‘The Bikeriders’ Review: A Cool Throwback Crime Drama

The allure of motorcycle gangs—the rugged masculinity, the gleaming chrome, and the freedom of the open road—has always captivated filmmakers. Inspired by Danny Lyon’s book of the same name, Jeff Nichols brings Lyon’s late-60s biker gang adventure to the big screen, featuring standout performances from Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, and Tom Hardy.

The Bikeriders centers on Danny (Mike Faist) as he documents the fictional group called The Vandals, capturing their boozing, brawling, and rubber-burning exploits across Chicago. At its core, the film weaves a complex story involving Benny (Butler), the gang’s enigmatic heartthrob; his enduring wife and the story’s narrator, Kathy (Comer); and the motorcycle clubs stoic founder, Johnny (Hardy).

However, it’s Jodie Comer who steals the show as Kathy. Her exaggerated portrayal of Bauer’s Midwestern accent is strikingly convincing. Serving as the lynchpin of the film, Kathy shares her experiences with Danny spanning the mid-’60s to early ’70s. Her steadfast love for Benny frequently clashes with The Vandals’ priorities, which range from idleness to incredible violence.

The film starts with a burst of violence as Benny, alone in a bar, is targeted for wearing his motorcycle gang ‘colors’. Set in a time where standing down or making peace isn’t an option, Benny is left to fight outnumbered.

Nichols immerses us in this world as a keen observer, echoing Lyon’s approach to capturing the essence of the time, place, and lifestyle. The bikers often pose in photographic compositions that leverage Adam Stone’s stunning cinematography. Although the plot itself may be somewhat sparse, this film is a captivating work of artistry, rich with evocative imagery.

Rather than a fast-paced thrill, The Bikeriders delves into the gritty, raw mentality of a bygone era of motorheads.

When it comes to Hardy and Butler, the latter is proving himself as a rising star in the classic Hollywood mold. In The Bikeriders, witnessing Butler’s performance feels like observing traditional movie star charisma on overdrive. As for Hardy, almost channeling Marlon Brando, he really leans into his tough, silent type. He brings more than just an air of menace; there’s a sense of existential despair and weariness that runs beneath the surface.

Beneath the shaggy hair, fuzzy beards, and grease, there’s a strong supporting cast that includes Michael Shannon as Zipco, a skilled army reject, Norman Reedus as Funny Sonny, a Californian outsider who joins the group; and Toby Wallace as a hot headed, dangerous youngster who frequently challenges Johnny.

Rather than a fast-paced thrill, The Bikeriders delves into the gritty, raw mentality of a bygone era of motorheads, unfolding as a slow burn. While gorgeously shot, it’s Comer’s performance as Kathy that anchors the film, infusing it with depth and complexity woven through with humor, heartache, and raw empathy.

The Bikeriders is now playing in cinemas worldwide.

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