Let’s imagine, for a second, that Nate has been given the keys to the next big blockbuster. What does he need in it? Big stars? Beautiful, immersive cinematography? A score from one of his favorite composers? A bomb soundtrack? Given this, it surely seems like I wrote F1, a movie I knew I’d enjoy going in, but definitely not this much.

While the path of F1 was well-tread, especially as far as sports films are concerned, I was impressed by the ways they shirked expectations and added new, interesting circumstances to much of the story, especially the races. The dynamic between Sonny and Joshua, while familiar on the surface, had so many little nuances, and they showed the most in each of the nine(!) races in this film. Their interactions—whether they chose to work together or not—felt novel each time (or, at least, something I hadn’t seen in a sports movie) and made each of the nine races feel unique and memorable.

Every race was also impeccably shot. From the sound design (deep, loud, and claustrophobic) to the camera angles and pacing of the races, I have never been more engaged with (or interested in) F1 racing as I was in the theater tonight. It made me want to watch F1 (and buy the new F1 video game) right when I got home.

I learned as the opening credits were rolling that Hans Zimmer did the score, so I knew I was in for a treat. He did some great work yet again, capturing the drama and intensity of the story and F1 immediately and never letting go. The film’s soundtrack was full of bangers, too, and they never let the energy slip below 200%. The performances were all lovely as well, namely the aforementioned Brad Pitt and Damson Idris as Sonny and Joshua.

I remember really liking Gran Turismo back in 2023—I think I even gave it 4 stars—and F1 easily—effortlessly—lapped that film in every facet. I’m learning that I may have a thing for racing films, because I’m unashamedly declaring that, despite the phenomenal acting, music, and subtext of Sinners and the magic and wonder oozing out of The Life of Chuck, F1 has been my favorite film of 2025. No movie this year has excited me more, captured my breath more, or surprised me more than F1.

I’m shocked that I’m saying this, too, don’t worry. I absolutely fell in love with this movie, but I made sure to do my due diligence and try to come up with reasons to not give this movie 5 stars on the way home. Here’s what I came up with: