Ferrari
Corporate politics and marriage drama, not racing spectacle
The brief
Michael Mann brings his signature moody precision to this portrait of Enzo Ferrari at his lowest point, with Adam Driver delivering a controlled performance as a man watching his empire crumble. The film moves at a deliberate, almost stately pace that matches its 1950s Italian setting, building tension through boardroom politics and marital warfare rather than racing thrills. Penélope Cruz is fierce as Ferrari's wife Laura, their scenes together crackling with decades of unspoken resentment and shared grief. This is for fans of character-driven Mann films like The Insider who want corporate drama with Italian style, not Fast & Furious adrenaline.
The verdict
If you appreciate deliberate character studies and Michael Mann's methodical storytelling style, this is a richly crafted portrait of corporate and personal decay anchored by strong performances from Driver and Cruz. If you're expecting high-octane racing sequences or fast-paced drama, you'll find this 131-minute boardroom and marital thriller frustratingly slow.
Watch with
- 👫 Perfect for serious film discussions with your partner
- ⚠️ Skip if you want fast-paced entertainment
Heads up
- Intense marital conflict and emotional abuse (moderate)
- Grief over child loss discussed throughout (moderate)
- Financial ruin and bankruptcy stress (brief)
Credits
- Director
- Michael Mann
- Cast
- Adam Driver, Penélope Cruz, Shailene Woodley, Gabriel Leone, Sarah Gadon, Jack O'Connell, Patrick Dempsey
Official synopsis
Set during the summer of 1957. Ex-racecar driver, Enzo Ferrari, is in crisis. Bankruptcy stalks the company
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Speed Racer (2008)
Both films explore racing passion, family legacy, and corporate pressures.
Total runtime: 2h 11m + 2h 15m = 4h 26m
