Michael Mann’s Ferrari (2023) is a biographical drama centered on Enzo Ferrari during one of the most turbulent periods of his life. Based on Brock Yates’ book Enzo Ferrari: The Man and the Machine, the film intertwines professional ambition, personal tragedy, and the high-stakes world of motorsport in postwar Italy.
Detailed Summary
Opening: The World of Ferrari in 1957
The film introduces Enzo Ferrari (played by Adam Driver) at a critical point in his career and personal life. His company is on the brink of financial collapse, struggling to keep pace with rivals like Maserati. At the same time, Ferrari’s marriage to Laura (Penélope Cruz) is strained by grief after the loss of their son Dino and further complicated by Enzo’s secret second family with Lina Lardi (Shailene Woodley) and their son Piero.
Business and Betrayal
Ferrari is shown as a man obsessed with survival, both in business and on the track. He knows that victory in the legendary Mille Miglia race could save his company from ruin. Meanwhile, investors and banks are breathing down his neck, and competitors sense his vulnerability. His personal life mirrors his business: fractured, secretive, and constantly at risk of collapse.
Drivers and the Mille Miglia Build-Up
The narrative expands to include the lives of the Ferrari drivers, particularly Alfonso de Portago (Gabriel Leone). The racers embody passion, danger, and a sense of living on the edge, as the Mille Miglia race looms. Mann builds tension by contrasting Ferrari’s cold calculations with the drivers’ reckless courage.
Laura’s Struggle
Penélope Cruz delivers a raw performance as Laura, who suspects Enzo’s infidelity and fights for her rightful place in the Ferrari empire. The confrontations between Laura and Enzo provide some of the film’s most emotionally charged moments, highlighting Ferrari’s personal contradictions: ruthless in business, yet vulnerable and cornered in his private life.
Movie Ending
The climax comes with the 1957 Mille Miglia. Alfonso de Portago drives for Ferrari but tragically crashes during the race. The accident is catastrophic—his car veers into the crowd, killing him, his co-driver, and multiple spectators, including children. This horrific real-life event becomes the film’s emotional breaking point, showing the true cost of Ferrari’s obsession with victory at all costs.
After the accident, Ferrari faces both public outrage and immense guilt, yet he remains unyielding in his pursuit of legacy. The movie ends with Ferrari walking away from the wreckage of the race, metaphorically and literally, leaving the audience with the image of a man who cannot be stopped—by grief, scandal, or even death. His survival, though, comes at the cost of nearly everything human around him.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Ferrari (2023) does not include any post-credits scenes. Once the credits roll, the story is fully concluded, staying true to the grounded, historical tone of the film.
Type of Movie
This is a biographical sports drama and historical character study. While racing sequences provide adrenaline and spectacle, the film is more concerned with the psychology of Enzo Ferrari and the human drama surrounding his empire.
Cast
- Adam Driver as Enzo Ferrari
- Penélope Cruz as Laura Ferrari
- Shailene Woodley as Lina Lardi
- Gabriel Leone as Alfonso de Portago
- Patrick Dempsey as Piero Taruffi
- Jack O’Connell as Peter Collins
- Sarah Gadon as Linda Christian
Film Music and Composer
The score is composed by Daniel Pemberton, known for his versatile, emotionally rich soundtracks (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Steve Jobs). In Ferrari, his music shifts between intimate emotional tones for Enzo’s personal struggles and grand, tense orchestrations for the race sequences.
Filming Locations
- Modena, Italy – Ferrari’s birthplace and headquarters, providing authenticity to Enzo’s world.
- Brescia, Italy – A historic location tied to the Mille Miglia race.
- Emilia-Romagna region – Streets and countryside were used to recreate the 1957 Mille Miglia routes.
These locations were crucial in grounding the film’s authenticity, embedding the story deeply within Italy’s racing and cultural heritage.
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Awards and Nominations
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival (2023) to critical acclaim. It has been praised particularly for Penélope Cruz’s performance, which is expected to be a strong contender during awards season. As of now, it has received nominations in acting and technical categories across major festivals and critics’ circles.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Michael Mann had been developing Ferrari for over 20 years, making it a true passion project.
- Adam Driver reportedly learned to drive Ferrari race cars for authenticity, though stunt drivers handled the most dangerous sequences.
- The recreation of the 1957 Mille Miglia crash was one of the most challenging and sensitive aspects of the production.
- Penélope Cruz’s performance has been widely described as the “emotional engine” of the film.
Inspirations and References
The movie is based directly on Brock Yates’ biography Enzo Ferrari: The Man and the Machine. Mann also drew inspiration from Italian neorealist cinema for its atmosphere, blending glamour with gritty realism.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no publicly revealed alternate endings. Some reports suggest that Michael Mann shot longer family-focused sequences with Laura and Lina, but these were trimmed to maintain pacing.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film stays largely faithful to Brock Yates’ book but narrows its focus to 1957, whereas the biography covers Ferrari’s entire life. This laser-focus allows Mann to craft a more intimate, character-driven narrative instead of a broad cradle-to-grave biopic.
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Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Enzo confronting Laura about money and control of the company.
- The Mille Miglia race, with breathtaking camera work.
- Laura’s explosive confrontation with Enzo over his affair and secret child.
- The harrowing crash sequence, portrayed with brutal realism.
Iconic Quotes
- Enzo Ferrari: “If you get into one of my cars, you get in to win.”
- Laura Ferrari: “You built this empire with my money, Enzo. Don’t you ever forget it.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The Ferrari cars used were meticulously recreated, with some actual vintage vehicles used on set.
- The costumes reflect authentic 1950s Italian tailoring, down to Enzo’s iconic sunglasses.
- Michael Mann inserted details from real Ferrari archives, such as office decor and factory interiors.
Trivia
- Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale were once attached to the project before Adam Driver took the role.
- Patrick Dempsey, who plays Taruffi, is himself an accomplished race car driver.
- Adam Driver, standing over 6’2”, was taller than the real Enzo Ferrari, who was about 5’10”.
Why Watch?
Ferrari is not just about cars; it’s about ambition, grief, legacy, and obsession. It balances breathtaking racing sequences with intimate personal drama, offering both adrenaline and emotional weight. If you love biopics that peel back the layers of complicated historical figures, this is for you.
Director’s Other Movies
- Heat (1995)
- The Insider (1999)
- Collateral (2004)
- Miami Vice (2006)
- Public Enemies (2009)