“Drive” (2011) is a must see at TIFF. From the opening frame the picture puts it into first gear and never lets the audience go.  That line you just read is as cheesy as the film’s title sequence, but don’t let the blatant pink script fool you, this homage to the 80′s is stellar. Full of no holds barred violence, excitement, tension and dark humor, Nicholas Winding Refn’s revenge film about a stunt driver turned hero is sure to be a candidate for the Cadillac People’s Choice Award.

Referred to only as Driver, Ryan Gosling delivers another brilliant performance. His character is a quiet and calculated stunt driver by day and getaway driver by night. Driver is a man of few words. Gosling’s interpretation results in a gripping presence on screen where his actions speak louder than words. He sports a Scorpion crested leather jacket, a blank stare and two clenched fists, which he uses to eliminate those who threaten him and the ones he holds dear. He is considered the best driver there by his boss and fellow mechanic played by Bryan Cranston, whose character is willing to do anything to make a buck. This includes getting in over his head with the wrong people.

Upon moving into an apartment complex, Driver befriends Irene (Carey Mulligan). She is a young mother to her son Benicio and wife to her ex-con husband Standard (Oscar Isaac). Upon Standard’s release Driver offers to help him pay a debt that threatens Irene and Benicio’s lives. He soon finds himself in the middle of an all out gang war. Ron Perlman helps round out the cast in a supporting role as shady Nino, a local member of the crime community.

Much like Refn’s “Valhalla Rising” (2009) and “Bronson” (2008), “Drive” (2011) is brutally violent. If you are looking for all the gory details you will find them here. Perhaps what makes these events easier to swallow is Refn’s ability to find humour in these moments, he is clearly inspired by Cronenberg. I got a similar feeling of excitement while watching “Eastern Promises” (2009) a few years ago. Head stomping, car crashes, stabbings, gunshots, and its all here. You will be with this film the entire way.

Refn’s musical choices and mood work seamlessly together to bring the audience through every turn but do not save the film from lackluster driving sequences. Although this is the only slight against the piece, the driving is mediocre at best. I was hoping for Bourne Identity but Matt Damon was nowhere to be found. Fortunately a great script makes this point moot, as you don’t really care where Driver’s car takes you, as long as you can stay along for the ride.