Fast X (2023) is the explosive tenth installment in the Fast & Furious franchise, directed by Louis Leterrier. As the saga nears its grand finale, this film takes things to an even higher level of absurdity, spectacle, and emotion — blending globe-trotting action with revenge-driven storytelling. It’s not just another heist film with cars; it’s the beginning of the end for Dominic Toretto and his family.
Detailed Summary
The Legacy of Fast & Furious
The movie opens by revisiting the bank vault heist from Fast Five (2011) — one of the franchise’s most iconic moments. This time, however, we see the events from another perspective: Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa), the flamboyant and menacing son of the slain drug lord Hernan Reyes, who seeks revenge on Dom (Vin Diesel) for the death of his father and the loss of his family’s fortune.
This sets the tone immediately: Fast X is not just about another mission — it’s about retribution and destruction.
Dante’s Plan of Revenge
Years after Fast Five, Dante executes a master plan to destroy everything Dom holds dear. He begins by manipulating Cipher (Charlize Theron) and hacking her systems, using her men to gain control over a dangerous weapon program. When Cipher flees, she warns Dom and Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) that Dante is unlike anyone they’ve faced before.
Meanwhile, Dom’s team is framed for a terrorist bombing in Rome — a trap set by Dante. The bomb sequence through the streets of Rome is one of the film’s most intense action set pieces, featuring a giant rolling explosive and Dom pulling off gravity-defying maneuvers to save lives. However, the world now sees Dom’s crew as terrorists.
The Family Scattered
The “family” splits across the globe:
- Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Tej (Ludacris), Han (Sung Kang), and Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) go into hiding and try to clear their names.
- Letty is captured and sent to a black site prison, where she encounters Cipher again.
- Dom goes on the hunt for Dante, determined to protect his son Brian “Little B” Marcos, who becomes a central emotional anchor in the story.
New and Returning Faces
Tess (Brie Larson), the daughter of Mr. Nobody, helps Dom behind the scenes. Meanwhile, Aimes (Alan Ritchson), a new high-ranking Agency operative, initially works against Dom but later reveals hidden motives.
In a surprising twist, Jakob Toretto (John Cena) returns — no longer Dom’s antagonist but his goofy, protective uncle. He takes Little B on the run, providing the movie’s rare moments of levity.
Dante’s Chaos Unleashed
Dante systematically dismantles Dom’s world. He steals his money, isolates his allies, and manipulates governments and agencies against him. His flamboyant and psychopathic personality — painting his nails while planning mass murder — makes him one of the franchise’s most colorful villains.
Letty and Cipher escape from prison in a high-octane Arctic chase, hinting at their forced alliance against a greater threat.
Movie Ending
In the film’s explosive finale, Dom races against time in Portugal, where Dante lures him into a deadly trap on a dam. Jakob, trying to protect Little B, sacrifices himself by driving his car into Dante’s men, creating a fiery explosion to ensure the boy’s safety — a dramatic, heroic end for his character.
Dom rescues Little B from Dante’s ambush and speeds onto the dam. Dante, always one step ahead, detonates massive bombs along the dam walls. In a breathtaking sequence, Dom drives straight down the collapsing dam, shielding his son from the fireball with his car — a signature “Toretto physics” moment that defies all logic but delivers pure spectacle.
As Dom and Little B survive the explosion, Dante reveals his final move: he’s wired the entire dam with explosives, leaving Dom seemingly trapped as the film ends on a cliffhanger.
Meanwhile, Letty and Cipher reach an icy outpost — only to encounter Gisele Yashar (Gal Gadot), who was thought to be dead since Fast & Furious 6. Her unexpected reappearance teases an even bigger reunion for the upcoming sequels.
In the film’s last moments, Roman, Tej, Han, and Ramsey’s plane is shot down by Dante’s forces, leaving their fate uncertain. The movie ends with multiple cliffhangers — no closure, only setup for Fast XI.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
Yes, there is one mid-credits scene, but no post-credits scene at the very end.
In the mid-credits scene, Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) returns to the franchise after years of absence. Wearing tactical gear, Hobbs infiltrates an abandoned building and finds a message from Dante. On a TV screen, Dante declares that while Dom killed his father, “you pulled the trigger” — confirming Hobbs was the one who ended Hernan Reyes’ life in Fast Five. Dante vows revenge on him next.
It’s an electrifying tease for future installments, confirming Hobbs will play a major role in the upcoming films.
