Writer / director Jeff Nichols’ sixth feature film, The Bikeriders, is inspired by Danny Lyon’s 1968 photojournalism book “The Bikeriders,” and was the Closing Night film of the 2023 Austin Film Festival. It was scheduled to be released last December but the opening was moved to this month. It has been a long-awaited film for many. The photos Lyon’s took were documenting the Chicago based motorcycle club in the 60s and for the film, the fictional name of the biker’s club is the Vandals. Aside from Lyon’s photos, he (played by Mike Faist, Challengers) recorded his interviews of Kathy (Jodie Comer, Free Guy, “Killing Eve” TV series). She initially goes to meet her friend for a soda and although nervous at first with the men’s behavior, she locks eyes with the handsome and appealing Benny (Austin Butler). The “love at first sight” ends up in togetherness as a couple from that day, plus her joining as a club member.
Johnny (Tom Hardy) is the leader of this motorcycle group. Truckdriver by trade, he is married with two children who are not often seen. He is living out his dream with this club after seeing Marlon Brando in “The Wild One” on late night TV, even sounding as Brando did. Johnny watches Kathy and Benny click that first evening and is happy for Benny but is not about to let go of one of his best and closest members. As the narrative continues, we then see Johnny and Kathy have the push and pull to keep Benny by their side as things begin to change over the years for the club, specifically violence. Much of the change is noted to be when certain members are added to the club, those younger as well as those returning from Vietnam with issues related to harder drugs and PTSD that was probably untreated at that point. They would shoot pool, drink, heavy on the machismo ready to carry out punishment.
Aside from Comer, Butler and Hardy, there are various club members who stand out, including Norman Reedus (“The Walking Dead” TV series) as Funny Sonny, Michael Shannon (The Shape of Water, Loving) plays a real person/member known as Zipco (excellent as this character). Damon Herriman (“Justified” TV series, Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood) is Brucie, a close and loyal friend of Johnny’s. One that stands out to me also is Toby Wallace (Finestkind, Babyteeth, winning several acting awards) as The Kid and look forward to seeing more of his performances. There are many more characters to mention, but to say too much will spoil their stories.
Nichols’ cinematographer Adam Stone (Take Shelter, Midnight Special) has excellent scenes of the riders on the streets and at the various gatherings, especially the “family picnics” that were questionable as to how much of the shenanigans were really family friendly.
Music by David Wingo (music, Take Shelter, Mud) also excels with song selections, including “Talkin ‘Bout You,” “Out in the Streets,” “My Babe,” and many more. The Costume Design by Erin Benach also places the audience right in the era covered by Lyon’s book, along with the music.
MPA rating: R (for language throughout, violence, some drug use and brief sexuality)
Running time: 1:56 The Bikeriders will be released in theaters on June 21.
Source: Focus Features
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