Drive Hard

Former racing champion Peter Roberts has traded the thrill of the racetrack for a quieter life, or so he tells himself as he grapples with finding meaning beyond his racing days. His wife, a diligent lawyer, has been encouraging him to retire from the racing scene and embrace the stability of a traditional job. However, deep down, Roberts yearns for excitement and possibilities, which he attempts to fulfill as an instructor at a driving school, all the while waiting for the chance to establish his own racing academy.

His dreams are abruptly halted when he finds out he can no longer afford his daughter’s private school tuition. In a desperate attempt to alleviate his financial burden, he reluctantly takes on Simon Keller as his first student at the driving school. What Peter doesn’t realize is that Keller has been delving into his personal history and financial dilemmas, which leaves him feeling quite unsettled.

As they embark on their driving lesson, Keller drops a bombshell, sharing some unsettling details about Roberts’ past. Despite Roberts insisting that he doesn’t want any part of it, Keller insists they need to make a detour to the bank. In a shocking turn of events, instead of simply withdrawing money, Keller pulls out a weapon and opens fire on the security guards, tossing a bag into Roberts’ car and compelling him to be his getaway driver.

Roberts is left in a state of disbelief as he tries to surrender, but everything spirals out of control when the police respond with gunfire. In a frantic attempt to escape, Keller offers Roberts part of the stolen cash, but Roberts, shaken and in fear of being imprisoned, refuses the offer. Keller attempts to reassure him, claiming connections to a criminal syndicate that will keep them safe from law enforcement’s pursuit, which dramatically shifts Roberts’ perspective and thrusts him deeper into a dangerous reality that he never wanted.

Little does he know, Keller’s previous partner Rossi had betrayed him in the US and is now with the same criminal group. As the peril intensifies, Agent Walker from the Australian Federal Police takes an active role in the investigation, alarming the crooked Detective Chief Inspector Smith, who has his own agenda. Walker quickly zeroes in on both men, suspecting them of being part of a larger conspiracy. During a tense exchange, Keller and Roberts argue about Roberts’ dissatisfaction, which Keller attributes to his abandonment of personal ambitions.

In a moment of utter betrayal, Roberts refuses to drive any longer, prompting Keller to shoot him with a rubber bullet. They make a narrow escape, swapping vehicles as their perilous chase continues. In another twist of fate, the pair finds themselves caught in a reception hall while evading Rossi, whose persistence adds another layer of danger. The situation escalates further when they inadvertently cause chaos involving an elderly couple, and they leave with the husband’s luxurious sports car, only to find themselves recognized again at a gas station by hostile forces.

As tension escalates, Keller exacerbates the situation by threatening to kill Roberts if he doesn’t comply, bringing their uneasy alliance to the brink. Roberts, in a desperate attempt to regain control, brandishes an empty gun while realizing the futility of his actions, leading to a grudging acceptance of their fate as they venture toward Keller’s marina destination.

Their odyssey becomes even more fraught when Roberts annoys a biker gang, provoking their wrath and landing himself in serious trouble until Keller intervenes just in time. As they face off against the gang, the bikers reveal their employer: Rossi himself. With the authorities drawing closer, yet a twist reveals DCI Smith caught amid the chaos during a confrontation involving Agent Walker.

In a climactic showdown at the marina, Roberts and Keller band together to fight the mercenaries while confronting Rossi head-on. At long last, the authorities begin to take Roberts’ unbelievable account seriously, leading to his reunion with his family who, despite their initial misgivings, have learned to appreciate his tenacity. Though his wife still holds reservations, she ultimately agrees to his return to the racing world, signaling a new beginning for them all.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 12:01