---
title: "Drive"
year: 2011
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/drive-2011"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 64690
imdb_id: "tt0780504"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 100
community_rating: 7.6
vote_count: 13755
content_rating: "R"
---

# Drive (2011) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/drive-2011

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Drive is a 2011 American film directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. The film is a drama, thriller, and crime movie. The main character is a skilled Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver for criminals. He has formed a connection with a neighbor and her young son, and his life becomes complicated when her husband gets out of jail. The husband enlists the driver's help in a heist, which goes horribly wrong. The driver must then risk his life to protect the neighbor and her son from the masterminds behind the robbery.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A mysterious Hollywood stuntman moonlighting as a getaway driver becomes entangled in a dangerous criminal heist."

### Why Watch
- compelling lead performance
- intense action sequences
- striking visual style

### Caveats & Content Note
- slow-paced narrative
- graphic violence
- Tone & Suitability: This film contains sequences of intense, graphic violence and mature thematic elements.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: tense, atmospheric, stylized, gritty

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | Xumo Play | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Amazon Prime Video, Icon Film Amazon Channel, Sundance Now Amazon Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, ITVX Premium | Rakuten TV, Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, ITVX, Plex | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Crave Amazon Channel | Crave | Apple TV Store, CosmoGo, Amazon Video |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | Beamafilm | JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Nicolas Winding Refn
- **Networks / Studios**: FilmDistrict, Bold Films, Marc Platt Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Ryan Gosling** as *Driver*
- **Carey Mulligan** as *Irene*
- **Bryan Cranston** as *Shannon*
- **Albert Brooks** as *Bernie Rose*
- **Oscar Isaac** as *Standard*
- **Christina Hendricks** as *Blanche*
- **Ron Perlman** as *Nino*
- **Kaden Leos** as *Benicio*
- **Jeff Wolfe** as *Tan Suit*
- **James Biberi** as *Cook*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the protagonist's profession?
The main character works as a Hollywood stuntman and moonlights as a getaway driver.

### Q: Who does the driver try to protect?
He attempts to protect his neighbor Irene and her young son, Benicio.

### Q: What triggers the conflict in the story?
The conflict begins when a million-dollar heist involving Irene's husband goes horribly wrong.

### Q: Is this film a traditional action movie?
The film balances character-focused drama with high-stakes criminal sequences.

### Q: What is the tone of the film?
The film maintains a tense and atmospheric tone throughout its narrative.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Drive — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/64690)
- [Drive (2011 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drive_(2011_film))
- [Drive (2011) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0780504/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*