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The Perfect Formula

Joseph Kosinski’s ‘F1’, his first theatrical endeavor since the billion-dollar-earning ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, is reminiscent of the typical Jerry Bruckheimer produced blockbusters from the 90s such as Tony Scott’s stylish ‘Days of Thunder’ and Michael Bay’s ridiculously-thrilling ‘Armageddon’. Obviously, Brad Pitt isn’t going into space to nuke an asteroid in ‘F1’, but he proves that he’s still a movie star that can handle big-budget spectacles and put butts in seats – even in his 60s. It also doesn’t hurt when your movie has a banging Hans Zimmer score mainlined into the veins of the audience. 

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Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) is a middle-aged race car driver living in a van, traveling from city to city, and looking for an intense thrill on the track. He doesn’t care about the money or the trophies, just the racing. After winning the 24 Hours of Daytona race, Sonny is given a chance by an old friend and current Apex racing team owner, Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), to drive a car in Formula One (the pinnacle of racing).

Sonny doesn’t accept the offer right away, and we learn that he almost died during his last race at this level in a catastrophic accident, one that would make anyone walk away from the sport. But not Sonny. He struts onto the training facility grounds the next day, meeting his cocky rookie teammate, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), and several members of the behind-the-scenes team like the gorgeous, genius of a tech director, Kate McKenna (Kerry Condon), who is immediately intrigued by Sonny. 

Joshua, nicknamed JP by Sonny much to his chagrin, is not so much intrigued by his presence but more or so pissed off. He wants to make a name for himself in a league where owners will throw you under the wheels of a car the second you prove you aren’t valuable to them anymore, and Sonny definitely won’t help him with this. Quickly butting heads as soon as they get on the track, both Sonny and Joshua learn what it’s like to work as a team, especially when the lives of regular people are counting on their success. 

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‘F1’ is a blockbuster that we have all seen before. A young hot-shot must learn from the damaged, old-school mentor in order to succeed while outside forces work against them. Kosinski did the same thing with Tom Cruise and Miles Teller in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, and he does it again here. People love to see this kind of story play out and will return to these movies over and over again. As long as Hollywood exists, these movies will exist, and you can bet your life savings that every dad will be lined up at the concession stands before making their way to the seats in the theater to see these movies.  

A Massive Production

The scale of ‘F1’ is quite incredible. Amidst a decade of blockbusters that rely on special effects and digital worlds, ‘F1’ feels different. And that’s because it is. 

Shot on-location at various Formula One races in places like Hungary, Italy, Japan along with many others, the film literally takes you on a trip around the world, letting the audience experience what a typical F1 driver goes through in a season. It’d be criminal to not mention the final race on the Las Vegas Strip. It is beautifully shot, allowing us to take in the vibrant atmosphere of Sin City before and after the race. Fireworks become a character during one of the final sequences and look exceptional on the silver screen thanks to Oscar-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda

‘F1’ is the second collaboration between composer Hans Zimmer and Kosinski, the first being ‘Top Gun: Maverick’. Zimmer worked on the Ron Howard directed Formula One movie ‘Rush’ back in 2013, as well, and this score really stands out compared to some of his recent endeavors. Sure, the ‘Dune’ scores are great, but they aren’t as fresh as the one we hear in ‘F1’ especially in a theater. One instrument that stood out in particular was the electric guitar, and it really benefits some of the racing sequences as the drivers are speeding down the track neck and neck.

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The budget of ‘F1’ has been a hotly contested number, with reporter Matt Belloni stating that it is around $300 million, a number that both producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Kosinski denied. Ahead of the release, it was stated to be closer to $200 million, but some still believe that Belloni’s report was correct. In a prime summer release slot, ‘F1’ is sure to break even, especially when it features a star like Brad Pitt paired with the director of one of the most successful movies of the decade. 

A Future Crossover?

