An under appreciated and poignant work

Rating: 8/10 (20 April 2019)

Drive is a rare success in that it manages to strike a balance between brutal violence and subtle pathos. By being a relatively light on conversational scenes, most of the emotion conveyed is through the exceptional music and shot design. This, in turn, means interactions have more meaning, as well as lending tension to the darker scenes.
Do not be concerned that Drive skimps on the brutality: "Driver" (Ryan Gosling) is note perfect in his acts of savagery, an unassuming figure but ruthless when required. His clinical nature makes scenes seem cold and calculated, so his new relationship with neighbour Irene (Carey Mulligan) offers a brighter outlook on his future. Special note must be given to Nino (Ron Perlman), providing the sadistic and brash opposite to Gosling.
Drive is an unfairly overlooked work, and definitely deserves more attention than it's been given.