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Drive

"Drive" is a 2011 American action drama film directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and written by Hossein Amini, based on James Sallis's 2005 novel.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Drive is a 2011 American action drama film directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and written by Hossein Amini, based on James Sallis's 2005 novel. It stars Ryan Gosling as an unnamed Hollywood stunt driver and getaway driver whose life becomes entangled with a neighbor and a failed robbery.

Plot

The film follows a quiet, unnamed driver who works as a stunt performer and criminal wheelman. His attempt to protect Irene and Benicio after a robbery goes wrong draws him into violent conflict.

Production

Drive is based on James Sallis's 2005 novel and adapted for the screen by Hossein Amini. Nicolas Winding Refn directed the film.

Cast

Ryan Gosling stars as the Driver, with Carey Mulligan as Irene, Bryan Cranston as Shannon, Albert Brooks as Bernie Rose, Christina Hendricks as Blanche, Ron Perlman as Nino, and Oscar Isaac as Standard.

Release and format

The film was released in the United States on September 16, 2011. It has a runtime of 100 minutes and was released as an English-language American film.

Key facts

  • The film follows an unnamed Hollywood stunt driver who also works as a getaway driver.
  • The story centres on his relationship with neighbour Irene and her son, Benicio.
  • A robbery involving Irene's husband triggers the film's main conflict.
  • The film was directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and written by Hossein Amini.
  • Ryan Gosling plays the lead role, with Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, and Albert Brooks in supporting roles.

Frequently asked questions

What is "Drive" about?
It follows an unnamed stunt driver and getaway driver whose life changes after he becomes involved with his neighbour and a robbery gone wrong.
Who directed "Drive"?
Nicolas Winding Refn directed the film.
What is "Drive" based on?
It is based on James Sallis's 2005 novel of the same name.
Who stars in "Drive"?
Ryan Gosling stars in the lead role, with Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks, Christina Hendricks, Ron Perlman, and Oscar Isaac in supporting roles.
When was "Drive" released?
It was released in the United States on September 16, 2011.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drive_(2011_film)
    Supports: Director, screenplay, source novel, cast, plot, and basic film identification
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/drive_2011
    Supports: Synopsis, release date, rating, runtime, and genre classification
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0780504/
    Supports: Runtime, MPAA rating, and synopsis