While speaking with GQ Magazine, Kosinski stated that he hopes to create a crossover-sequel between ‘F1’ and ‘Days of Thunder’ starring both Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. ‘Top Gun 3’ is currently in development, with Kosinski returning to direct the Christopher Mcquarrie penned script, and of course, Tom Cruise returning as Maverick. Assuming Cruise would much rather produce and star in another ‘Top Gun’ beforehand, this hypothetical production would take years to get off the ground and running. Both Cruise and Pitt have spoken about the respect they have for one another as actors, going back all the way to their work on ‘Interview with the Vampire’ in 1994, and now, as certified movie stars and matured actors, a collaboration between them would be a must-see movie. 

Brad Pitt is currently filming a David Ayer action film and is set to star in the sequel to ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’, ‘The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth’, written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by David Fincher, both of which are said to be released in 2026. 

Some things were never meant to be, and this might be one of those things, even if it would be another extraordinary tribute to the late, great Tony Scott. 

By Aidan Reidy

Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.

I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”

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    Aidan Reidy is a writer who’s currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in motion pictures screenwriting at the University of Miami. He is passionate about the entertainment industry and enjoys watching most genres. He is interested in every aspect of filmmaking ranging from technical aspects like editing and sound mixing to acting and directing styles. Hollywood Insider’s commitment to substance-filled articles rather than gossip columns attracted him to the website, creating an enjoyable environment for him to write in and aligning with his personal values, as well.

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F1’ is not just for fans who get a thrill out of racing. It’s for anyone who has ever dreamed big and won’t stop pushing themselves past every obstacle. The film has a mix of adrenaline charged visuals balanced with raw emotion. ‘F1’ brings back the real feel of cinematic movies that make the audience feel like they’re right there in it. The film is a triumph that balances both the spectacle and excitement of Formula 1 with the deeply human stories beneath the helmets. Director Joseph Kosinski takes viewers both inside the cockpit but also deep into the mindset of what it means to race, both on and off the track. Kosinski also directed ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and ‘F1’ brings the same type of visuals and storytelling seen in ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’ It feels lived in and real.

F1’ is not simply a sports film. It is a representation of the resilience, ambition, and the relationships that make a team work, any team. The film is meant to fuel greatness. With lively direction, magnificent editing, and standout performances, especially from Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, the film proves why the right storytelling can transcend genre and make it something even better.

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Direction and Editing: A Race That Was Won

Kosinski’s direction is sharp, clean, and vibrant, blending realism and cinematic features. Much like his other work, he is able to portray an immersive, high stakes world. But in ‘F1,’ the stakes feel steep and personal. Kosinski worked closely with real life Formula 1 teams in order to capture an authentic racing experience, and it paid off. The camera doesn’t just follow the action, it lives it. From split screen, tight cock pit shots to wide on-track sequences, viewers feel like they are right there in the race car or cheering in the stands. You don’t know what’s going to happen next, you’re just watching the race with hope that it can be pulled off and that is all due to Kosinski’s direction.

The editing on the other hand, led by Stephen Mirrione, is just as stunning. It’s lively yet clean. There is an effortless balance of frantic race scenes with quiet character driven moments. Mirrione’s editing, in a way, mirrors a real F1 season. It’s fast and unexpected but there is still emotion and fatigue. What stands out most in regards to the editing is that it never loses sight of its characters, the core of the film, even in the loudest and craziest moments.

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Star Performances On and Off the Track

Brad Pitt gives one of the most grounded and magnetic performances of his career. He plays Sonny Hayes, a retired driver who is returning to the sport for one last chance at a big win. Pitt, who has starred in his fair share of successful films, brings an easy authenticity to the role. Sonny does what he wants on his own time, he’s been around the block once or twice. But he is still fighting his own demons. Pitt puts all of that into his acting as Sonny is a man fighting not only his demons, but time, legacy, and even himself. Sonny can be subtle and easy going or full of fire and you never know what you’re getting next. Pitt pulls this off with such grace and ease that the audience forgets that he is acting. And that is the definition of a phenomenal actor.

