elements over for F1: The Movie. 

Does Kosinski bring this Formula 1 world to life in F1: The Movie? First off, this film looks amazing. There is some sleek, modern, and crisp frame of every frame of this film. This is the result of top-notch modern filmmaking. The real standout elements of the film are on the racetrack. The way the camera engages with vehicles and exists in or on the vehicles is awe-inspiring. The way the cameras capture vehicles makes you feel all the horsepower and speed, tearing up those tracks. The sound design and mixing come together perfectly to create a fully enveloping cinematic experience. These are some of the most impressive racing sequences you will find in film…period. There are some well-structured and impactful montages throughout the film which deliver some efficient exposition and storytelling. Kosinski and the crew were able to recapture the majesty of these areas and highlight the mania that it is like driving in these races. Each shot is fully realized and captures exactly what is expected. Then you have a score that delivers something so bombastic, emotive, and dynamic. Synths. Big energy. Hans Zimmer shows off why he truly understands the significance of music in film. 

Does the screenplay from Ehren Kruger rise to the occasion? You would imagine that most would focus on the visual experiences of such a film, but the story elements are so important for what Kosinski is trying to say about aging, competition, and motivation. There are plenty of familiar elements borrowed from Maverick (as they make near perfect parallels for their aging stars who live a physical existence with their clocks running out). The core story is about an aging racer who never really had success that matched his early potential is brought on to mentor a young, brash racer and save an underdog racing team. This type of story is not going to shock anyone or deliver anything too surprising, but Kruger leverages some strong writing to elevate these tired elements. There are plenty of parallels between our protagonist, Sonny Haynes, and the younger racer, Joshua Pearce. The film benefits from this evolving dynamic that has some serious lows and some satisfying highs. The internal battle for Sonny is a mystery for most of the film until it is revealed at the perfect time (even if it becomes significantly more heavy-handed as the film goes by) and delivers something poignant for Sonny’s arc. There are some subversions to this mentor/mentee tale (not unique but effective). There are plenty of dynamics that Sonny explores throughout the film as well that add layers to the cinematic experience. There is the evolving dynamic between his former rival turned friend now boss (that has plenty of humor and charm). The film does a fine job of giving purpose to many of the racing team members from the top all the way to the bottom of the pecking order (which gives the story and experience more depth). There is an expected romantic element which is a great highlight thanks to the chemistry between Brad Pitt (Sonny) and the female engineer on the team (Kerry Condon). 

Speaking of…does the cast deliver? Pitt is a superstar through and through and he brings all the charisma and presence to a big blockbuster like this. He feels so natural in all the physical elements of this role (which is essential for believability). But there are a few key moments when Pitt takes command of the screen and delivers some truly moving and poignant moments along the way. The second most important performance is from Damson Idris who is Pitt’s parallel in the story, Joshua Pearce. He captures a sense of arrogance that feels so natural but can shift his presence to capture the growth of Pearce so organically. Condon is just so charming…it is easy to see why Pitt’s Sonny falls for Kate. There is strength, assertiveness, and charm that makes her such an intriguing and alluring presence in the film. Condon is one of the best performers today. Javier Bardem is not given the material to truly steal the show, but his natural charisma makes him a significant and impactful supporting presence. Sarah Niles is another standout as Pearce’s mother who brings some authentic emotions throughout the film. The likes of Tobias Menzies, Kim Bodnia, and Samson Kayo deliver in their supporting roles as they channel exactly what is needed of them. 

Is F1: The Movie the big blockbuster that Apple and Warner Bros were hoping for? They have a special film on their hands. Kosinski continues to prove that he is one of the sharpest filmmakers working today who just understands how to leverage modern filmmaking to craft a gorgeous looking film. Pitt continues to prove he has plenty in the tank getting into his 60s. There are plenty of other standouts as well who fill out this thrilling and satisfying cinematic experience.