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Written by: Joseph Kosinski & Ehren Kruger (story), Ehren Kruger (screenplay)
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies
Rated: PG-13
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Plot
A Formula One driver comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with a younger driver.
Verdict
While the story can teeter towards cliche, it's never an obstacle. I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish. This provides just enough development to make characters interesting and their motivations clear without delving into unnecessary exposition. The racing and races keep the pace quick and the visuals thrilling. Every race is important. This movie manages to generate a level of engagement few racing movies achieve. Part of it is that most of these characters are well rounded with goals and faults. That and Brad Pitt knows how to command the screen.
Watch It.
Review
Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) is an amazing driver, nearly single-handedly winning the Daytona 24 hours race for his team in a Porsche. Sonny is on the older side for a racer. We learn he's a former prodigy that now races for whoever pays. A crash derailed his career, making him the high potential that never was. Sonny's old teammate Rubén (Javier Bardem) asks him to race on his F1 team. Sonny hesitates, but Rubén goads Sonny, telling him it will prove his ability to the world.
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| Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes |
Just ten minutes in, I like the racing and the look. This manages to make the racing fun and engaging.
Highly touted rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) is understandably skeptical about the team's new addition. Sonny was the ninth driver Rubén asked after all. Sonny states if he's not within one second of Pearce's time, he'll leave. With what we've seen, I expected Sonny to beat him. Of course Joshua and Sonny are antagonistic. It's the arrogant rookie with something to prove and the veteran that just wants to race. Sonny is annoyed by the brash young driver that refuses help. Joshua may be concerned that Sonny could be faster. One advantage Sonny has is that he knows the car, the track, and how to improve their chances. Joshua isn't able to communicate the car's deficiencies to the engineers.
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| Damson Idris, Brad Pitt play Joshua Pearce, Sonny Hayes |
You can't help but like Sonny as he does his own thing. In his first race for the team he and Joshua race against each other and both crash. In the next race Sonny exploits the rules and helps Joshua to his first top ten finish. Despite that, in a later race Joshua ignores Sonny's advice and crashes. It's a tough crash for Joshua, who can't let go of his pride. He then misses a number of races. Joshua wants to be the star of the team, and he doesn't want to accept Sonny. He's afraid that Rubén might like Sonny more. In Joshua's absence Sonny does well, even becoming a fan favorite. That only irritates Joshua, attacking his insecurities.
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| Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes |
We've seen Sonny with playing cards; flipping them before races and placing an unseen card in his pocket before each race. The movie never explains it directly. We know he used to be a professional gambler, so it may be a ritual borne of gambling and risk. In racing there's lots of risk and luck. In the one race where he forgets to place a card in his pocket, he's mad and races mad. It's serves as a bad omen.
The plot driver is that Rubén will lose the team if they don't win at least one race. Like any sports movie it comes down to the last race. Sonny though recovering from an injury is adamant he can race. Joshua self reflects and realizes he needs to grow up while also seeing the value in Sonny's lessons. Joshua became a better racer during his short stint with Sonny, and now he's more likely to be successful. Sonny departs after the race so he can continue racing for anyone that pays.
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