🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Action, Neo-noir
- Release year: 2011
- Runtime (length): 1h 40min
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10 (730K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Ryan Gosling drives cars, stares intensely, and occasionally smashes people’s heads in because romance is complicated and crime doesn’t pay, or maybe it does, it’s not really clear.
🍿 Drive: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to the Driver
The film introduces the Driver (Ryan Gosling), a laconic Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver for hire. He lives a solitary life, adhering to a strict code: offering criminals a five-minute window for their heists, after which he is gone, no questions asked. This routine highlights his professionalism and detachment.

Meeting Irene and Standard
The Driver’s life takes a turn when he meets his neighbor, Irene (Carey Mulligan), and her young son, Benicio. A connection forms between them, offering the Driver a glimpse into a life he hasn’t known. However, Irene’s husband, Standard (Oscar Isaac), is released from prison, complicating matters.

The Pawn Shop Heist
Standard, owing protection money from his time in prison, is pressured to rob a pawn shop. The Driver, seeking to protect Irene and Benicio, agrees to help as the getaway driver. The heist goes awry, resulting in Standard’s death and the Driver becoming entangled in a dangerous web of deceit involving mobsters.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters
- Driver (Ryan Gosling): A stoic and skilled stuntman and getaway driver who gets entangled in a dangerous criminal plot while protecting his neighbor.
- Irene (Carey Mulligan): A vulnerable and kind single mother who forms a close bond with the Driver and becomes caught in the crossfire.
- Shannon (Bryan Cranston): The Driver’s mentor and garage owner, who connects him to the criminal underworld and racing opportunities.
- Bernie Rose (Albert Brooks): A seemingly mild-mannered but ruthless mobster who finances the racing venture and becomes a central antagonist.
- Standard (Oscar Isaac): Irene’s recently released husband whose past debts pull the Driver and Irene into a dangerous situation.
- Nino (Ron Perlman): Bernie Rose’s volatile business partner and fellow mobster who escalates the conflict.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Driver: “There’s a hundred-thousand streets in this city. You don’t need to know the route. You give me a time and a place, I give you a five minute window. Anything happens in that five minutes and I’m yours. No matter what. Anything happens a minute either side of that and you’re on your own.” – The Driver explains his strict terms of service to potential clients before a job.
- Driver: “You know the story about the scorpion and the frog? Your friend Nino didn’t make it across the river.” – The Driver references the fable to Bernie, implying Nino’s inherent nature led to his demise.
- Bernie Rose: “I’m a movie producer. I’ve got a certain image to uphold.” – Bernie delivers the line with dark humor to justify his violent nature.
- Bernie Rose: “That was… unfortunate.” – Bernie Rose says this after a particularly brutal scene of violence.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $15,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $35,061,555
- Worldwide Gross: $79,747,261
💥 Drive Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, ‘Drive’ totally blew me away. The way it looks and sounds is just incredible. Those synth beats are stuck in my head forever! I remember the first time I watched the elevator scene, and I was both horrified and captivated. I actually felt the tension building and I also loved Gosling’s acting because he says so little but conveys so much. It’s definitely a film that stays with you.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of neo-noir films”
- “Viewers who appreciate stylish and atmospheric movies”
- “Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan fans”
- “Audiences interested in crime dramas with complex characters”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence”
- “Strong language”
- “Brief nudity”
Professional Reviews
- The New York Times: “Refn crafts a stylish neo-noir thriller with lingering shots and bursts of shocking violence. Gosling’s minimalist performance is captivating, making ‘Drive’ a visceral experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
- RogerEbert.com: “‘Drive’ is a mesmerizing blend of arthouse sensibilities and genre thrills. Refn creates an atmosphere of palpable tension, and the film’s aesthetic choices are bold and unforgettable. It’s a flawed but fascinating ride.
- Rolling Stone: “Ryan Gosling delivers a career-defining performance in this violent and stylish thriller. While the pacing might not be for everyone, the film’s unique atmosphere and memorable soundtrack make it a must-see.
