“You know the story about the scorpion and the frog? Your friend Nino didn't make it across the river.” One of the most fundamental rules in screenwriting is “show, don’t tell”. Nicholas Winding Refn’s Drive is an impeccably stylized picture that proved to be a shining example of how well this rule can work. It’s an incredibly simplistic story that certainly has been told before but what sets this film apart is the exceptionally stylish directing and cinematography. Along with masterful execution in the writing. Every single scene flowed together so naturally and nothing felt off throughout the film’s entirety. They didn’t rely on any contrived plot points that threw off the narrative. A lot of films like this overlook many aspects of world building and character development, but Drive covers every necessary aspect to make the world feel grounded and realistic. Now don’t get me wrong, I love rich complex and thematic stories, but sometimes a simplistic narrative with masterful execution can be really effective. And to me sometimes films like this are the best kind. The soundtrack to this film was absolutely poppin’. Not only that but Cliff Martinez’s score adds so much to the atmosphere and environment of the city of Los Angeles. Driver is given a lot of attention to detail in terms of mannerisms and the way he speaks. Ryan Gosling pulled off this role perfectly, and the transformation he goes through is a slow burn for sure but a very believable one. Because there’s a lot of screen time dedicated to him and the relationship he develops with Irene and Benicio. And as his exterior is being broken down, it feels as if it’s breaking down yours as well. I can’t speak for anyone else but I was able to relate to this character very well. There’s so many iconic scenes in this film that were so self fulfilling and satisfying to me. The opening 10 minutes, the elevator scene, the robbery, the ambush, as well as the ending. Everything just built towards the final moments perfectly and it really nailed the execution of Driver’s character. It’s so fast paced and just a really fun watch. I could watch this film over and over again and not get bored. I loved this film and I really cannot understand the criticisms some seem to have with it.