Usually when a film receives such great critical acclaim, it’s easy to become slightly hesitant or over critical when it comes to viewing it for yourself, but my experience with Drive was pretty different. On paper this film should have no real appeal, but the magic of Nicolas Winding Refn manages to produce an outstanding film.

Based on the book of the same title, the film focuses on the relationship between a stunt driver who doubles as an oddball recluse (Ryan Gosling) and a young, mother (Carey Mulligan) who always happens to be in the right place at the right time (*cough* Stalker!). Despite the dodgy nature of the characters, the actors should be highly praised for their ability to tell their story so well with such limited dialogue: the awkwardness, the body language and the subtle quirks bring a sense of normalcy to otherwise outlandish scenes.

A great film, in my opinion, is one which when in its final complete form, is magnificent as a result of all of its components. A great script is nothing without an outstanding team to put it all together. The attention to detail is immense throughout the film and surprisingly comforting at times. A lot of the dialogue is carried through by the soundtrack, full of ‘80s influence, which resonates throughout the film. Drive is an acoustic pleasure, a feast for the senses and if forced to describe the entire film simply: an award-winning Rockstar game brought to life – fucked up in all the right ways.