THE BIKERIDERS (2024)

Genre: Drama
Director: Jeff Nichols
Cast: Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, Tom Hardy, Mike Faist, Damon Herriman, Boyd Holbrook, Michael Shannon, Emory Cohen, Beau Knapp, Karl Glusman, Toby Wallace, Norman Reedus, Happy Anderson, Paul Sparks
Runtime: 1 hr 56 mins
Rating: M18 (Sexual Scene and Coarse Language)
Released By: UIP
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 20 June 2024

Synopsis: The Bikeriders captures a rebellious time in America when the culture and people were changing. After a chance encounter at a local bar, strong-willed Kathy (Jodie Comer) is inextricably drawn to Benny (Austin Butler), the newest member of Midwestern motorcycle club, the Vandals led by the enigmatic Johnny (Tom Hardy). Much like the country around it, the club begins to evolve, transforming from a gathering place for local outsiders into a dangerous underworld of violence, forcing Benny to choose between Kathy and his loyalty to the club. 

Movie Review:

There’s book club, chess club, film club, sports club and what else, bike club of course. Jeff Nichols’ latest feature is based on a photo book by American photographer Danny Lyon which depicts the lives of the Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club in the 1960s though fictionalized under the moniker Chicago Vandals here.

The trailer hints of a violent, outlaw biker movie that stars Tom Hardy in yet another unrecognisable accent and the up-and-coming suave Austin Butler. A kind of buddy rodeo actioner that is going to set everyone’s level of testosterone soaring. The violence is there so is the testosterone and masculinity. Yet fortunate to speak, this is not that kind of movie you are expecting.

Told from the perspective of Kathy (Jodie Comer), the wife of Benny (Butler), The Bikeriders maintains a surprising light tone in recalling the stories of the men from Vandals. The story focused primarily on Benny and leader of the gang, Johnny Davis (Hardy). The respect and loyalty between the two men is remarkable. But Kathy wants Benny to leave the club and he is torn between his alliance to Johnny and the love of his life. Simply said, motorcycles alone can’t make a living or a future and ironically most of them seems to have a day job including Johnny.

In addition to the main three characters, Nichols peppered the narrative with plenty of colourful characters including Cockroach (Emory Cohen) who secretly wants to be a policeman, Funny Sonny (Norman Reedus) who helms from California, a failed soldier named Zipco (Michael Shannon), Johnny’s trusted right hand man, Brucie (Damon Herriman) and a hippie Cal (Boyd Holbrook). There are enough fascinating stories from each individual to make up for a mini-series and that for sure is a good thing.

While there are scenes of violence especially those surrounding Benny being beaten by two thugs in a bar because of his association with a bike club. Nichols’ intention is not about the fights, threats but showcasing the true meaning of the original bike club, one that actually stray away from drugs and prostitution unlike the behaviour of a young wannabe (Toby Wallace) who turned things upside down.

The flawless classic soundtrack, the cinematography, the set and costume design add to the authentic experience of watching a 60’s midwestern America comes to live on the screen. The biker culture is beautifully brought to fruition under the sturdy hands of the director. Ultimately, it’s the cast members that really elevate the material. We have two English actors playing the leads and both Comer and Hardy (minus two points for Hardy’s sometimes incomprehensible accent) is amazing.

With his good looks, Butler proves he can still be a good actor and charismatic leading man after Elvis. The supporting cast including Michael Shannon, Norman Reedus, Boyd Holbrook, Damon Herriman and Toby Wallace deliver equally strong performances. The Bikeriders is the kind of movie you initially thought wouldn’t work since the biker culture is not something everyone is familiar with. Strangely, the nearly two hours running time feels like a breezy cool ride with the various drinking and riding buddies. Definitely worth visiting.

Movie Rating:

(Nichols simply revved up the engine and never let go)

Review by Linus Tee