The Bikeriders (2024) - film review

Jeff Nichols' latest feature took as many twists and turns since its 2023 Telluride premiere till its recent release akin to those a roaring motorcycle would have taken. Thanks to Focus Features (and Universal), the film finally meets global audiences after some ten months approx.

Still of Austin Butler ("Benny") in The Bikeriders
(Credits: Universal Pictures and Focus Features)

Nichols owed it to Danny Lyon's book of the same title (and in it, Lyon's interviewed accounts) of the American Midwestern motorcycle community in the mid-1960's through to the early 1970's for his inspired screenplay, which to me is mediocre at best.

A community and their history much relegated to the margins of mainstream attention and discussion, it was interesting to learn a thing or two about this somewhat forgotten part of American culture and history through this film. A fine ensemble of performers salvaged this lackluster inspiration/adaptation.

Still of Jodie Comer ("Kathy") in The Bikeriders
(Credits: Universal Pictures and Focus Features)

Jodie Comer commanded the screen as much as, if not more so, Austin Butler did. With the marketing from the film poster to the trailer and everything in between, an impression was planted into prospective audiences that Austin Butler is the face of the film, but turns out Jodie Comer nails in her top billing with a powerful performance.

Talk about a show-stealer, Tom Hardy's Johnny started out as an ageing bike club chief who was losing his influence bit by bit, but as the turn of events put him on the spot time and again, the anguish, fury and self-doubting showcased Hardy's acting chops handsomely.

Still of Tom Hardy ("Johnny") in The Bikeriders
(Credits: Universal Pictures and Focus Features)

With the choice of Nichols' narrative style in this film, having seen the end result, I cannot help but ponder and wonder if he should have opted to make this as a documentary with scenes of dramatized re-enactments instead. His writing was, respectfully, all over the place with no clear focus of one or two main messages or directions. That said, apart from the great performances, composer David Wingo's work was another saving grace - the music in the film left me wanting a little more.

Based on some reports, Nichols was so impressed by Lyon's book and its content that this film became a passion project. While the film did not turn out an abysmal failure, it is nonetheless somewhat disappointing the final product did not live up to audiences' expectations.

The Bikeriders earns 3 stars on my Letterboxd. Check out my YouTube video review here.