No matter how many times you’ve viewed the 24 Hours of Le Mans on television, nothing can truly prepare you for the actual event. Le Mans transforms into a bustling hub that completely shuts down annually to host one of the grandest celebrations in motorsports, all with remarkable flair. (This is from someone residing in Indianapolis who is accustomed to the lore of the Indy 500.) If you’re fortunate, you might experience this firsthand by attending the race. If that’s not possible, watching 2DIE4 is the next best option.
The hour-long documentary by Salomão and André Abdala, widely recognized as the Abdala Brothers, narrates the journey of fellow Brazilian and Porsche Penske Motorsport driver Felipe Nasr as he faces the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans. It chronicles one of the finest endurance racers of this era (and a former F1 competitor) as he gears up to compete in the world’s premier endurance event, diving into the emotional rollercoaster that such an experience brings. The elation, the thrill, and inevitably, the anguish.
I had the opportunity to view an advance screening during the Rolex 24 last month, and I found it to be exceptionally produced. I would consider it one of the most engaging racing documentaries I have encountered, and it deserves accolades—especially considering the numerous challenges the young filmmakers faced in bringing it to fruition. The entire project was executed by a team of eight who navigated significant restrictions imposed by the ACO (Le Mans officials) and the crew, alongside logistical and financial limitations. Additionally, it is the first IMAX film ever created by an all-Brazilian team.
I found it accessible enough for casual fans, not overly complex or racing-centric, yet it didn’t rely on standard Hollywood clichés such as exaggerated drama or strained dialogue to create excitement. It flows naturally, and the cinematography and music are absolutely stunning. Even if you don’t care about racing cars, you should watch 2DIE4 solely for those two elements.
I’ll keep the specifics brief to avoid spoiling the film for you, but there were several stunning scenes involving racing in the dark and rain, and I caught up with Nasr post-screening to hear his thoughts on how those segments were portrayed on the big screen.
“Competing at Le Mans, in the darkness, and in the rain, especially without [functional] wipers [as occurred in 2024], illustrates the delicate balance between triumph and defeat,” Nasr shared with The Drive. “The visuals captured the intensity of those instances and the choices we face in pushing to the absolute limit and risking everything. I never leave room for hesitation, so I give it my all, even with the wiper issue.”
“As with all elite athletes, there are moments of tremendous achievements, as well as setbacks. This duality is portrayed on screen,” Nasr continued.
Regarding the dedicated brothers, who poured everything into this venture, I commend their sincerity in filmmaking. My initial impression, just moments into the film, was that they shot, directed, and edited it precisely as they envisioned, without yielding to outside influences. They created what they believed to be the most accurate portrayal of Nasr’s Le Mans experience, resulting in something extraordinary. It’s no surprise they claimed the 2025 Motor Sports Film Awards.
“We like to express that it’s made for motorsport fans by motorsport fans, but our aim was for it not to be tedious,” they mentioned to The Drive. “We meticulously structured the film so that hardcore fans will catch every intricate detail, but it’s also approachable. You could take your mom to the screening and she would grasp the essence of Le Mans and [Felipe’s] narrative.”
“We also emphasized that if you watch this ten times, you will perceive different nuances in the film with each viewing, similar to how with more viewings of Interstellar, you think, ‘Whoa! that makes more sense now!’ Of course, I’m not drawing direct comparisons, but that was our intention,” they added.
2DIE4 premieres in select theaters today, and if you’re a fan of racing—or exceptional storytelling—I highly suggest you don’t miss it. You can find additional information here.
2DIE4 | Official Trailer | Experience It In IMAX®
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**2DIE4: An Essential Racing Documentary Out This Weekend**
This weekend, racing fans and documentary aficionados are in for a delight with the premiere of “2DIE4,” a fascinating docufilm that dives deep into the thrilling realm of motorsport. This film not only highlights the adrenaline-charged excitement of racing but also explores the personal narratives of the drivers, their challenges, and the passion that propels them to compete at the highest levels.
**Film Overview**
“2DIE4” takes audiences on a trip through the peaks and valleys of racing, encapsulating the essence of being a driver. The film includes interviews with veteran racers, mechanics, and team owners, offering a thorough perspective of the racing scene. It emphasizes the commitment, sacrifices, and unwavering pursuit of excellence that characterizes the sport.
**Main Themes**
1. **Fervor for Racing**: At its heart, “2DIE4” embodies a celebration of the enthusiasm for racing. The film illustrates how this passion fuels the lives of drivers and their teams, often leading them to extend the boundaries of their vehicles and their own capabilities.
2. **The Human Aspect**: Beyond the speed and rivalry, the docufilm digs into the personal stories of racers. It unveils their backgrounds, motivations, and the hurdles they confront, making it relatable to viewers who might not be well-versed in the sport.
3. **Technical Expertise**: The film also sheds light on the technical facets of racing. Viewers will gain insights into the engineering and strategies involved in crafting a competitive race car as well as the teamwork necessary for success on the track.
4. **Racing Culture**: “2DIE4” portrays the lively culture surrounding motorsports, highlighting the camaraderie among teams, the excitement of the crowd, and the electrifying race day atmosphere. It illustrates a community that thrives on competition and shared experiences.
**Reasons to Watch**
“2DIE4” goes beyond being just a racing documentary; it’s a study of human determination and ambition. Whether you’re a hardcore racing devotee or new to the scene, the film offers something for everyone. Its breathtaking visuals, compelling storytelling, and emotional richness make it a must-see this weekend.
**Where to Find It**
The docufilm will be available for viewing on various streaming platforms starting this weekend. Be sure to consult your preferred service to catch this exhilarating release. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the thrill of racing through the eyes of those living it every day.
In summary, “2DIE4” promises to deliver an unforgettable cinematic journey that captures the core and spirit of racing. Save the date and get ready for a weekend filled with speed, passion, and inspiration.