Sony and PlayStation continue their efforts to bring their most notable gaming franchises to the big and small screen. Their latest, Gran Turismo delivers a video game adaptation that’s different from others we’ve seen lately.
Unlike most video games adaptations, Gran Turismo doesn’t have the luxury of leaning on a narrative from the games because the game doesn’t really have one as it’s a series of simulation racing games where players are tasked to beat track records, rank up their license, and take on other players from around the globe. While the campaigns of the Gran Turismo games have touched on interesting parts of car history and offered a fun way for players to rise in the ranks of the driving world, they’ve never presented characters or stories that were adaptable for the big screen.
So, instead, Gran Turismo adapts the true story of Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe) which makes for an engaging mix of biopic storytelling and homage to the iconic game series. Although Jann is considered a top talent in the virtual world of Gran Turismo, he struggles to find a wider purpose in his real life and make his racing dreams a reality —much to his father’s (Djimon Hounsou) chagrin. However, Jann is given his shot at professional racing when Nissan marketing executive, Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom) — who is based on GT Academy creator Darren Fox — decides to create a competition series known as GT Academy. The competition brings together the best Gran Turismo players from around the world to learn how to drive real race cars and compete against each other to earn a place in professional racing. Now, Jann has a chance to prove his doubters wrong and fulfill his greatest dream.
The idea of Gran Turismo as a biopic was one of its most interesting aspects heading into its release and remains one of its strongest components. Now, it’s worth noting that the film adds in fictional characters — like David Harbour’s mentor-figure Jack Salter — and takes inspiration from Jann’s real-life journey instead of directly adapting it. Those looking for the complete true story of Mardenborough might be a little disappointed that the film doesn’t totally tell it that way. However, there’s still a lot for audiences — and especially Gran Turismo fans — to love.
First is the vision that director Neil Blomkamp brings to Gran Turismo and his ability to touch on the visual elements and culture of the games. Some of the camera angles he uses for the film’s high-speed driving are ripped right from the game. There are sound effects and visual markers denoting places in the race that freshly evoke the games’ style and make the racing sequences more engaging. The immersive moments of a car forming around Jann while he’s playing helps bring viewers into his perspective and fit the concept of Gran Turismo being a simulation racer. Not to mention, there are fantastic little Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the film that fans will adore — including nods to the game’s creation in both the opening and closing sequences of the film.
However, it’s when the characters — namely Danny and Jann — talk about the impact and meaning of Gran Turismo that the film acts as a great homage to the games. One of the best advantages of Gran Turismo taking place in the real world instead of the game world is that it can organically talk about the games and the growing community. Jann’s story and passion for Gran Turismo is incredibly relatable for simulation racing fans who want their perspective and voice to be heard as well as general audiences who want to understand what makes the games so special. It’s cool to see how the film has truly inspired Jann’s love for racing and caused him to gain wider knowledge of cars and the sport as a whole—which impresses some of his doubters.
Even when a non-player like Danny is talking to executives about creating GT Academy and the importance of Gran Turismo, he has this passion and dedication that’s very convincing and real. It’s like he’s suddenly fallen in love with the games and this community and sees how simulation games can make a real impact in their respective sport or work environment. Bloom’s performance is so strong early on that it’s hard not to be swept up in his energy and passion, making it easier to become invested in the film. It almost feels like a smaller part of the gaming community is getting their voice heard with Gran Turismo and it establishes the significance of the creation of GT Academy well.
Sure, it would’ve been nice for more of the film to touch on GT Academy, in general, since it plays such a big role in Jann’s story as a professional driver and has such a unique story. However, it’s still an intriguing part of the film and is a key reason that the film feels like such a personal love letter to the Gran Turismo community and legacy.
Blomkamp’s direction also shines when it comes to the racing sequences. From the sound design to the high-speed feel, the racing in Gran Turismo is incredibly immersive and thrilling. The tension rarely dissipates, and the stakes constantly feel high because of how the film establishes the danger of being on the track. It’s mentioned early on by Salter how Jann could die from driving on the track and that the deadly nature of the sport isn’t reflected in the game. That concern is completely felt soon after and Blomkamp does a fantastic job making viewers feel the heart-dropping weight of crashes, making every instance on the track afterwards carry a sense of suspense and slight fear. Blomkamp’s execution of the racing in Gran Turismo is so strong that it honestly makes it worth seeing in theaters and seeking higher format screenings—like IMAX or Dolby.
What’s most surprising about Gran Turismo, though, is how hard the story hits and consistently engaging it can be. There’s no doubt that Gran Turismo relies on classic sports drama/biopic cliches, as its underdog feel, recycled dialogue, and general story direction evoke a familiar formula. But it’s a formula that still works somehow and will be irresistible to audiences. There’s just something so compelling about Jann’s story and his emotional journey to fulfilling his dreams. Madekwe’s performance as Jann certainly has a breakout feel and he’s really great in the film’s early and latter acts as he brings viewers into Jann’s emotions and mindset perfectly. Harbour is also perfectly cast, as he delivers some fun coaching lines in the GT Academy training sequences and showcases some great vulnerability in the final act after Jann suffers a rough tragedy. It’s probably one of Harbour’s best performances outside of Stranger Things and audiences will love what they see here from him.
The strongest emotions of Gran Turismo come in the final act, though, as Jann deals with crushing feelings that stem from a tragic turn in his career. It’s where all of Blomkamp’s directing strengths—from the immersive depictions of driving to the intense stakes—flourish and there’s a lot of real depth to what’s talked about. The conversations around the dangers of the sport and its impact on not only drivers, but anyone in the vicinity is more real than ever before. Madekwe and Harbour’s performances elevate the film to deliver some raw emotion and stories that will make viewers a little misty-eyed. It all builds towards a meaningful re-establishment of what and who Jann is racing for and gives this great voice to people in the racing simulation community who want to be seen. It’s the kind of final stretch that makes sports dramas/biopics such crowd-pleasers and Gran Turismo has those inspirational and heartfelt vibes that are truly irresistible.
Gran Turismo is another impressive adaptation for PlayStation and Sony that further fleshes out what video game movies can be while giving audiences a thrilling and connective sports biopic that’ll certainly surprise people. It might follow a path that similar films have before, but its dedication to the Gran Turismo games and its community help set it apart, along with stunning direction from Blomkamp and highly enjoyable performances.
