‘The Bikeriders’ Review – Greasy, Slimy Excellence
The Bikeriders is written and directed by Jeff Nichols (Mud, Take Shelter). Set between 1965 and 1973, the film follows the rise and evolution of a motorcycle club known as The Vandals — inspired by a Danny Lyon’s The Bikeriders photo book from 1967.
The original book saw Lyon join the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. The idea was to “record and glorify the life of an American bike rider.” Lyon was inspired by Hunter S. Thompson and his time with the Hell’s Angels while writing Hell’s Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs. Lyon would officially join The Outlaws and was a member between 1966 and 1967.
Danny Lyon (Mike Faist, Challengers) is in The Bikeriders as he gathers interviews, takes pictures, and documents his time with The Vandals. The Vandals was started by a family man named Johnny (Tom Hardy). It began with him enjoying motorcycle racing and he was inspired to start the club after watching Marlon Brando’s 1953 film The Wild One.
As Mike Faist’s Danny interviews all members of The Vandals, most of the film is spent with Kathy (Jodie Comer, Free Guy) and her relationship with devoted Vandals member Benny (Austin Butler).
The Jeff Nichols-directed crime drama is pulled in two directions over two hours. Kathy falls in love with Benny and he nearly dies for the club every time he gets on his bike. She wants to get him out and away from motorcycles permanently because she cares about him.
Meanwhile, The Vandals are becoming this nasty drug-infused beast that Johnny can no longer control as new, younger members join, and what was once a club devolves into a gang.
The Vandals are an eccentric and intimidating group of characters. On the surface, they appear to be individuals you don’t want to get on the bad side of. They’re loyal to their motorcycles and don’t like being told what to do by anyone whether it’s their spouse or the cops.
They’ll fight and stab and recklessly drive their way through every traffic violation solely because they feel like it. They have no obligation to anyone except for other members of The Vandals; they’re family and will do anything for them.
A film like this can only work with a solid cast and Jeff Nichols has a well-rounded bunch that delivers all around. After seeing Austin Butler be so weird and memorable in Dune: Part Two earlier this year, Butler’s performance is much more subdued in The Bikeriders. He’s the film’s lead and yet feels like the least interesting character.
Jodie Comer narrates the majority of the film as Kathy, a character who has no filter and typically vocalizes every thought in her brain. She comes off as extremely easy to talk to while her storytelling is humorous and genuine with her forthright nature.
Tom Hardy doesn’t break any new ground as Johnny, but it’s the type of character he knows incredibly well. Hardy takes a quiet approach to Johnny. He has a nasty side, but he speaks in a soft tone most of the time. Johnny often has this gleam in his eye that leaves you with the impression that you aren’t fully aware of his limitations, which is why he feels so intimidating.
Norman Reedus has maybe five minutes of screen time as Funny Sonny, but he devours every scene he’s in. Boyd Holbrook and Michael Shannon are also great with every line of dialogue they’re given. Both seem to have a crazy story or anecdote for every situation.
The Bikeriders wallows in grime and sleaze and filth and is the type of film that wouldn’t have it any other way. The entire cast is astoundingly memorable and the story is candid in a way that is both grounded and mesmerizing. With solid writing and talented actors, The Bikeriders is just good filmmaking.
NEXT: Tribeca Film Festival 2024 ‘Restless’ Review – Next War Neighbor
The Bikeriders (2024), Focus Features
PROS
- Great writing.
- Talented cast.
CONS
- Somewhat predictable.
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