Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Horrific crashes in confusing biopic about sports car titan.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Ferrari
What's the Story?
It's 1957, and the FERRARI motor company is in financial crisis. Enzo Ferrari (Adam Driver) feels the pressure as he works to secure outside funding and lead his racing team to win Italy's grueling 1000-mile Mille Miglia road race. He's also trying to keep his wife of 34 years, Laura (Penelope Cruz), from learning he has another family with his mistress, Lina (Shailene Woodley), who's pressuring him to publicly recognize their 12-year-old son, Piero (Giuseppe Festinese).
Is It Any Good?
Michael Mann's vehicle for telling this real-life story about working through adversity looks good -- with sleek, stylish parts -- but the battery is dead. Enzo Ferrari is a compelling figure who built an empire through sheer determination and, as depicted here, the teamwork of his wife. But meeting him in Ferrari at the point after life has worn him down -- he's lived through war and the deaths of his son, his brother, and his drivers -- is tricky. He's tired and grizzled, and his behavior and reactions are unsympathetic.
On the acting front, Driver continues to make good use of the Italian accent he developed for House of Gucci, and Cruz offers viewers a deeper understanding of a woman who's been called "crazy" and "mean" by those who knew her. And the camera work is wondrous, whether it's capturing the beauty of the northern Italian countryside or piazzas, the excitement of a new romance, or the horror of a car losing control and slaying bystanders. But familiarity with the events that transpire and the values of the era is assumed, which may leave many viewers scratching their head throughout. In racing/car terms, the components are there, but the storytelling lacks the momentum to get out of the starting gate, much less make us excited to wait by the finish line.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Enzo's pursuits -- both romantic and business -- and how they impact others in Ferrari. Why is it important to consider how our actions affect others before we act?
How does watching the car-crash violence here compare to what you might see in an action movie? Which has more impact, and why?
What's the difference between resilience and perseverance? How does Enzo demonstrate both? Why is "grit" an important character strength?
How do Enzo and Laura demonstrate that they're true partners, even when their own relationship is stormy? Why is teamwork important to success?
Do you consider Enzo Ferrari a role model? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 25, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : January 23, 2024
- Cast : Adam Driver , Penelope Cruz , Shailene Woodley
- Director : Michael Mann
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Neon
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , History
- Run time : 130 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some violent content/graphic images, sexual content and language
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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