Full Tank

Esteban, a swiss property developer, dreams of taking part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A dream he decides to turn into reality as his 50th birthday draws near, and which results in him competing alongside professional drivers. From one race to the next, the team tames the laws of physics and the elements, with the sole objective of winning, beating a record, and overtaking the opponent. Laps follow laps, endlessly, among the exhilaration of these exceptional vehicles and the thundering noise of their turbocharged engines. Directed by the Swiss filmmakers Julia Bünter and Benjamin Bucher, and produced by the documentary maker Jean-Stéphane Bron, Full Tank immerses itself in this fascinating testosterone-driven microcosm. The film’s iterative and immersive pace, sustained by the racers’ ultra-technical jargon, provides a sense of dizziness and throbbing speed. The directors’ tone is offbeat and amused, satisfying our curiosity for the behind-the-scenes world of motor racing while subtly highlighting the excesses of an outrageous sport.

Bastien Bento