When Top Gun: Maverick shattered numerous box office records back in 2022, most audiences were taken by surprise. After all, it isn’t common practice for a movie of that nature to reign supreme at the box office in the current climate of blockbuster filmmaking. With an emphasis on practical effects over computer generated imagery, as well as a pinch of compelling human drama on the side, the Top Gun sequel was launched to universal acclaim from both critics and audience alike. When Apple announced that director Joseph Kosinski would be taking the reins for their high profile F1 movie, many were eager to see whether Kosinski could bring the same rejuvenated approach to the movie as he did with Maverick. In short, he does, big time.
With a budget of $300 million, you can see the lavish spending on screen, and Kosinski made sure that it’s money well spent (the number of Apple products on screen were quite amusing). The racing sequences were phenomenal, with a multi-camera setup that offers an exhilarating experience that feels real and tangible. Whether its close-ups of the cockpit or sweeping aerial shots of vehicles speeding through the tracks, F1 boasts incredible visuals that live up to its namesake. Furthermore, the immersive sound design paired with Hans Zimmer’s heart-pounding score make for an excellent visual and audio experience that deserves to be experienced on the biggest screen possible.
It’s no surprising that a movie of F1’s scale would command some of the industry’s finest talents. With a blockbuster like F1, there’s always the risk of prioritising spectacle over substance. Fortunately, the latest Apple original manages to avoid such trappings by delivering a compelling character drama that’s wrapped in an extremely entertaining blend of speed, destruction, and mayhem. Driven by Brad Pitt’s charismatic Sonny Hayes, the script effortlessly navigates multiple levels of personal and business relationships that keeps the audience invested when it isn’t busy showcasing high-octane set pieces.
As everyone seems to be at the top of their game, the supporting cast of F1 deserves high praise as well. Led by Pitt, the cast of the movie does a fantastic job especially when it comes to elevating the dramatic aspect of the film. In particular, Kerry Condon’s Kate brings a lot of warmth and sincerity into the movie, injecting moments of levity that enhances the emotional resonance of the narrative. Furthermore, Javier Bardem, Kim Bodnia, and Damson Idris all work tremendously in their roles to make an all-star cast that delivers above and beyond.
Meticulously engineered and endlessly entertaining, F1 is the blockbuster to watch this summer movie season. Echoing the most memorable parts of Top Gun: Maverick, Kosinki’s latest film is yet another epic spectacle that masterfully utilises teamwork, incredible talents, and a huge pile of cash. A remarkable case for genre cinema, F1 is a propulsive ride that races to the finish line without missing a beat.
