A critically acclaimed thriller starring Ryan Gosling before he was just Ken is set to depart from Netflix in just a few weeks. The 2011 neo-noir film Drive will no longer be available on the UK streaming platform from April 9.
Drive, which stars Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan in the lead roles, is based on the 2005 novel of the same name by American author James Sallis. The plot revolves around an unnamed Hollywood stuntman who works as a getaway driver for criminals after dark.
Ryan’s character encounters his neighbour, played by the talented Carey Mulligan, and they are compelled to face her perilous past, embodied by Oscar Isaac. The film also features Bryan Cranston, Christina Hendricks, Ron Perlman, and Oscar nominee Albert Brooks.
With a stellar 93 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes and widespread praise from critics and viewers alike, Drive is regarded as one of Gosling’s finest films. But anyone who wants to watch Nicolas Winding Refn’s intensely violent and cinematically stunning film on the streaming service should act quickly.
The cult classic was nominated for an Academy Award for best sound editing and was widely recognised as one of the standout films of the year. Nicolas Winding Refn even won the best director award at the Cannes Film Festival that year for his exceptional storytelling.
With a relatively modest budget of $15 million, Drive achieved remarkable box office success, raking in $81.4 million worldwide. This 2011 film marked a significant turning point for Ryan Gosling, solidifying his reputation as a talented actor following his breakout role in The Notebook and his Oscar-nominated performance in Half Nelson.
Over a two-year period, Ryan further showcased his impressive range with notable performances in Crazy, Stupid, Love, The Ides of March, and Blue Valentine, earning him three well-deserved Golden Globe nominations.
Audience reviews have consistently praised Drive, with one reviewer raving about the film’s cinematography, Ryan’s subtle expressions, and the casting, stating: “I must have watched this film several times over the years.
“The filming is beautiful, every scene is so well thought out. Ryan Gosling is perfect for the role with subtle expressions that make his character. The casting is so good, well worth a watch, and the soundtrack, it’s awesome.”
Another viewer lauded Ryan’s “stellar performance” in the film, saying: “Drive is one of the best films of its kind I’ve seen. Gosling’s performance is stellar. The visuals, along with the editing, and the music. Absolutely perfect. I was expecting a ‘Baby Driver’ type film after I read the plot. But this movie is one of its own kind.”
Another fan was blown away by Nicolas Winding Refn’s film, describing it as “excellent” across the board. They said: “Excellent neo-noir style film with excellent plot, excellent acting, and an excellent soundtrack. Worth more than one watch.”
Another fan considered the Carey Mulligan-starring film a masterpiece, writing: “One of the best films of all time. This movie is a moving work of art. Perfect movie for the genre. It’s one of those films you watch and think “why didn’t I think of that?
“Hugely rewatchable; I find new things each time. Cast, music, mis-en-scene, direction, writing, etc., all top notch.”