The Wasteland Reviewer

The Bikeriders (2024) Written Review

Are we finally ready for the release of The Bikeriders? The past four years have been tough for everyone, but the film industry has been turned upside down. This classic Hollywood type film has been bouncing all over the release calendar for a while now and most recently had been dropped by its distributor. You wonder if there are concerns about such an old school style film capturing the attention of audiences. Luckily, The Bikeriders was picked up and punted into June 2024. Now Jeff Nichols’ film is finally here!

 
 Is this film worth the wait? Nichols is a filmmaker who captures the great sense of gritty Americana in works like Mud and Take Shelter. He brings that same type of vibe to The Bikeriders which certainly fits the vibe of the film. This is an old school period tale of a young woman falling for the young and bold member of a motorcycle club back in the 60s and 70s. Nichols chooses to tell this story through a framed narrative of a journalist (Mike Faist) interviewing our protagonist, Kathy (Jodie Comer). This framing piece works well to add layers and personality to the story. This is needed as the main story is played out in quite a familiar and safe kind of way. There is a level of depth that is also missing as most of the story and themes are delivered on a clear surface level. Nichols is certainly channeling other iconic crime thrillers like Goodfellas. The Bikeriders borrow plenty but that does not stop it from being a thoroughly entertaining experience. 

What elements of Nichols do stand out? The technical aspects are there for sure. A few moments when there is some action feel a bit over edited but in general, this is an impeccably created film. The cinematography feels classic and makes the film feel like it could have been a film from the 60s. There is a grittiness to how the film is presented which makes all the sense in the world when you are watching a film about a tough as nails motorcycle club (or gang). The production design fits the period well, but the costuming and hairstyling knocks things out of the park. All those leather biker outfits deliver authenticity to a film that thrives on its period setting. Some of the period elements (like accents) feel a little far fetched but don’t take too much away from the film. 

How about that cast? Comer is the one of the cores of this film and she must anchor the whole storytelling. Nichols channels more Scorsese with all the voiceovers as well but Comer certainly has the charisma and charm to make it work. Her Midwestern accent is…something but becomes less distracting as the film goes on. But it is not just her line delivery that stands out. There is one scene that shows the depth of Comer’s performance as she must process a traumatic experience and her performance feels so real in that moment. Austin Butler is cool as cool as can be in the role of Benny. The way he moves. The cool timber of his voice. There is no questioning why Kathy falls for him. But it is his quieter staring moments as well as his emotional moments that make this a performance of depth and not just cool. Then of course you have Tom Hardy as the fearless leader of this crew, Johnny. This character is the most nuanced and interesting as he has honor but is still willing to go to some dark places. His relationship with Benny is also codependent and there is a vulnerability that Hardy shines through. Hardy’s accent choice is suspect as there are some lines that are totally indiscernible. But it is his presence and intensity that makes this performance so affecting and poignant. There is a laundry list of character actors who shine as well from Michael Shannon to Norman Reedus to Boyd Holbrook to Damon Herriman. 

Is Jeff Nichols’ latest slice of Americana worth enjoying? The Bikeriders is an old-school type of film that feels like it was made in a previous time in filmmaking, which gives it a bit of charm. The crime elements are rock solid and so are the relationships. The story elements and presentation certainly feel borrowed from better films, but it is the atmosphere that Nichols creates that makes this film so alluring. A stacked cast of talent doesn’t hurt either. This is a strong film that will take you for a good ride.