Jeff Nichols, a director celebrated for his compelling narratives and character-driven films over the last two decades, adds another intriguing piece to his filmography with The Bikeriders movie 2024. Having already been captivated by four of his six previous works, anticipation was high for this latest offering, inspired by Danny Lyon’s seminal 1967 photographic book, The Bikeriders. This new film plunges us into the gritty world of 1960s motorcycle clubs, offering a fictionalized portrayal of the Chicago Outlaws, reimagined as “The Vandals.” Led by the enigmatic Johnny, portrayed with cool intensity by Tom Hardy, and the volatile Benny, brought to life by a smoldering Austin Butler, The Vandals initially embody a spirit of rebellion and brotherhood.
Tom Hardy and Austin Butler in The Bikeriders movie as Johnny and Benny
The film opens by establishing the initial allure of the biker lifestyle. We see members of The Vandals riding their motorcycles on open roads, tinkering with engines, and reveling in a sense of freedom and nonconformity. This portrayal echoes the romanticized image of motorcycle clubs often seen in popular culture, reminiscent of Marlon Brando’s iconic portrayal of Johnny in The Wild One (1953), a clear inspiration for Hardy’s character. The early scenes emphasize the camaraderie and shared identity that draws individuals to such groups, promising a sense of belonging outside the mainstream.
The Vandals motorcycle club members in The Bikeriders movie showcasing their colors
Nichols masterfully employs a documentary-like structure to unfold this crime drama, framing the narrative through the lens of Danny, a photographer played by Mike Faist. Danny is conducting interviews with Kathy, portrayed with captivating nuance by Jodie Comer. Kathy serves as our narrator, an outsider who becomes intimately entangled with the Vandals through her marriage to Benny. The story unfolds in a non-linear fashion, immediately grabbing our attention with a brutal bar fight. Benny is cornered and forced to relinquish his “colors,” the club vest that symbolizes his identity and loyalty. As the fight spills outside, Nichols freezes the frame at a crucial moment, just before a shovel connects with Benny. This cliffhanger leaves the audience suspended, creating immediate tension and foreshadowing the violent trajectory of the narrative. The delayed reveal of Benny’s fate becomes a recurring motif, underscoring the unpredictable and often brutal consequences of this lifestyle.
The Bikeriders movie 2024 gradually reveals itself as a cautionary tale. It explores the dark undercurrents lurking beneath the surface of a seemingly carefree and rebellious subculture. What begins as an innocent pursuit of freedom and brotherhood slowly descends into violence and chaos. Despite this descent, Nichols expertly captures the magnetic appeal of the club and its band of outcasts. Just as Kathy is inexplicably drawn to Benny from their first encounter, the film itself holds a mesmerizing quality. Kathy’s internal conflict becomes a central emotional anchor. Married to Benny within weeks of meeting him, she is perpetually caught between fascination and repulsion, a compelling representation of the audience’s own conflicted engagement with the biker gang. The bikers’ actions often defy conventional logic, yet it’s impossible to look away, drawn in by the raw energy and unfolding drama.
Mike Faist and Jodie Comer in The Bikeriders movie as Danny and Kathy during an interview
The film subtly delves into the underlying motivations that drive individuals to join groups like The Vandals. The longing for belonging, particularly for those from fractured backgrounds, becomes a poignant theme. The character of “the kid,” played by Toby Wallace, exemplifies this. Initially idolizing the Vandals, his trajectory takes a darker turn, eventually becoming a catalyst for the club’s descent into violence. While not a traditional antagonist, the kid’s actions inadvertently contribute to Johnny’s loss of control over his creation. The transformation of the Vandals from a motorcycle club into a violent gang is depicted as a gradual and tragic erosion of Johnny’s initial vision. Benny’s refusal to assume leadership further accelerates this shift, leaving Johnny powerless to stem the tide. In a rare moment of vulnerability, Johnny confesses to Kathy, “You can give something all you have, and it will still do what it wants to do,” highlighting the uncontrollable nature of the forces he unwittingly unleashed.
Tom Hardy and Austin Butler portraying Johnny and Benny in The Bikeriders movie
While the first half of The Bikeriders movie 2024 is arguably more captivating in its initial exploration of the biker subculture, the stellar cast ensures sustained engagement throughout. Tom Hardy embodies Johnny with a quiet intensity, a welcome return to a leading role reminiscent of his commanding presence in Venom 2. The performances of Hardy and Butler are particularly noteworthy, with both actors seemingly channeling the spirits of Hollywood icons. Hardy evokes Marlon Brando’s brooding charisma, while Butler embodies the rebellious energy of James Dean. While these allusions are intentional and add a layer of cinematic history, at times they can be slightly distracting, pulling the viewer momentarily out of the film’s immediate reality.
Adding to the film’s rich tapestry of characters is Michael Shannon, a frequent collaborator with Nichols, who delivers a memorable performance as Zipco. His monologue about repeated rejections from military service during the Vietnam War era provides a glimpse into the societal context and the frustrations that might fuel the desire for alternative communities like the Vandals. However, it is Jodie Comer who truly shines as Kathy. Her transformative performance, complete with a convincing Chicago accent and expressive mannerisms, firmly establishes Kathy as the emotional core of the movie. Comer’s charisma and nuanced portrayal steal every scene, echoing her impactful presence in The Last Duel, another period piece grappling with themes of toxic masculinity. Her performance in The Bikeriders movie 2024 is deserving of significant recognition and hopefully will not be overlooked during the upcoming award season.
Jodie Comer as Kathy in The Bikeriders movie, the heart of the film
One minor critique is the desire for greater depth in character development, particularly for Johnny and Benny. While their bond is evident, and Johnny’s affection for Benny is palpable, the nuances of their relationship and individual motivations remain somewhat surface-level. Despite this, Nichols’ writing and directing effectively elicit empathy for these flawed characters. His restrained approach to the more violent aspects of the story is commendable. In the hands of a less nuanced director, The Bikeriders movie 2024 could have easily devolved into gratuitous machismo. Instead, Nichols maintains a balance, ensuring that the violence, while present and impactful, serves the narrative and thematic exploration rather than sensationalism.
Visually, The Bikeriders movie 2024 is a triumph. Nichols, in collaboration with cinematographer Adam Stone, who has worked on most of his films, creates an authentic biker aesthetic. Shot on 35mm anamorphic film, the film possesses a beautiful grainy texture that evokes the period setting. This visual choice lends a rugged, lived-in quality, paying homage to the bygone era and enhancing the film’s immersive atmosphere.
Experiencing The Bikeriders movie 2024 on the big screen proved to be a rewarding cinematic journey. For those unfamiliar with biker culture, the film offers a compelling glimpse into this subculture during a turbulent period in American history. While not a high-octane action thriller, it is a well-crafted and thoughtfully told story, making it a worthwhile cinematic experience.
