Joseph Kosinski floored audiences with Top Gun: Maverick in 2022, delivering one of the most stunning technical achievements in modern cinema. F1, in near-equal measure, is a technical tour de force that captures the spectacle of Formula 1 with jaw-dropping precision—but it can’t seem to hit the same speeds when it comes to story and character.
Visually, the film is engrossing. Shot on real tracks using custom in-car camera rigs, F1 delivers a visceral, immersive racing experience unlike anything we’ve seen on screen. The editing is razor-sharp, paired with a propulsive score by Hans Zimmer. While the novelty of the racing does start to wear thin as the film progresses, there’s enough variety in the filmmaking techniques to keep most scenes visually engaging.
However, when the film slows down to focus on character, its shortcomings become abundantly clear. Brad Pitt and Damson Idris give serviceable performances as a retired driver and rookie, respectively, but the lack of nuance feels more a result of a lazy script than the actors themselves. Emotional beats feel undercooked, character arcs drag across the two-and-a-half-hour runtime, and resolutions come too quickly and conveniently in the final act. A slew of supporting characters are introduced with the intent of adding depth, but their storylines feel shoehorned in and lack intentionality.
Ultimately, F1 is a thrilling sensory experience, best appreciated on the biggest screen possible. But a film can only be carried so far by technical prowess—it needs a compelling story and characters to match. Fans of cinematic spectacle will find plenty to enjoy, but those looking for emotional horsepower may leave wanting more.
