Have you ever wished you could see a movie that truly gets the “bros before everything” vibe? Well, look no further than “The Bikeriders!” Before we begin, this review contains spoilers, so spoiler alert!
I have always heard about people wanting to be represented on the big screen. For them to see someone like them on the big screen and The Bikeriders is where I truly felt the aura of it during the screening.
The movie kicks off by throwing you right into the heart of the action. We meet Austin Butler, looking all cool and mysterious, but things get flipped on their head when he gets tossed out of a bar for wearing his “colors” (the biker gang jacket). Talk about a reality check! This scene sets the perfect tone for the whole movie.
The movie is narrated by the amazing Jodie Comer as Kathy Bauer, who gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the club as she narrates the entire story to Danny. So, The Bikeriders tells a fictional story inspired by Danny Lyon’s 1967 photo book of the same name, which depicts the lives of the Outlaws MC, a motorcycle club founded in McCook, Illinois.
For over a decade, the story follows the Vandals MC, a Chicago biker club. It’s like watching a family – albeit slightly dysfunctional- full of tattooed dudes with motorcycles – grow and change. We see them transform from a bunch of local outcasts into a full-blown gang, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. There’s conflict, sure, but there’s also some seriously laugh-out-loud moments and some truly badass biker scenes. Remember those memes of dudes throwing down one minute and then cracking beers like nothing ever happened? That’s basically The Bikeriders in a nutshell.
Kathy’s husband, Benny (played by Austin Butler), is as charming as they come. He’s muscular, obsessed with bikes, and a hothead at times. He likes living by his own rules and doesn’t want to be bothered, which sometimes makes me question why Benny is considered the film’s main character.
You get the feeling this is really Johnny’s (Tom Hardy) story. Johnny’s the one who founded the whole thing, and he’s grooming Benny to take over. Benny leaves. Disappears. As he always said he would. But things get messy when some rebellious youngsters join the club and take it in a new direction. It’s the end of an era for sure, but man, is it ever a dramatic and action-packed one! They made “Men Don’t Cry” into an entire earned arc.
There’s a concept of taking care of things that appears towards the end. That was a smart way of dealing with things. Johnny is a very well-written character indeed. This movie doesn’t skimp on the thrills. There are fistfights and enough rumbling Harleys to make your heart race, yet the film manages to keep you calm throughout.
Julie Monroe’s editing of this film is crazy good! We start off with the Austin Butler introduction, which continues in Kathy’s story over time. We go back and forth with the incidents and circle back to Benny’s foot and how Johnny really “dealed” with the entire mess. No one touches, bro! Tell ’em, Johnny! Half the awesomeness of this film comes from the crazy editing alone, keeping the story and conversation active throughout the film.
Jeff Nichols does an amazing job of writing and directing this film and presenting it in a narrative way that kept me hooked throughout the film.
Tom Hardy, you’re a beast! Every scene you were in was powerful. What an amazing character arc and performance. I could watch The Bikeriders multiple times for Hardy alone!
Jodie Comer is beautiful, charming, and seems innocent, yet someone who knows what she’s getting into and still goes for it. I loved her character, Kathy, and how she portrayed it!
The women here were objectified, as shown from the perspective of the 1960s, but it still didn’t feel insulting to their honor as a representation, which is what I loved the most about it. Cheapness without feeling degrading is truly an achievement.
The cinematography, Costume Design, and Sound Design are amazingly good and complement the film. The film is made like a documentary, and it feels like one, but thanks to the narrative editing, it doesn’t feel like one simultaneously. That is a great creative choice. Also, maybe it’s just me, but Butler’s head looks huge due to the camera placements at times.
Speaking of costume design, I’ve never wanted to own a Levi’s more than now after watching this film! The designs are sexy! All the different breeds of Bikers to all the ladies, this movie had brilliant costume design, and the look is even more complemented by the make-up and hair styling department. The small details really do add up to a perfect experience and a 60s atmosphere setting.
The Bikeriders is more than just a popcorn flick. It’s a character-driven story that explores themes of loyalty, leadership, and the bonds of brotherhood. It even throws in a little history lesson on the real Bro Code – these guys know how to stick together, even when things get tough.
The only thing that kept this movie from being a perfect 5 out of 5 for me was that Austin Butler, while fantastic, didn’t quite get the central role I was expecting. This felt more like Jonny’s story than Benny’s. But hey, that shouldn’t stop you from watching!
Speaking of watching, my theater was packed with people who seemed to have come straight out of a time machine set for the 80s. They loved every minute of it – finally, a movie that captures their love for classic Harleys and the biker era! I loved how they flaunted their gear. Men and their toys, smh!
If you’re looking for a movie that will grab you by the feels, take you on a wild ride, and leave you satisfied and yet, wanting more, The Bikeriders is your thing. It’s got action, humor, heart, and a killer sound design.
For all its worth, this movie received an amazing four out of five stars and is a must-see on the big screen—or maybe a drive-in screening!
