A return to form from writer/director Jeff Nichols, The Bikeriders is a great ride from beginning to end with three strong lead performances.
The Bikeriders Synopsis: In the mid to late 1960s, Kathy (Jodie Comer), a young woman, meets and falls for Benny (Austin Butler), a member of the motorcycle club The Vandals. As the two continue to fall for each other, the club begins to expand. But, as it turns from the 1960s to 1970s, Kathy is forced to fight for Benny’s time and soul against the club’s leader Johnny (Tom Hardy). All the while, Johnny and Benny must determine the fate of the club and their place in it.
Outsider Themes in The Bikeriders
Based on the photobook of the same name by Danny Lyon and originally set for release this past November, The Bikeriders marks the return of writer/director Jeff Nichols, following an eight-year gap. As a result, Nichols’ script explores themes of the outsider and their relationship with society. This is most evident with the three main leads. Specifically, Kathy, who is telling the story. Benny, the story’s main subject. And Johnny, the supposed main antagonist of the story. But yet, Nichols’ script layers these characters by making them three-dimensional characters. Which can also be somewhat applied to the rest of the Vandals as their personalities and chemistry with each other shine on through.
And it’s through that shine, we see Adam Stone’s cinematography. For their sixth collaboration, Stone uses 35mm lens giving the film a 1950s/1960s look. Stone also allows for the camera to breathe within the scene, thus becoming an observer. What’s more is that it allows the motorcycle scenes to contain a level of rawness. One that is continued by the sound design. Sound mixer Amanda Beggs takes the roar and hum of a motorcycle and permeates it on screen, giving it a tangible view. Which also echoes the build and model of the bikes.
Furthermore, when it comes to Chad Keith’s production design, the film firmly plants itself in the 60s/70s era, complete with leather jackets, slick jet black hair, and bushy beards. This also extends into the film’s soundtrack. Music supervisors Bruce Gilbert and Lauren Milkus carefully select a number of songs, such as Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker) by the Rolling Stones. Ones that are distinct enough and match the time period. But also, songs that don’t distract from what’s going on screen. Finally, editor Julie Monroe crafts a tight edit, with Monroe getting in a lot of detail and memorable moments. All within the span of an hour and fifty-five minute runtime.
Performances in The Bikeriders
Led by Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, and Tom Hardy, the three deliver strong performances. Comer as Kathy, displays a nice balance of audience surrogate and participant. Additionally, Comer and Butler’s chemistry is on point and represents the heart and backbone of the film. As Benny, Butler brings a stoic yet vulnerable sense of self. Which contrasts with Hardy’s Johnny. Yet, as Johnny, Hardy also displays a softer mentor-like side to Johnny, complementing one another. However, if there was a standout, it’s Michael Shannon, whose’s character Zipco represents the the film’s theme of the outsider and the relationship with the community. In particular, one scene during a campfire, fully displays Shannon’s chops despite having a limited amount of screen-time.
Final Thoughts
After nearly eight years, The Bikeriders is a return to form for writer/director Jeff Nichols and company. Exploring themes such as the outsider and community, Nichols layers the script with fully developed three-dimensional characters. This is supported by a great cast led by three strong leads in Comer, Butler, and Hardy. All of whom, brought a different level of pathos to their roles. Overall, The Bikeriders is a great ride from beginning to end from Nichols and company.
