Nicolas Winding Refn's 2011 crime thriller, "Drive," starring Ryan Gosling, is now available to stream for free on Pluto TV. The film, which premiered at Cannes, was a critical and commercial success, blending arthouse sensibilities with moody action and graphic violence.
"Drive" follows an unnamed getaway driver, known only as "The Driver," portrayed by Gosling in Los Angeles. His life becomes complicated when he develops a connection with his neighbor Irene and her young son. When Irene's husband, Standard, is released from prison, he enlists The Driver for a million-dollar heist to settle a debt with a local gangster. The plan quickly unravels, allowing Refn to fully explore his signature pulpy crime narrative.
Refn's directorial style often favors disjointed narratives and high-contrast visuals, but "Drive" is noted for its restraint. The film's quiet neo-noir plotline is set against the backdrop of neon-lit Los Angeles, which itself becomes a character. The narrative delves into themes of post-capitalist existentialism, with The Driver existing on society's fringes, defined by his stoic silence and urban alienation. His brief moments of vulnerability with Irene are fleeting in a city where survival is paramount.
Gosling delivers a quiet, internalized performance, embodying the Hero archetype while grappling with a morally ambiguous nature. The Driver is capable of both protection and extreme brutality, a dichotomy that contrasts sharply with his otherwise composed demeanor. He is acutely aware that his desire for peace is unattainable, as his violent tendencies will always pull him back into chaos.
Unlike more conventional films, "Drive" grounds its narrative, showing that human connection offers only temporary hope rather than salvation. The film masterfully uses lingering silence, mirroring The Driver's sparse dialogue, to underscore this point. This quietude is dramatically punctuated by intense action sequences, including a sudden ambush and a breathless car chase.
"Drive" offers a compelling performance from Gosling, showcasing his ability to convey heartbreak through understated presence. It appeals to viewers who appreciate action films that explore quiet vulnerability alongside broken ideals. Despite some contrived plot developments, Refn's creative choices imbue the film with a captivating cinematic magic.