Overview
A getaway driver finds himself entangled in a dangerous web of crime and love.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Graphic
- brooding
- neon-lit
- intimate
- late night viewing
- crime movie marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film's controlled direction, striking visual style, atmospheric score, and performances, especially Ryan Gosling's restrained lead.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Driver speaks sparingly, compartmentalizes his legitimate and criminal work, and becomes increasingly exposed by Irene's family crisis.
The Los Angeles nightscape, synth-heavy score, restrained romance with Irene, and abrupt brutality fuse romance and crime into a highly stylized noir register.
Driver tries to protect Irene and her child while escaping his criminal past, but his protective impulse draws him deeper into organized crime.
Hollywood stunt work, garages, racing, pawnshops, and organized crime intersect across the film's contemporary Los Angeles landscape.
Films like Drive, and why
Thief
Shares neo-noir atmosphere, emotionally restrained protagonists, criminal underworld pressure, and sudden brutal violence.
Collateral
Shares Los Angeles crime setting, stylish nocturnal cinematography, morally compromised characters, and a doomed romantic undercurrent.
The Place Beyond the Pines
Shares brooding neo-noir tone, criminal ambition, stylized violence, and a protagonist pulled toward ruthless retaliation.
Only God Forgives
Shares minimalist characterization, cool visual control, criminal tension, and an outsider protagonist navigating organized crime.
Movie Details
- Director
- Nicolas Winding Refn
- Release Date
- 2011-09-15
- Runtime
- 100 min
- Rating
- 7.6 / 10 (14046)
Cast
- Ryan Gosling
- Carey Mulligan
- Bryan Cranston
- Albert Brooks
- Oscar Isaac
- Christina Hendricks
- Ron Perlman
- Kaden Leos
- Jeff Wolfe
- James Biberi
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Drive about?
- A taciturn Los Angeles getaway driver risks everything to protect his neighbor from the criminal world entangling her family.
- What is Drive like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Drive as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Drive violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Drive as graphic.
- What did critics think of Drive?
- Critics broadly praised the film's controlled direction, striking visual style, atmospheric score, and performances, especially Ryan Gosling's restrained lead.
- Which films are like Drive?
- Films with a similar feel include Thief, Collateral, The Place Beyond the Pines, and Only God Forgives.
- How long is Drive?
- Drive runs 100 minutes.
- Where can I watch Drive?
- In United States, Drive is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand, Plex.
