The Bikeriders

Review: In this recent film described as a period crime drama from Jeff Nichols, an ensemble led by Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, & Jodie Comer portrays a club of bikers and people adjacent to their lives. The growth we see this group go through is very well done and it’s interesting how the main arc isn’t for a character, but the club. I think the devotion that the individual members (mainly Butler’s Benny) to the Vandals and to Hardy’s Johnny is portrayed incredibly well. I enjoyed the way in watch the story was told from flashbacks, using Comer’s Kathy as a narrator of sorts when needed.

High: The cast all gave good performances, though the characters did feel a little caricature-esque. The big three of Butler, Hardy, & Comer all fit their roles very well and were supported by the likes of Mike Faist, Michael Shannon, Boyd Holbrook, & Norman Reedus. Speaking to the character’s accents, those were all well done, but I have two comments. I say this anytime I watch a movie with him in it, but I still don’t know what Tom Hardy’s actual voice sounds like and at this point I don’t want to. Secondly, Comer’s accent was annoying. It sounded authentic though so maybe midwestern accents are really my issue here. No offense midwesterners. Or take offense. I’ll leave that to you.

Low: Because the characters felt a little one-dimensional, it was very difficult to get invested in any one of them. I think one way this works in the film’s favor thought is that you’re most invested in the story and the Vandals as a whole.

Rating: 6/10