Genre: Drama, Sport
Release Date: 27 June 2025
Language: English
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Writer: Ehren Kruger
Cinematography: Claudio Miranda
Music: Hans Zimmer
Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer, Chad Oman, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Lewis Hamilton, Joseph Kosinski
Production Companies: Apple Studios, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Plan B Entertainment, Dawn Apollo Films, Warner Bros., Monolith Pictures (III)
Story
Famous Formula One driver Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) suffers physical and psychological damage in a horrific crash that ends his career too soon. Once the biggest star in the sport, Sonny’s world falls apart when he has to accept retirement’s harsh realities. Sonny, reeling from the loss of his identity and sense of purpose, fades away from the spotlight and lives a solitary, contemplative life.
Sonny’s mentor and longtime friend Carlos Montoya (Javier Bardem) approaches him with a proposal that could change his life as he struggles to accept his new situation. An established racer named Carlos has been watching Jake Foster (Damson Idris), a remarkable young talent. In the racing world, Jake is a rising star who possesses a wealth of natural talent but lacks the mentoring necessary to reach his full potential.
Motivated by a flashback to his former passion and a sense of duty, Sonny reluctantly accepts to coach Jake. As Sonny faces his past transgressions, comes to terms with his coaching role, and assists Jake in adjusting to the demands of the game, the film follows their complicated relationship. Sonny starts to recover from his personal injuries and rediscover the essence of racing that used to define him through their shared experiences.
Plot Summary
Brad Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, was formerly a renowned driver in the intense world of Formula One racing, renowned for his daring driving and fierce competitiveness. Unfortunately, a tragic accident ends his career abruptly, leaving him with emotional and physical scars. Sonny suffers from feelings of identity loss and failure as he withdraws from the spotlight.
When his old friend, the mysterious team owner Victor Moreno (Javier Bardem), approaches him with a proposal to coach a young driver named Lucas Grey (Damson Idris) who is about to make it big in the elite racing circuit, the movie takes a dramatic turn. Initially reluctant, Sonny eventually agrees, seeing it as an opportunity to rebuild his life and make a difference in the sport he once loved.
Aside from the pressure of the racing world, Sonny faces personal demons from his past and conflict with Lucas’s aspirational team as he trains him. Sonny has to face his fears, rediscover his love for racing, and lead Lucas through a pivotal season with the support of his loving wife Laura Hayes (Kerry Condon) and a strict but fair racing manager Claire Roberts (Sarah Niles).
The movie’s climax builds to a suspenseful final race in which Sonny’s atonement and Lucas’s future are at stake. A mentor and his protégé share an unbreakable bond, and themes of perseverance and redemption are expertly woven throughout the narrative.
Cast
Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes: The retired Formula One driver struggling to find purpose after a career-ending accident.
Damson Idris as Lucas Grey: A talented and ambitious young driver who becomes Sonny’s protégé.
Kerry Condon as Laura Hayes: Sonny’s supportive and strong-willed wife.
Tobias Menzies as Malcolm Reid: A rival team owner and occasional antagonist.
Javier Bardem as Victor Moreno: Sonny’s old friend and team owner who persuades him to return to the sport.
Kim Bodnia as Maxim Petrov: An experienced mechanic and Sonny’s old ally.
Shea Whigham as Coach Davey: A former racing coach and mentor to Sonny.
Joseph Balderrama as Antonio Silva: Lucas’s manager who is skeptical of Sonny’s return.
Sarah Niles as Claire Roberts: The tough and experienced racing manager.
Samson Kayo as Richard Brown: A rising star in the racing world with a competitive edge.
