Film Review - The Bikeriders
Images courtesy of Universal Pictures.
The Bikeriders is a rich tale that oozes old-school Hollywood. It is the definition of what boomers believed to be the “good ol’ days” when they weren’t.
The film explores the history of a motorcycle club called The Vandals in 60’s Midwest America. Led by the tough but fair Johnny (Tom Hardy), the club evolves from a dysfunctional family of outsiders into a violent criminal gang as they’re affected by the changing times of the decade. In the middle of all this is Benny (Austin Butler), a member of the club who is caught between Johnny’s offer of freedom and the commitment to his wife, Kathy (Jodie Comer).
Writer/Director Jeff Nichols has made a film that acts like a time machine. The Bikeriders isn’t focused on a conventional story for most of its runtime. In other crime films like Goodfellas, The Outsiders and The Wild One, the audience is introduced to a different world that they immediately want to live in through the characters’ eyes and their relationships. It’s usually a world of danger and violence but dressed in style and nostalgia, which is what Nichols encapsulates perfectly with his script and style. The sound design and mixing is a special ingredient that Nichols uses to achieve that trick, as the eruption of motorcycle engines draws the audience into that time. However, like most crime films, the film suffers from that pacing issue of taking the majority of the runtime to set up a slew of characters and the rules of the gang, rather than building up a strong storyline.
Once settled in, it’s hard not to be charmed by the performances as every actor in this ensemble gets to deliver a monologue or even a devilish smile to the camera. Butler’s portrayal of Benny is reminiscent of early 90’s Johnny Depp. He exudes danger, yet somehow a sense of calmness with complex emotion hiding under his smouldering look. Comer’s attitude throughout the film is a fun challenge to the archetype of a concerned mob wife.. The Walking Dead’s Norman Reedus also makes an unrecognisable appearance that makes you wish he was in more movies. Meanwhile, it’s no surprise that Hardy steals every scene he’s in. As the film goes on, layers peel away to the point that Hardy transforms this tough biker gang leader into a tragic figure, fuelled by emotions.
The Bikeriders is a great nostalgia trip to an age of motorcycle riding that many have never experienced. But by its end, you’ll consider spending your EOFY money on a new bike—or at least a leather jacket.
The Bikeriders is screening in cinemas now. For tickets and more info, click here.