Christopher Nolan’s 2020 science-fiction thriller Tenet struggled at the international box office due to its release during the height of pandemic restrictions. The decision to premiere Tenet despite ongoing lockdowns and no vaccine availability was Nolan’s attempt to revive theatrical cinema. However, the film underperformed compared to expectations and became Nolan’s last collaboration with Warner Bros before he moved to Universal. In contrast, the 2023 sports drama F1, directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt, has now surpassed Tenet’s global performance, marking a significant moment in box office history.
F1 has earned $309 million internationally so far, edging roughly $3 million ahead of Tenet’s overall international total, which stood at about $306 million. Globally, Tenet’s total was approximately $360 million, but F1 is rapidly closing the gap. The film has already accrued $100 million more domestically and is on track to exceed $500 million worldwide soon. If F1 surpasses $530 million globally, it may become the highest-grossing film in Brad Pitt’s career, overtaking titles like Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Troy within days.
Contrasting Reception Between Tenet and F1
While F1 opened to strong critical acclaim and audience approval, Tenet received mixed reviews, making it one of Nolan’s more controversial films. Tenet holds a 70% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. The site’s critics’ summary comments,
“A visually dazzling puzzle for film lovers to unlock, Tenet serves up all the cerebral spectacle audiences expect from a Christopher Nolan production.”
The film stars John David Washington and features a noteworthy supporting cast, combining Nolan’s signature complex storytelling with traditional espionage elements. Meanwhile, F1 has been praised for its classic Hollywood blockbuster appeal and has secured a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Its critical consensus praises,
“Driven by Brad Pitt’s laidback magnetism and sporting a souped-up engine courtesy of Joseph Kosinski’s kinetic direction, F1 The Movie brings vintage cool across the finish line.”
The Story and Cast Behind F1’s Success
F1 follows the story of Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula 1 driver who suffered a major crash in the 1990s. Hayes is approached by a struggling team owner to mentor a young racing prodigy, Joshua Pearce, as they attempt to revive the team’s fortunes. Brad Pitt leads the cast as Sonny Hayes, with Damson Idris portraying Joshua “Noah” Pearce. The film delivers intense racing sequences and emotional mentorship themes, which have resonated well with viewers worldwide.
Potential for a Sequel and Future Prospects
As F1 continues its successful box office run, discussion about a potential sequel is already underway. The film’s combination of nostalgic Hollywood elements and modern cinematic techniques, backed by Joseph Kosinski’s dynamic direction, has appealed widely to audiences. This success also marks F1 as the highest-grossing film produced by a technology company to date, solidifying its position in the market. Fans can currently experience the movie in theaters, with further updates expected as box office numbers evolve.
