Importance Score: 12 / 100 🟠
Fans of gripping cinema take note: the critically acclaimed neo-noir thriller Drive, featuring a pre-“Barbie” fame Ryan Gosling, is scheduled to depart from Netflix UK soon. Subscribers will have to catch the 2011 feature film before it becomes unavailable on the streaming platform starting April 9.
Drive Set to Leave Netflix UK
Drive, starring Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan in leading roles, is adapted from James Sallis’s eponymous 2005 novel. The narrative centers on a laconic Hollywood stunt performer who moonlights as a getaway driver for illicit activities.
Star-Studded Cast and Compelling Plot
Gosling’s character finds his life intertwined with his neighbor, portrayed by Carey Mulligan, as they confront her dangerous past, personified by Oscar Isaac’s character. The film boasts a strong supporting cast, including Bryan Cranston, Christina Hendricks, Ron Perlman, and Academy Award nominee Albert Brooks.
Critical Acclaim and Awards Recognition
Boasting an impressive 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Drive has garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences. Many consider it to be among Ryan Gosling’s most accomplished performances. Viewers hoping to experience Nicolas Winding Refn’s visually arresting and intensely visceral cinematic work on Netflix should prioritize viewing before its removal.
The now-classic film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Sound Editing and earned recognition as a standout picture of its release year. Furthermore, Nicolas Winding Refn secured the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival for his masterful direction of the film.
Box Office Success and Gosling’s Career Milestone
Produced on a relatively modest $15 million budget, Drive achieved significant financial success, grossing $81.4 million globally. The 2011 feature marked a pivotal moment for Ryan Gosling, cementing his status as a prominent actor following earlier roles in “The Notebook” and his Oscar-nominated turn in “Half Nelson.”
Gosling’s Continued Success
In the subsequent two years, Gosling further demonstrated his acting versatility with notable roles in “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” “The Ides of March,” and “Blue Valentine,” earning him three Golden Globe nominations.
Audience Praise for Drive’s Cinematography, Performance and Soundtrack
Audience reviews consistently laud Drive, with one viewer highlighting the film’s stunning visuals, Gosling’s nuanced portrayal, and exceptional casting:
- “I must have watched this film several times over the years.”
- “The cinematography is beautiful; every scene is meticulously crafted.”
- “Ryan Gosling is perfectly cast, conveying his character through subtle expressions.”
- “The casting is superb, making it well worth watching, and the soundtrack is outstanding.”
Viewer Applauds Gosling’s “Stellar Performance” and Film’s Uniqueness
Another viewer commended Ryan Gosling’s “stellar performance” in Drive, stating:
- “Drive is exceptional. Gosling’s performance is stellar.”
- “The visuals, editing, and music are absolutely perfect.”
- “While the plot initially suggested a ‘Baby Driver’ type film, this movie is distinct and original.”
“Excellent Neo-Noir” and “Masterpiece”
Another admirer described Nicolas Winding Refn’s film as “excellent” across all aspects:
- “Excellent neo-noir style with an excellent plot, acting, and soundtrack.”
- “Deserves multiple viewings.”
Another fan deemed the Carey Mulligan film a “masterpiece,” writing:
- “One of the best films ever made. A moving work of art.”
- “Perfect for the genre. It’s a film that sparks the thought, ‘why didn’t I think of that?'”
- “Highly rewatchable, revealing new nuances each time. The cast, music, mise-en-scène, direction, writing, etc., are all top-tier.”