🎬 Director: Michael Mann
⭐ Starring: Adam Driver, Penélope Cruz, Shailene Woodley, Patrick Dempsey
📅 Released: December 25, 2023

Introduction

Michael Mann’s Ferrari is not your typical racing biopic. Instead of focusing on the glory and triumph of Ferrari’s legendary F1 success, the film delivers a raw and intense character study of Enzo Ferrari during one of the most turbulent years of his life. With Adam Driver portraying the enigmatic Italian entrepreneur, Ferrari immerses viewers in the high-stakes world of 1957 motorsport, where business pressures, personal tragedy, and the relentless pursuit of speed collide.

But does this film capture the true essence of Ferrari, or does it stall at the starting line?

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Plot Overview (No Spoilers)

Set in 1957, the film follows Enzo Ferrari as he faces multiple crises:

• His company, Ferrari, is on the verge of bankruptcy.
• His marriage to Laura Ferrari (Penélope Cruz) is unraveling due to grief over their late son.
• His relationship with mistress Lina Lardi (Shailene Woodley) and their secret son adds personal strain.
• Ferrari’s last hope? Winning the Mille Miglia, Italy’s most dangerous endurance race, to save the company and cement his legacy.

Rather than focusing solely on racing action, the film dives deep into Enzo Ferrari’s personal struggles, business ambitions, and the brutal reality of motorsport in the 1950s.

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What Ferrari Does Well

✅ Michael Mann’s Signature Style
Mann is known for his visually stunning and methodically crafted films (Heat, The Insider), and Ferrari is no exception. The film has a gritty, almost documentary-like realism, making it feel immersive and historically authentic.

✅ Adam Driver’s Commanding Performance
Despite not resembling Enzo Ferrari physically, Driver delivers a powerful, emotionally charged performance. He captures Ferrari’s cold, calculating business mindset while showing glimpses of guilt, passion, and vulnerability.

✅ Penélope Cruz Steals the Show
Cruz’s portrayal of Laura Ferrari is arguably the film’s strongest performance. She brings a ferocity and emotional depth that makes her scenes some of the most gripping in the entire movie.

✅ Authentic Racing Sequences
The film doesn’t overload on racing action, but when it does, it delivers visceral, high-speed intensity. The depiction of the Mille Miglia is both breathtaking and shockingly brutal, emphasizing the danger and chaos of motorsport in that era.

✅ A Unique Take on Ferrari’s Legacy
Unlike many motorsport films (Rush, Ford v Ferrari), this isn’t a feel-good underdog story. It’s a dark, complex, and deeply personal look at the sacrifices behind Ferrari’s empire.

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Where Ferrari Falls Short

⚠️ Slow Pacing & Heavy Drama
This isn’t a high-octane racing movie. It’s a character-driven drama with long stretches of dialogue-heavy scenes. Some viewers might find the pacing too slow, especially if they were expecting more action.

⚠️ Limited Racing Action
While the Mille Miglia sequence is stunning, racing fans expecting an F1-focused story may be disappointed. The film is more about the man behind Ferrari than the cars themselves.

⚠️ Shailene Woodley Feels Miscast
Compared to the powerhouse performances of Driver and Cruz, Woodley’s portrayal of Lina Lardi feels somewhat flat. She lacks the same emotional weight and presence, making her subplot less compelling.

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Final Verdict: Should You Watch Ferrari?

🚗 For Racing & Ferrari Fans: If you love motorsport history and want an intimate look at Enzo Ferrari’s struggles, this is a must-watch.

🎭 For Fans of Drama & Biopics: If you enjoy deep character studies and historical dramas, Ferrari delivers a compelling, well-acted story.

🏎️ For Those Expecting a Fast-Paced Racing Movie: You might be disappointed. This is not an action-packed racing film like Ford v Ferrari—it’s a somber, introspective drama.

⭐ Overall Rating: 4/5
A beautifully crafted, deeply human film about the man behind Ferrari. While it may not satisfy those looking for nonstop racing action, it’s a gripping and powerful drama that captures the high stakes of motorsport’s golden era.