Ryan Gosling’s ‘Drive’ Is Streaming for Free

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Few contemporary actors can rival the stardom of Ryan Gosling. Apart from being incredibly handsome (it’s no wonder both women and men find him appealing), his career has caught us off guard at every juncture due to his remarkable range and natural charm. Over the past ten years, he has won over nearly everyone with a captivating role in La La Land and gave a subtly moving performance in the undervalued First Man.

In addition to being widely recognized as hilarious from his talk show appearances and Saturday Night Live stints, it wasn’t until 2023 that Gosling’s humorous persona really resonated with audiences, particularly when he played the character Ken. However, prior to delivering one of the best comedic performances of the 21st century, Gosling showcased his acting prowess in a groundbreaking heist film titled “Drive.” His understated performance in this movie was surprisingly chilling. Without a doubt, “Drive” is one of Gosling’s finest performances and since it’s now streaming on Tubi, it’s high time to watch it if you haven’t already.

What Is Ryan Gosling’s ‘Drive‘ About?

At the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, the movie “Drive,” helmed by Nicolas Winding Refn (known for his “Pusher” trilogy), experienced a dramatic surge in popularity almost instantly after its debut. Refn was honored with the Best Director award at the festival, and the exceptional performance of Ryan Gosling in the lead role, marking his first action character, further cemented his versatility to those who remained uncertain about his acting abilities.

In the shoes of a movie enthusiast, I’d say: The film, adapted from James Sallis’s 2005 novel bearing the same title, centers around a nameless stunt driver in Hollywood (portrayed by Gosling), who covertly serves as a wheelman for robbers under the cover of darkness. As fate would have it, I found myself smitten with my neighbor (Carey Mulligan). To help her troubled spouse (a yet-to-explode Oscar Isaac) execute a daring heist and settle his debts, I agreed to lend a hand. However, things spiraled out of control rather swiftly, and all parties connected to the scheme found themselves in perilous situations.

Drive initially resembles a common plotline for a heist thriller, yet it deviates significantly from typical expectations. In contrast to the usual action-packed narrative, the first half is relatively calm, offering a deep dive into the protagonist’s everyday existence rather than an action-filled spectacle. Instead of dialogue, the driver often remains silent, creating an image reminiscent of a stoic Clint Eastwood character, grappling with his enigmatic past and avoiding violence unless absolutely necessary.

When violence unexpectedly breaks out, it’s as if a heavy object has been thrown at us. Refn is no stranger to intense, graphic scenes, and in the movie Drive, brutal and shocking action sequences frequently erupt without warning, disrupting our feeling of safety and reminding us of the potential danger. The on-screen violence and disturbing sound effects (which earned Drive its only Oscar nomination) are designed to make even the most hardened viewers queasy.

‘Drive’ Is Stylish and Features Ryan Gosling at His Best

Drive’s unique flair, evident in almost every frame, sets it apart from its influences by exuding an unmistakable coolness. From capturing Los Angeles’ vibrant neon scenery to crafting stories without dialogue and creating hypnotic moments through prolonged character shots, Drive’s vivid color palette stands out among contemporary blockbusters with their subdued hues. As much as it draws inspiration from Jean-Pierre Melville, Dario Argento, and Michael Mann, Drive possesses a distinctive feel that makes it stand out within the genre.

The soundtrack significantly contributes to shaping the movie’s visual style. For instance, the initial heist is accompanied by “Tick of the Clock” by Chromatics, establishing an immediate, futuristic ambiance for the city of Los Angeles. Furthermore, other song selections are just as impactful; “Nightcall” by Kavinsky during the opening credits and its new-wave sound complements the film, blending a vintage and modern vibe. “A Real Hero” by College, used frequently throughout the movie, provides a subtle yet ironic recurring theme for the main character.

Ryan Gosling is indispensable to the coherence of the film, as he provides it with a chilling, pulsating heart. Although he’s known for his versatility, the variety of performances he delivers in “Drive” are remarkable. His interactions with Carey Mulligan and her child reveal tender feelings and an endearing desire to please. Conversely, during the heist sequences, Gosling portrays a character who appears to only think rationally. However, it is when his violent nature surfaces that Gosling’s performance becomes truly raw and primal onscreen.

The consequences of this are that Drive stands out as one of the bravest and visionary action movies from the last two decades, with a unique blend of timeless and modern appeal. It’s no surprise that Refn’s masterpiece quickly gained cult status, silencing even the most critical voices regarding Ryan Gosling’s acting abilities. If you’re into the atmosphere of heist thrillers, it’s tough to find a better choice than Drive. And now, you can watch it for free on Tubi.

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2025-04-13 00:35