In this true-life story, Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe) is passionate about the racing simulation game Gran Turismo. While he sits at his console at home, he is propelled in a world-class race car to drive at incredible speeds through a variety of realistic recreated tracks from around the world. He’s perfected his strategy, is good at meeting obstacles, and revels in the competition with his prior performances and other players. He dreams of being an actual race car driver.
Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom) is the marketing director for the motorsport division of Nissan. He wants to draw attention to the brand by recruiting skilled video game players to attend a special Gran Turismo Academy where they will get the chance to drive real racing cars. Jack Salter (David Harbour), a former driver turned mechanic, is hired to train the young drivers.
What follows are a series of races as Jann and others from the Academy try to qualify to earn a professional license to drive for Nissan. In the film’s finale, they participate in the 24 hour race at Le Mans.
Similar to the 2023 film Ferrari, this film is full of thrilling and tension-filled racing sequences which contain life lessons. We see how Jann and the other drivers have to set goals, stay focused, and bounce back from disappointments. During the races themselves, we notice how the drivers must be flexible and quick to adjust, especially when others make mistakes. We watch as community develops through the competition as teams work together. Finally, Jann’s whole story proves that passionate commitment can make a dream come true.