The Bikeriders
While I am decidedly not a motorcycle enthusiast, the captivating plot of Jeff Nichols’ The Bikeriders drew me in from the very beginning. This film is a gritty exploration of the Chicago Vandals motorcycle club set during the rebellious 1960s and early 1970s, delving into themes of companionship, trust, and intricacies of biker subculture’s complex relationships.
As director Jeff Nichols explained before the screening, this story is based on the work of Danny Lyon, a photojournalist at the time, who plays a crucial role in the film’s storytelling. He doesn’t serve as a narrator, but his interviews control the flow of the story.
The Chicago Vandals may appear to be a typical motorcycle club, but they’re more than tough guys in leather jackets; they’re a close-knit group, even a family. As viewers, much like the photographer portrayed by Mike Faist, we are gradually initiated into the club.
The journey begins with Jodie Comer’s character, Kathy, recalling her first encounter with Benny, one of the bikers, portrayed by Austin Butler. Their meeting takes place in a local bar, the Vandals’ residence, where Benny’s silent intensity immediately captures her attention, but the atmosphere is intimidating for her, and she leaves the place in distress, with her white pants covered in handprints. Soon after, Benny follows, and they spend the night riding around on his bike.
He’s not a character of many words, and we barely hear his voice at first. Benny possesses a silent intensity, that speaks volumes without him dropping a single sentence. He even manages to divorce a married couple by merely sitting in front of their house for an entire day. Don’t get me wrong, Austin Butler is a talented actor, but there’s something about him, perhaps his whole Elvis saga, that makes me laugh, even when I see his face in a serious setting. However, he really manages to portray the mystery of Benny’s character and how unpredictable he is. Troublesome might be an understatement when describing his character. Yet, beneath his rugged exterior lies a sense of vulnerability and inner turmoil that adds depth to his character.
Along with Benny in the first scene at the bar, we’re introduced to other members of the Chicago Vandals, including the man himself, the leader of their pack, Johny, played by Tom Hardy. Don’t be fooled by his strong manly appearance – his voice will surprise you. Similar to Benny, this character looks tough, but is soft and vulnerable on the inside. The club is his family, and he will die to protect it. The bond between him and Benny is much stronger than family, eventually forcing Benny to make a choice between the two.
Kathy, as Benny’s partner, navigates the chaotic waters of life as the love interest of a biker. Through her stories, we gain deeper insight into this wild world of The Bikeriders. Comer’s performance was nothing short of outstanding, I wouldn’t be surprised if it earns her a nomination or two.
Jeff Nichols captures the essence of the biker family and their unbreakable bonds. After leaving the theatre, I felt I was lacking that kind of feeling. We, as the audience, become emotionally invested in their world, immersing ourselves in the dynamics of their relationships, and that connection is the true strength of The Bikeriders.
