Review: 'Drive' On Netflix Ireland & UK

If you are from this side of the world, you will know this summer has been one of the most miserable and depressing in recent memory. You can't go out because it's raining, and a evening in front of the telly is the most likely option (...only there is nothing on). This is where Netflix can come in very handy, the online streaming service which launched in Ireland earlier this year and hosts a large library of both film and television content. I recently invested in an apple TV, so for purpose of this review it is from said device but I also done a quick check on my xbox 360 and mac book pro and quality of streams on all devices was of equal quality on a 25 mb broadband line. One of the crown jewel's in the Netflix's library is 'Drive', which looks spectacular in glorious HD.

'Drive' was the highlight of last year for most film publications/ outlets and Flicks News choice of the film of 2011. Ryan Gosling's brilliant understated performance and Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn's vision forged a modern day cinematic masterpiece that was both compelling and incredibly entertaining.

A tale of grace, beauty and brutality as a Los Angeles wheelman for hire, stunt driving for movie productions by day and steering getaway vehicles for armed heists by night. Though a loner by nature, Driver can't help falling in love with his beautiful neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan), a vulnerable young mother dragged into a dangerous underworld by the return of her ex-convict husband Standard (Oscar Isaac). After a heist intended to pay off Standard's protection money spins unpredictably out of control, Driver finds himself driving defense for the girl he loves, tailgated by a syndicate of deadly serious criminals (Albert Brooks and Ron Perlman). But when he realizes that the gangsters are after more than the bag of cash in his trunk-that they're coming straight for Irene and her son, Driver is forced to shift gears and go on offense.

The film is the antithesis of cool, brilliant performances, wonderful soundtrack, superb story telling and stylized imagery make for a beautifully crafted unforgettable film treasure. 'Drive' is also a great home viewing movie experience and I am sure a film many will discover on Netflix, which almost hearkens back to the days of home video and discovering them overlooked gems. 'Drive' deserves your attention.

5 out of 5