Shadows on the Wall

dir Joseph Kosinski
scr Ehren Kruger
prd Jerry Bruckheimer, Lewis Hamilton, Joseph Kosinski, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner
with Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Kim Bodnia, Sarah Niles, Samson Kayo, Will Merrick, Joseph Balderrama, Abdul Salis, Shea Whigham
release US/UK 27.Jun.25
25/US Warners 2h35

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There's a sense that this epic blockbuster simply wrote itself, as there isn't a single conversation or plot point that even remotely surprises us. It's the usual story of a veteran and a young upstart who clash but learn Important Life Lessons. Thankfully, the formula is robust, the cast is almost absurdly charming, and director Joseph Kosinski makes the very most of the thrilling, vroom-vroom energy of Formula 1.

With just nine races to save his losing racing team, owner Ruben (Bardem) turns to old pal Sonny (Pitt), who hasn't driven F1 since a horrific crash 30 years ago. After decades racing other cars, Sonny reluctantly takes on this chance for redemption alongside rising-star rookie Joshua (Idris), who's annoyed that he has to team up with this granddad. The team's car designer Kate (Condon) appreciates Sonny's innovations, and he wins over the pit crew too. But board member Peter (Menzies) is less convinced that they can pull off a win before the season ends.

Rather than allow us to find meaning, Kruger's packs the script with inspiring aphorisms. "Don't hope for breaks," Sonny says sagely. "Make them." Other elements include an unnecessary romance, a sneering villain and training montages contrasting Sonny's old-school workouts with Joshua's high-tech machinery. Sonny hates the press and lives in his van, while Joshua revels in the attention and has an assistant (Kayo) and sassy mum (Niles). And everyone's always talking about fresh or tired tyres.

Pitt provides easy charisma as a guy who drove with Schumacher and Senna. It's absurd to think that he doesn't care that he never won a grand prix, but Pitt sells the feeling he loves the race, not the glory. Sonny is tough with Joshua, but is always helping, really. And Idris plays this young man with a terrific sense of confidence, not realising that he's still discovering himself. The terrific surrounding cast members add colourful touches everywhere.

Best of all, the actors maintain their dignity even when scenes become outrageously soapy. So as they travel the circuit from Britain to Italy to Vegas, there may not be any suspense, but it's always enjoyable because the story moves as briskly as the cars. The film is assembled with serious skill, mixing ace cinematography, sound and music. So each crash feels momentous and explosive, the drama is comfortably pointed, and the last race of the year in Abu Dhabi brings just the kick we wanted this summer.

themes, language, violence 25.Jun.25

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