On the dark, moonlit streets of Los Angeles, Ryan Gosling plays an unnamed stunt driver/ getaway driver trying to be a better person in the film Drive. The film, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, is a moody and subtle film full of anger, love, and sorrow. Nicolas, known for his cult neo-horror flick Neon Demon, takes the 2005 adapted novel and turns it into a dim-lit and powerful visual ride. 

Ryan Gosling gives one of his most subtle yet surprising performances of his mid-career. His sleepless, tormented, and troubled portrayal of a man just trying to be a better man gives the film the heart it yearns for. Followed by the sleazy Bryan Cranston and the lovely Carrie Mulligan, the film is driven by character and poise. With other names such as Oscar Issac, Albert Brooks, and Ron Pearlman, Drive pulls together pain, hate, and greed everytime the sun goes down. Nicolas’ use of light and the haunting soundtrack give Ryan an almost inhuman connotation as he fights for a woman he loves but can never be with. 

Drive is about the battle of one’s spirit. Ryan’s character is haunted by himself and can’t get sleep with who he is as a person. He finds the one way he can redeem himself and in doing so dooms his spirit to fury and revenge. Ryan’s character wants nothing more than to know the person he loves is safe and that he can sleep well at night knowing that. I love the use of music and light and camera work to show Ryan’s struggle with his actions and the people he is unfortunately connected with. You probably have never heard of this movie, but these are the reasons you should watch it.