by ECI Released : 2025-06-27
F1 is the latest film from Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski and stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, an ex-F1 driver who returns to the sport for one last shot at glory.
Kosinski has delivered the film of the year—a blistering, high-octane spectacle that proves he is one of the best action directors working today. From the very first frame, F1 is a masterclass in immersive filmmaking. The racing sequences are breathtakingly shot, with real cars at real speeds, giving the film an authenticity rarely seen in sports cinema. Every roar of the engine, every screech of tires is meticulously crafted, placing you right in the cockpit alongside Pitt’s Sonny Hayes as he barrels toward redemption.
Brad Pitt delivers one of his finest performances in years, perfectly capturing the weathered charisma and bruised pride of a man who can’t let go of the past. He’s both vulnerable and magnetic, making Sonny’s journey deeply personal while never losing the swagger that made him a legend. Javier Bardem is fantastic as the team principal who gives Sonny his second chance. Bardem balances humor, frustration, and genuine warmth with ease, elevating every scene he’s in. Damson Idris is equally impressive as the young star driver who must learn to trust the veteran in his corner. Their chemistry—initially tense, later deeply respectful—anchors the film emotionally and gives the narrative real weight.
Kosinski’s direction is simply phenomenal. He uses IMAX cameras and practical effects to put us right on the track, with dizzying turns and heart-stopping overtakes that feel as real as any documentary footage. Yet he never loses sight of character—each race is an extension of Sonny’s personal battle, each pit stop a moment of quiet introspection. The script balances adrenaline-fueled spectacle with genuine human drama, making F1 both thrilling and moving.
The supporting cast is strong across the board, including Kerry Condon as Hayes' love interest and the team's top engineer, Kate and also includes cameos from the active F1 drivers from the 2023 season (when the movie was filmed). The film also benefits from a propulsive score and sharp editing that keeps the tension at full throttle from start to finish.
If you see only one film this year, make it F1. It’s a dazzling technical achievement, a heartfelt drama, and the best movie of 2025 so far. Rush to see this one at a drive-in near you.