Type of Movie
Fast X is an action-packed blockbuster blending crime thriller, revenge drama, and high-octane adventure. It’s unapologetically over-the-top, filled with impossible stunts, emotional stakes, and family-centric storytelling.
Cast
- Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto
- Michelle Rodriguez as Letty Ortiz
- Jason Momoa as Dante Reyes
- John Cena as Jakob Toretto
- Brie Larson as Tess
- Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pearce
- Ludacris as Tej Parker
- Sung Kang as Han Lue
- Nathalie Emmanuel as Ramsey
- Charlize Theron as Cipher
- Alan Ritchson as Aimes
- Rita Moreno as Abuela Toretto
- Gal Gadot as Gisele Yashar (cameo)
- Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs (mid-credits cameo)
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Brian Tyler, who has worked on multiple Fast & Furious films. The soundtrack features a mix of Latin beats, hip-hop, and electronic elements, matching the film’s international tone. Songs like “Let’s Ride” (YG ft. The Notorious B.I.G., Ty Dolla $ign, Lambo4oe) contribute to the adrenaline-fueled vibe.
Filming Locations
Fast X was filmed across several countries, including:
- Rome, Italy – for the massive bomb chase sequence
- Lisbon, Portugal – for the dam finale and car chases
- London, England – for multiple city and agency scenes
- Los Angeles, USA – for domestic and garage sequences
- Turin, Italy – used for certain key chase shots
Each location mirrors the global nature of the Fast & Furious universe, giving the film an international espionage feel.
Awards and Nominations
Though Fast X did not receive major critical awards, it garnered nominations for Best Action Sequence and Best Stunts at fan-based and technical awards shows. It also became one of the highest-grossing films of 2023, surpassing $700 million worldwide.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Director Louis Leterrier replaced Justin Lin after creative differences during production.
- Jason Momoa improvised many of his flamboyant villain moments, including the nail-painting and sing-song dialogue.
- Vin Diesel confirmed that Fast X is the first part of a trilogy finale.
- Gal Gadot’s cameo was filmed secretly to avoid leaks.
- The Rome chase sequence required extensive coordination with city officials and took over a month to shoot.
Inspirations and References
The movie heavily draws inspiration from revenge thrillers and classic crime sagas. Dante’s character embodies chaotic energy reminiscent of The Joker, mixed with the tragic motive of a Shakespearean villain. The film also references earlier installments, especially Fast Five, both visually and narratively.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There were reports of alternate versions of the final cliffhanger, including a version where Dom’s car crashes underwater before cutting to black. Some extended scenes with Cipher and Tess were shortened for pacing. However, the mid-credits scene with Hobbs was always part of the plan to reconnect the spin-offs with the main series.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The Rome bomb chase — Dom saves an entire city using nothing but his Dodge Charger and faith.
- Jakob’s sacrifice — a heroic and emotional farewell.
- Dom driving down the exploding dam — physics no longer applies.
- Gisele’s return — the biggest fan-pleasing moment of the movie.
Iconic Quotes
- Dom Toretto: “You can take everything from me… but you’ll never take my family.”
- Dante Reyes: “The devil’s come for you, Dom.”
- Cipher: “You think you’re the predator. You’re the prey.”
- Jakob: “Never mess with a Toretto.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The opening flashback mirrors the framing of Fast Five’s heist finale shot-for-shot.
- Dante’s purple car and eccentric outfits subtly reference the Joker.
- Hobbs’ return includes a small “lawman” patch — a nod to Hobbs & Shaw.
- Roman’s line about “running out of roads” foreshadows the end of the saga.
- A photo of Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) appears in Dom’s house, honoring the late actor.
Trivia
- Jason Momoa described his character as “a peacock with dynamite.”
- It’s the most expensive Fast & Furious film ever, with a budget over $340 million.
- Vin Diesel confirmed that Fast XI is already in development and will continue directly from the cliffhanger.
- Charlize Theron performed her own fight sequences.
- The dam finale was inspired by classic disaster films like The Towering Inferno.
Why Watch?
Watch Fast X if you love:
- Over-the-top action and impossible stunts
- Jason Momoa’s unhinged, charismatic villainy
- Heartfelt family themes amid chaos
- Big-budget spectacle with global scale
- Cliffhangers that set up an epic finale
Director’s Other Movies
- The Transporter (2002)
- The Incredible Hulk (2008)
- Clash of the Titans (2010)
- Now You See Me (2013)
