Today I review The Bike Riders, the sixth film directed by Jeff Nichols. It’s being released by Focus Features on June 21st, 2024. Notably, it premiered at the 2023 Telly Ride Film Festival but was supposed to be released last December. I believe it was owned by 20th Century Studios, but the writer and actor Strike had it pushed back. It stars Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer, and Austin Butler.
After watching the trailers, I found this film quite interesting. Before starting the review, I would like to tell you that there may be some small spoilers. If you have not seen this movie before, then watch the movie first and then read my The Bikeriders Movie Review.
If you have seen the movie, I’d like to know what you thought about it. Share your comments below. Did you like the movie? Did it surprise you? Did it meet your expectations? I’d like to know.
The BikeRiders takes place during a rebellious time in America when culture and people were changing. After a chance encounter at a local bar, Kathy is drawn to Benny, the newest member of the Midwestern motorcycle club known as The Vandals. Much like the country around it, the club begins to evolve, transforming from a gathering place of local outsiders into a dangerous underworld of violence. This forces Benny to choose between Kathy and his loyalty to the club.
Based on the trailers, this movie is not at all what I expected. It almost feels like a bait and switch, and that’s usually a bad thing, but in this case, I think it works. I was expecting a lot of biker brawls, rival biker gangs, and action. While it does have some of that, it’s told very much like a documentary, and I think that approach works for this film.
The story is told from Kathy’s point of view, as she’s being interviewed by a guy who rode with the biker club. Initially, he’s chronicling her story, and later he returns to find out what happened to the gang. This dual perspective allows us to see her love story with Benny early on and the evolution of the gang itself. I enjoyed seeing the overall progression of the biker club and how it morphs from something very innocent into an outlaw-type group. The storytelling is handled very well.
The best part of this movie, though, is the acting performances. Tom Hardy, who plays Johnny, the leader of the group, does a really good job. He’s a great character actor, but I have to admit, like many of his roles, his voice is very distinctive. It’s not quite Bane-weird, but it stands out. Yet, it fits the character well, and I enjoyed his performance.
Austin Butler also does a good job. He plays a drifter-rebel-type character who only wants to ride without being bogged down by responsibilities. He nails this role, and I enjoyed seeing him on screen. Jodie Comer, the lead of the movie, delivers a strong performance. Seeing everything through her perspective was refreshing, and she brought a lot of depth to her character.
There are a few other notable performances. Michael Shannon, who has a role in this film, is good in almost everything he’s in, and this movie is no exception. The acting is easily the best part of this movie.
The film also looks great. The setting captures the time period well, and the few action sequences are executed effectively. The overall visual style of the film is appealing, and there is a lot to like.
However, there are a couple of things I didn’t like. The film dragged a bit in certain parts. It wasn’t anything too extreme, but I did find myself checking my phone a couple of times. Also, one character’s fate was pretty predictable. As events unfolded, it was obvious where it was headed, which was a bit disappointing. Finally, I don’t recall hearing how Benny became part of the club. Maybe I missed it, but I would have liked to have had that background.
Overall, I thought The BikeRiders was a good film. It was intriguing and different from what I expected, but that worked for me. I liked seeing the story through Kathy’s eyes and watching the evolution of the biker club. Because it’s different from the trailers, it might not be for everyone, but I think it’s worth watching.
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FAQs for The BikeRiders Movie Review
Who directed The Bike Riders?
The Bike Riders is directed by Jeff Nichols, known for his previous films like Shotgun Stories and Take Shelter.
When is The Bike Riders being released?
The Bike Riders is being released by Focus Features on June 21st, 2024.
Who are the main actors in The Bike Riders?
The main actors in The Bike Riders are Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer, and Austin Butler.
What is the plot of The Bike Riders?
The Bike Riders follows Kathy, who is drawn to Benny, a member of a Midwestern motorcycle club called The Vandals. The club evolves from a gathering of local outsiders into a dangerous underworld, forcing Benny to choose between Kathy and his loyalty to the club.
What genre does The Bike Riders belong to?
The Bike Riders is a drama that combines elements of action and documentary-style storytelling.
What are some of the standout performances in The Bike Riders?
Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer, and Austin Butler deliver standout performances. Hardy’s portrayal of Johnny, the club leader, is particularly notable for its depth and distinct voice. Comer provides a refreshing perspective as the film’s lead, and Butler excels in his role as a drifter-rebel.
What are the main themes explored in The Bike Riders?
The Bike Riders explores themes of loyalty, love, and the transformation of subcultures. It examines how a simple motorcycle club evolves into a dangerous underworld and the personal conflicts that arise from this transformation.
Why was the release of The Bike Riders delayed?
The release of The Bike Riders was delayed due to the writer and actor strike, pushing it from its original December release date to June 21st, 2024.
What inspired The Bike Riders?
The Bike Riders is loosely based on a photo book published in 1967 by Danny Lyon, chronicling the lives of motorcycle club members.
Where did The Bike Riders premiere?
The Bike Riders premiered at the 2023 Telluride Film Festival.
How does The Bike Riders compare to Jeff Nichols’ previous films?
Fans of Jeff Nichols’ earlier work, like Shotgun Stories and Take Shelter, may find The Bike Riders intriguing, though it presents a different narrative style with its documentary-like approach and focus on the evolution of a motorcycle club.
What should viewers do before reading the review?
Viewers who have not seen The Bike Riders should watch the movie first to avoid spoilers before reading the review.
Is the biker movie coming out in June 2024?
Yes, The Bike Riders is scheduled to be released by Focus Features on June 21st, 2024.
Are The Bike Riders out now?
As of now, The Bike Riders has not been released. It is set to premiere on June 21st, 2024. However, it did have its premiere at the 2023 Telluride Film Festival
Who stars in The Bike Riders movie?
The main cast of The Bike Riders includes Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer, and Austin Butler.
Is The Bike Riders based on a true story?
While The Bike Riders is not based on a specific true story, it is inspired by Danny Lyon’s 1967 photo book that documents the lives of real motorcycle club members during that era.
Who is in The Bikeriders?
The Bikeriders stars Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer, and Austin Butler.
Is The Bikeriders worth watching?
Reviews are mixed. Some find the film’s unexpected direction and strong performances enjoyable, while others criticize its pacing and lack of action.
Who is Johnny in The Bikeriders?
Played by Tom Hardy, Johnny is the founder of the motorcycle club, The Vandals.
Who is Benny in The Bikeriders?
Austin Butler portrays Benny, a new member of the club who becomes Kathy’s husband.
What happens to Benny in The Bikeriders?
In The Bike Riders, Benny, played by Austin Butler, joins The Vandals motorcycle club and marries Kathy. As the club transforms into a dangerous underworld, Benny faces increasing internal conflict. Eventually, he leaves both the club and Kathy due to the escalating violence and personal turmoil. After the club’s leader, Johnny, is killed, Benny returns to reconcile with Kathy. They move to Florida and start a new, peaceful life where Benny works as a mechanic.