Netflix has quietly added a tear-jerking film branded a “breathtaking masterpiece” by fans. The Art of Racing in the Rain is a 2019 American drama, based on Garth Stein’s novel of the same name.
It stars This Is Us actor Milo Ventimiglia and Mamma Mia actress Amanda Seyfried, as well as Yellowstone’s Kevin Costner as the voice of golden retriever Enzo. The film sees Enzo adopted as a puppy by an aspiring Formula One Driver, Denny (played by Milo), with the dog following his master’s career highs and lows.
When Denny begins dating Eve (Amanda), Enzo initially disapproves, growing jealous of their bond but the three quickly become a family, with Amanda and Denny welcoming their own child after they marry.
However, their family life idyllic with Denny spending time away racing is interrupted when Eve is diagnosed with brain cancer, passing away in front of Enzo.
With troubles brewing over his daughter’s custody, as Eve parents battle against Denny prioritising his career, the family Enzo knew is left broken.
Not unlike Marley and Me, the final scenes of the film see Enzo’s health deteriorating and Denny coming to terms with his best friend dying.
Throughout, Enzo had hoped to one day return and reincarnate as a human, and the film shows Denny eight years later, as a successful Formula One driver living in Italy with his daughter when he meets a young fan named Enzo.
The heartwarming movie left fans in bits, with one writing: “The Art of Racing in the Rain is a breathtaking cinematic masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together the heartwarming bond between a man and his loyal four-legged companion.
“This mesmerizing film transcends the boundaries of conventional storytelling, taking audiences on an emotional rollercoaster ride that will leave them forever changed.”
Another said: “I’ve never given a movie a 10/10* rating before, and I’ve seen quite a few, including all the big name blockbusters and the niche cinephile classics, and I’ve seen many 9/10 movies, very few have made me struggle with the decision to call it a perfect movie, this one is the exception, I knew within 10 minutes.”
Someone else wrote: “Absolutely loved the movie. It’s a must watch.”
A fourth said: “I absolutely loved this movie. It’s the best movie I’ve seen in a long time. I loved the music, the cast, Kevin Costner narrating the movie absolutely everything about it. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Another added: “What a movie! It was a true rollercoaster of emotions—happy, sad, funny, and deeply emotional. It can definitely make you cry.”
Milo had previously revealed despite having a leading role in the film alongside Kevin as Enzo, the pair never actually worked together.
“What a lovely co-star that I never got to work with,” he revealed to ABC, likening the filming process to real life.
“It’s much like, no one is hearing what their dog is actually thinking. There’s no talking dogs in this. It’s all the inner monologue of this dog as he’s talking to himself.”
The Art of Racing in the Rain is available to watch on Netflix.