⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Rated PG-13 | 155 minutes

It feels like it’s been a minute since we’ve had a true big-screen experience worth getting excited about. F1® The Movie, the new film from Apple Originals and Warner Bros., absolutely delivers on that front. I saw it in IMAX, and from the very first shot to the final scene, the entire frame was alive. It’s the kind of movie that fills the screen, fills your ears, and pulls you in so completely you forget about everything else. It reminds you why the big screen exists.

From the opening frame to the final lap, F1® fills every inch of the IMAX screen with unrelenting energy. Directed with precision and flair, the film doesn’t just capture the speed and danger of Formula 1 racing… it puts you in the driver’s seat. The in-camera racing sequences are among the most immersive ever filmed, thanks to a commitment to practical effects and real track footage that leaves the usual CGI sheen in the dust. It’s doing for Formula 1 what Days Of Thunder did for NASCAR.

Brad Pitt is in top form here, playing a veteran Formula 1 driver who’s not just chasing speed but wrestling with legacy, pride, and purpose. It’s a character that feels lived-in, and Pitt plays it with ease and edge. He’s cool, sure, but there’s a real weight behind his performance that makes you care about more than just the finish line. I do wish we got a bit more of a peek into his motivation.

Backing him up is an excellent supporting cast. Damson Idris is a standout as a rising star in the racing world. He holds his own in every scene and brings real heart to the story. Kerry Condon, as the team’s engineer, is smart, sharp, and quietly commanding. And Javier Bardem adds some serious flavor as the team principal. The chemistry between everyone keeps the drama grounded, even when the engines are screaming.

And speaking of engines, the sound design in F1® is unreal. You feel every gear shift, every tire screech, every near miss. The theater shakes in the best way. This is a film made for IMAX, and not in a gimmicky way. It’s immersive, tactile, and loud in all the right ways.

What I really loved, though, is that F1® isn’t just a tech demo or a showcase of cool racing shots. It’s a story with heart, filled with characters who feel real. The racing scenes are thrilling, but the emotional moments hit just as hard. It’s the perfect blend of adrenaline and authenticity.

In a world full of streaming options and endless content, it’s refreshing to sit down and just be wowed for two hours. F1® is the kind of movie that makes you remember why theaters matter. It’s a popcorn-worthy ride that deserves to be seen big and loud.