5 out of 5 stars (one of the best I’ve seen in a long time)
F1 is why we go to the movies. I couldn’t tell you the first thing about racecar driving or name any famous drivers, but I love this movie to pieces. It’s an example of an ever-rare type of movie in modern Hollywood: An uplifting, inspirational story brought to life by great stars, excellent direction, and, most importantly, a strong script that gives them all a chance to shine. I’ve seen many movies in 2025, but none have left me with a spring in my step like F1. Whether you’re a racing fanatic or not, you owe it to yourself to see this on the biggest screen possible.
Sonny Hayes (a swaggering Brad Pitt) is the greatest racecar driver that almost was. Though he couldn’t make it in the pros, his enviable skill behind the wheel and devil-may-care attitude have earned him a reputation for getting it done in any race. It’s because of this that his friend Rueben (Javier Bardem) begs him to join and mentor his formula one racing team so far up the creek that they’ve never heard of a paddle in their lives. Sonny begrudgingly does so, butting heads with the cocky yet equally-skilled rising star Joshua Pierce (Damson Idris announcing himself as a star) and wooing the hard-nosed team manager Kate (Kerry Condon). As the season progresses, all parties will change, grow, and learn what it means to be winners on and off the track.
F1 is one of the best movies of 2025. I’m by no means a racing junkie, but the track sequences here are shot with such veracity that you feel like you’re behind the wheel in the best way. Director Joseph Kosinksi accomplished a similar feat with the flying sequences in mega-hit Top Gun: Maverick a couple years ago, and just like that film, F1 delivers some of the finest spectacle you’ll see this year, but knows to temper it with engaging human drama and character dynamics. Brad Pitt remains the swoon-worthy charisma machine he always has been, but up-and-comer Damson Idris matches him in every interaction and both carry a traditional masculine energy. Kerry Condon and Javier Bardem are similarly excellent and instantly sell their dynamics with Pitt, ensuring the non-driving scenes engage us just as much as the action while Sarah Niles steals scenes as Pierce’s mother. All 4 leads are likable underdogs fighting for their place and the film smartly connects them through that and trusts the audience to see it.
There’s well-placed humor without undercutting dramatic moments, the cinematography uses framing and lighting expertly, and the 2 hour, 35 minute runtime speeds by. My one gripe is that the ending feels slightly prolonged, but outside of that, this film is one of the year’s finest outings. F1 delivers everything I could want out of a trip to the movies with action, humor, drama, and the announcement of a new star in Damson Idris. It’s the kind of movie that reminded me why I love the movies, and I can think of no higher praise than that. Speed to your nearest theater and see F1.
Rated PG-13 for Strong Language and Action