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Drive

Play trailer 2:24 Poster for Drive R Released Sep 16, 2011 1h 40m Crime Drama Action Play Trailer Watchlist
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93% Tomatometer 276 Reviews 79% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Driver is a skilled Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver for criminals. Though he projects an icy exterior, lately he's been warming up to a pretty neighbor named Irene and her young son, Benicio. When Irene's husband gets out of jail, he enlists Driver's help in a million-dollar heist. The job goes horribly wrong, and Driver must risk his life to protect Irene and Benicio from the vengeful masterminds behind the robbery.
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Drive

Drive

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Critics Consensus

With its hyper-stylized blend of violence, music, and striking imagery, Drive represents a fully realized vision of arthouse action.

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Critics Reviews

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Candice Frederick Reel Talk Online ... Drive is a riveting watch. Rated: B+ Sep 8, 2017 Full Review Chris Stuckmann ChrisStuckmann.com I'll never forget the first time I saw Drive. I've since never been able to replicate the experience. Rated: A+ Apr 17, 2015 Full Review David Thomson The New Republic What it had going for it was an uncanny and moving relationship between Gosling and Mulligan. Jun 24, 2013 Full Review Nick Rogers Midwest Film Journal Director Nicolas Winding Refn infuses an amalgam of several standard stories with an unassailable armor of cool to protect the indefatigable loneliness at its center. Rated: 4/5 Aug 26, 2024 Full Review Jennifer Bisset CNET Drive is basically the coolest movie ever. Its dreamlike, electronic soundtrack -- perfect for travel at night -- layers meaningful messages into a violent fairy tale about an unconventional hero. Apr 20, 2023 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review A patient, Jean-Pierre Melville-esque character study with flourishes of action. But it's more about atmosphere than adrenaline. Rated: 4/4 Mar 8, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (1000+) audience reviews
Matis E Great movie. The acting is true and great. The scénario is great and the edit and music gives ut a great rhythm. It’s a classic. Watch it. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/25/25 Full Review Joestar V Two words, only two words to make you watch this beautiful movie.. "I drive" Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/17/25 Full Review Diego M Drive has always been one of my favorite films. It has a dreamlike quality that is deeply captivating, and Ryan Gosling’s minimalist performance is striking and full of depth. His portrayal of the silent, enigmatic "Driver" is fascinating, and the supporting characters, particularly Irene and Standard, are equally compelling. While the premise might seem simple—an action driver entangled in crime—the film’s execution elevates it to something extraordinary. One of the standout features of Drive is its exceptional cinematography. I remembered the film being visually striking, but I was surprised by how heavily the "orange and teal" color scheme is used. While this combination is commonly seen in many films, in Drive, it’s not just a stylistic choice—it serves a deeper purpose. The use of color isn’t just to create atmosphere or aesthetic appeal; it’s intricately tied to the storytelling. The vibrant contrast enhances the narrative, reflecting the characters’ emotional journeys and the stark difference between the worlds of Driver and Irene. The film also benefits from Nicolas Winding Refn's precise direction. The story, though straightforward, is layered with tension, subtlety, and deep emotional undercurrents. The characters are richly developed, especially Driver, who straddles the line between hero and antihero, constantly battling between his violent nature and desire to protect the innocence of those around him. The world of Drive feels cold and detached, but through the characters and their interactions, we see glimpses of warmth and humanity. This contrast is reinforced through the clever use of lighting and color. In the world of Driver, the cold, muted hues—often bathed in shades of blue—mirror his isolated and conflicted state. In contrast, Irene’s world is bathed in warmer colors, reflecting the innocence and hope that Driver seeks to protect. The reds, particularly associated with violence, sharply contrast with the soft yellows and blues, creating a visual language that speaks volumes without words. This visual storytelling, along with the sparse yet impactful soundtrack, helps Drive stand out as a deeply atmospheric film that isn’t just about action, but about the emotional cost of violence and the desire for redemption. Ultimately, Drive is a film that leaves a lasting impact. It’s more than just a heist thriller or a crime drama—it’s a meditation on loneliness, violence, and the quest for purity in a corrupted world. Whether it's the evocative cinematography, the atmospheric score, or the intense performances, Drive combines all these elements to create a haunting and unforgettable cinematic experience. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/03/25 Full Review Ken H The acting, love how the director used their face to do the talking and not words at times, music was COMPLETLY spot on...we got to Know the actors, and the build up for US to know them was phenomenal!!!! The pause in parts of talking was PERFECT and music was used to the point of ART!!!! This set, these actors, writers, etc., should SERIOUSLY do more movies...We need Talent like this!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/28/24 Full Review Kevin O Great movie. The opening scene is brilliant and captures you right away. There are some great performances. Albert Brooks is amazing, Ron Perlman’s acting is underrated and he is terrific in this. Oscar Isaac also plays a small role but well acted. Carey Mulligan plays her role perfectly, beautiful, intelligent, and vulnerable. Bryan Cranston is predictably great as well. The music, the graphics, the story, the acting, it all adds up to a perfect movie. I’ve seen it at least 20 times and I’ll watch it again. Just a masterpiece of filmmaking. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/25/24 Full Review Audience Member Excellent neo-noir style film with excellent plot, excellent acting, and an excellent soundtrack. Worth more than one watch. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/24/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Drive

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Driver is a skilled Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver for criminals. Though he projects an icy exterior, lately he's been warming up to a pretty neighbor named Irene and her young son, Benicio. When Irene's husband gets out of jail, he enlists Driver's help in a million-dollar heist. The job goes horribly wrong, and Driver must risk his life to protect Irene and Benicio from the vengeful masterminds behind the robbery.
Director
Nicolas Winding Refn
Producer
Marc Platt, Adam Siegel, Gigi Pritzker, Michel Litvak, John Palermo
Screenwriter
Hossein Amini
Distributor
FilmDistrict
Production Co
Marc Platt Productions, Motel Movies
Rating
R (Some Nudity|Language|Strong Brutal Bloody Violence)
Genre
Crime, Drama, Action
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 16, 2011, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
May 7, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA)
$35.1M
Runtime
1h 40m
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