Audience Reactions
The soundtrack is amazing and perfectly complements the film’s atmosphere.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s stylish visuals, intense atmosphere, and outstanding performances, especially Ryan Gosling’s.
The blend of violence and romance creates a unique viewing experience.: Many viewers appreciate the unexpected mix of genres and the film’s ability to subvert expectations.
Overall Consensus: ‘Drive’ is a stylish and violent neo-noir thriller praised for its atmosphere, soundtrack, and Ryan Gosling’s captivating performance.
Awards
- Academy Awards (Best Sound Editing)- 2012
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Ryan Gosling restored the 1973 Chevy Malibu used in the film, working on it in his spare time to get into character.”
- “Director Nicolas Winding Refn allowed Ryan Gosling to have significant input into the development of the Driver character, including the choice of wardrobe and car.”
- “The film’s stylized violence and slow-burn pacing divided audiences, with some praising its artistic merit and others criticizing it as pretentious.”
🖥️ How to Watch Drive?
Drive is available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video, and Apple TV where you can rent or purchase the movie. Check your local listings for availability on other streaming services. Physical copies of the movie are also available for purchase from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Drive, you might like these similar films:
- The Driver (1978): A classic neo-noir film centered around a getaway driver, sharing similar themes of precision, stoicism, and high-stakes crime.
- Thief (1981): Michael Mann’s stylish crime thriller explores the dangerous life of a professional thief, emphasizing atmosphere and moral ambiguity.
- Collateral (2004): Features a driver who gets unwillingly involved in a criminal plot, focusing on the tension and intensity of a single night in Los Angeles.
- Le Samouraï (1967): A French neo-noir classic with a focus on a hitman’s precise methods and code of honor, similar to the Driver’s detached professionalism.
🛒 Drive Related Products
- Drive (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Limited Edition Pink Vinyl]: Features the iconic synthwave soundtrack on limited edition pink vinyl, offering a high-quality auditory and visual experience for collectors and fans of the film’s distinctive aesthetic.
- Scorpion Souvenir Jacket Costume Embroidered Jacket for Men Halloween Cosplay: Features an embroidered scorpion design, replicating the iconic jacket worn by Ryan Gosling in the movie.
- Hot Wheels Retro Entertainment Drive ’73 Chevy Malibu: Features a detailed diecast model of the 1973 Chevy Malibu driven by Ryan Gosling in the film, perfect for collectors and fans of the movie’s iconic vehicles.
- Drive [Blu-ray]: Blu-ray version of the neo-noir thriller. Allows fans to re-experience the film’s stunning visuals and intense atmosphere in high definition.
🎧 Soundtrack
Drive features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Nightcall” – performed by Kavinsky
- “A Real Hero” – performed by College feat. Electric Youth
- “Under Your Spell” – performed by Desire
- “Tick of the Clock” – performed by Chromatics
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Drive is a neo-noir crime drama about a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver. He becomes involved in a dangerous situation when he tries to help his neighbor and her family, leading to violence and difficult choices.
Drive is available for streaming on various platforms like Prime Video, and Apple TV. Check your local listings for rental and purchase options.
Drive is critically acclaimed for its stylish direction, strong performances (especially Ryan Gosling and Albert Brooks), and unique blend of genres. It may appeal to fans of neo-noir, crime dramas, and art-house films. However, some viewers may find its violence and slow pace off-putting.
🔥 Bonus Content
Drive explained by an idiot
Need a quick and funny rundown of ‘Drive’? This video has got you covered. It’s like having a sarcastic friend explain the movie to you in under 10 minutes.
DRIVE Analyzed – Movie Review (SPOILERS)
Dive deeper into the world of ‘Drive’ with this insightful review. It’ll make you appreciate the film’s complexities and leave you pondering its hidden meanings.
Was Drive Any Good?
Curious about the buzz surrounding ‘Drive’? This video dissects the film’s popularity, exploring its themes and the role of online communities in shaping its reception.
The Driver – A Real Hero (Drive Analysis)
Intrigued by the enigmatic Driver in ‘Drive’? This video analyzes his journey, revealing how he transforms into a complex and unlikely hero.
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