Damson Idris is an incredible rising star with everything to prove, and with ‘F1’ he proved he is capable of any task thrown his way. Idris plays Joshua Pearce, a hotshot rookie with the goal of being number one, and no one, not even Sonny, will get in his way. Pearce starts out as cocky and wants to be number one but as time goes on, he silently takes tips from Hayes, to be both the best on the track and off. Idris’ chemistry with Pitt is a major aspect of the film’s emotion. But their quote on quote mentor-mentee relationship isn’t like others shown in Cinema. There is no big emotional moment between the two that leads them to start working with each other. They just slowly become more comfortable with one another and join together in the goal to take their team to the top. ‘F1’ took this relationship and made it their own, and it worked perfectly. All of this is due of course to the acting of Pitt and Idris.

The supporting performances in the film stand out just as much. With Javier Bardem as Ruben Cervantes, the team owner, and Kerry Condon as Kate McKenna, the team’s technical director. Bardem plays Ruben as a man hanging on to his team and his friends with everything he’s got. But even in the stressful moments, he’s got a quick wit and a strong mind. Condon gives Kate warmth and power as Kate is Formula 1’s first female technical director. She has a soft spot, especially for Sonny, but she knows what she wants and is going to prove to everyone just what she is capable of.

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More Than Machines: A Story

What makes ‘F1’ stand out is its storytelling. Its true plot is about Formula 1 but it’s also full of grit, growth, and glory. It’s about the people who live it. The screenplay, written by Ehren Kruger, who also worked on ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ blends the technical details with deep emotions. It touches on the psyche during competition, what a legacy can do to someone, and the sacrifices to be great. ‘F1’ is able to offer both spectacle and substance. There are themes of redemption, camaraderie, and dealing with personal demons and they’re all wrapped into a high speed race.

The film also recognizes the danger of Formula 1 or any racing circuit. It reflects on how drivers risk everything for glory, but also identity and the love of the sport, the need for one more ride. The cost is never forgotten as the film portrays serious accidents and where racing can lead you. The film is all about the balance of things: past and present, success and setback, glory and guilt. These contrasts keep the narrative fresh and surprising, even for those who know everything there is to know about racing.

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A Victory Lap for Modern Cinema

‘F1’ is thrilling, emotional, and crafted with a kind of care that is often forgotten in major studio releases. But overall, it’s inviting audiences to a whole new world that is hard to get into. ‘F1’ makes it universal. ‘F1’ builds a world within a world with both craze and passion. With stellar performances, breathtaking visuals, and a story worth telling, this film deserves all the praise and attention it deserves.

‘F1’ gives audiences pulse racing thrills along with intimate human moments. It’s hard to combine the two but this film pulls it off fantastically. It leaves you both on the edge of your seat and inspired. Whether you’re a lifelong Formula 1 fan or someone looking for a great new movie, this film delivers. Because this isn’t just a movie about racing. It’s a movie about living.

By Halsey Larsen

Cast: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Kin Bodnia, Javier Bardem

Cinematography: Claudio Miranda | Editor: Stephen Mirrione

Director: Joseph Kosinski | Writer: Ehren Kruger | Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer, Joseph Kosinski, Lewis Hamilton, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Chad Oman

Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.

I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”

More Interesting Stories From The Hollywood Insider

Want GUARANTEED SUCCESS? Remove these ten words from your vocabulary| Transform your life INSTANTLY

A Tribute to Martin Scorsese: A Complete Analysis of the Life and Career of the Man Who Lives and Breathes Cinema 

Do you know the hidden messages in ‘Call Me By Your Name’? Find out behind the scenes facts in the full commentary and In-depth analysis of the cinematic masterpiece

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Author

  • Halsey Larsen

    Halsey Larsen enjoys looking for new loves in the film and entertainment industry and has a deep passion for learning what makes a project or person special. For Halsey, it isn't just about watching a new show or movie or getting introduced to a new actor, it's about a true intent to learn and appreciate what makes something shine and be remarkable. After years of studying film and television undergrad, Halsey is excited to learn more about the industry through a writing and research aspect and work to explore the deeper meanings of the content provided to audiences.

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