The new “F1” film has received a wave of approval and recognition from critics. While critics focused mostly on its commercial success, the film is far more than a thrill ride.
At first glance, the movie delivered the expected spectacle. There are roaring engines, tense overtakes, chaotic pit stops and the constant threat of disaster. Beneath it all, however, lies a quieter story. It is about obsession, fractured identity, and the steep cost of greatness. The central character is not just a driver chasing trophies. He is a man unraveling under the pressure of legacy, expectation and the isolating nature of elite competition. It doesn’t glamorize Formula One as much as push back on it, peeling away the shiny surface to show the stress, burnout, and messy feelings hiding underneath.
One of the most debated aspects is the pacing. Unlike the rapid editing found in most racing films, this one takes its time. It lingers in silence, in dim motel rooms and in the psychological bruises left by near misses and relentless media attention. Some viewers have called it slow, but that misses the point. The tempo is intentional. It mirrors the mental laps before the physical ones and the breath held before the plunge. In a genre that thrives on adrenaline, this film chooses to pause.
The camera work deserved more credit than it received. The racing scenes were shot with raw intensity, pulling the viewer into the cockpit. The viewer felt the squeeze of the harness, the narrowing of vision and the pulse syncing with the revs. As the camera moves away from the circuit, the colors fade and the shots become quiet and stripped down. These choices reflect the emotional isolation of the characters. It is not flashy, but it is deeply effective.
The most contentious selection was the ending. There was no last lap drama, no miracle recovery. The film ended on a note of uncertainty. The driver gazed out into the distance, unsure if it was all worth it. This left many viewers uncomfortable, but this discomfort is part of the message. “F1” is not all about winning. It is about surviving, enduring and learning how to quit.
The film is not perfect. The dialogue is occasionally uneven, and some of the supporting actors are wasted. Still, its ambition surpasses its errors. It trusted its audience to engage, think and embrace difficulty.
Ultimately, this “F1” film may not end up being a classic favorite in the memories of the box office. Instead, it feels like a bold and thoughtful film that plays loose with the story and, for now, stays a hidden gem that quietly pulls you in and deserves another watch.
