Jeff Nichols delivers the ride of the summer with movie star magnetism led by Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, and Tom Hardy in an Americana classic exploring masculinity, violence, and friendship through the lens of change by a new generation.

The Bikeriders is captivating from the start with the movie star entrance you can only get with someone like Academy Award Nominee Austin Butler in the frame. Writer/director Jeff Nichols and cinematographer Adam Stone frame Butler with the admiration audiences across the world have for Butler as an iconic opening shot that immediately hooks viewers in to follow the story of the Vandals. Based on a photography book, from Danny Lyon, The Bikeriders is stunning within every frame as the film explores (and makes fun of at times) the masculinity and relationships within a motorcycle club set in Chicago in the 60’s. 

The film alternates between flashbacks and present day conducted through interviews. Mike Faist plays Lyon as he conducts interviews of the Vandals and their family as he’s putting together a book. Jodie Comer is the audience insert and voice of some sort of reason as she not only provides voiceover as Kathy, the wife of Benny (Butler) but a unique perspective on the Vandals. Kathy is only half the story here as Johnny (Tom Hardy) is the leader of the Vandals. Both Kathy and Johnny are vying for different halves and paths for Benny; Kathy wants a traditional relationship, a safe life for her family with Benny while Johnny sees him as a protégé who takeover in his place could one day. 

The Bikeriders is fascinating as it never truly leans into the bikes that provide meaning to the Vandals, it focuses solely on their relationships and the community they build with one another. This allows for Kathy’s viewpoint to feel so important as she’s part of that community but because she’s not actually a Vandal herself she’s always on the outside looking in. Nichols and Stone have a beautiful history of exploring the Midwest and The Bikeriders is a stunning journey throughout the typically overlooked part of the United States. It’s easy to see imagery was uplifted from a photography book because every frame is a work of art (even without Butler or Hardy in it). 

The narrative of the film is a bit weak, but the visuals and performances truly keep it enjoyable. As Kathy and Benny’s relationship grows from a meeting to full on commitment, the rest of the story is propelled by the expansion of the Vandals. From new members to new clubs in other cities, The Bikeriders explores various challenges brought on from new generations. The idea of these macho bikers is often poked fun at through Kathy’s perspective as she sees how idiotic they can be just through their brutish behavior fueled by ego and masculinity that leads to mistakes and violence. Some of the men are truly harmless and just looking for a sense of brotherhood but some are deeply damaged and looking for a place to take out their violent urges. 

Butler has never looked better, truly possible if this is the best a modern male movie star has ever looked in a film. Following a star making performance in Elvis and a demented performance in Dune: Part Two, Butler continues to prove he’s one of the best actors of his generation. Hardy delivers yet another iconic accent but is truly great as he balances the internal trauma Johnny is weighing and the persona he feels he most put forward as the leader. The heart and start of the film is Comer. Her accent, demeanor, and body language not only tell the story of Kathy but allow the audience to feel as connected to the Vandals as Kathy must have. A perfect ensemble rounds out not just the Vandals but the world around them. Michael Shannon is a crucial part of Nichols getting The Bikeriders made so every moment he’s on screen is perfect to watch. Using Faist as Lyon allows to build a clever device to bring life and backstory to each biker including, Emory Cohen’s Cockroach, Beau Knapp’s Wahoo, Damon Herriman’s Brucie, Norman Reedus’s Funny Sonny, Boyd Holbrook’s Cal, and Karl Glusman’s Corky. The men are, for the most part, yearning for a meaningful connection and wanting to establish a legacy through the Vandals. The men truly long for a place in society and haven’t been able to find it until they join the motorcycle club. The Bikeriders is most interesting when exploring these themes as it uses the backdrop of macho motorcycles, leather jackets, and loud bars to get to the emotional core behind these struggling men. 

Nichols delivers the ride of the summer with movie star magnetism led by Butler, Comer, and Hardy in an Americana classic exploring masculinity, violence, and friendship through the lens of change by a new generation.

Grade: B+

Oscars Prospects:
Likely: None
Should be Considered: Best Cinematography

Release Date: June 21, 2024
Where to Watch: In Theaters