One of the most anticipated films to be released this last quarter of 2023 is Jeff Nichols’ upcoming feature based on the photo book by Danny Lyons, The Bikeriders. Starring Tom Hardy, Austin Butler, Jodie Comer and Mike Faist; The Bikeriders was first released at the Telluride Film Festival. It’s currently showing at the London Film Festival from October 4th to October 15th. A typical cliché of found families in gangs, the piece explores how power corrupts, the dangerous mentality of “boys will be boys”, and the never-ending cycle of violence. The film’s whirlwind of a structure covers a lot of different themes. It oscillates between past, present, and three different interviews Danny conducted with one individual.
Kathy, played splendidly by Comer, is the girlfriend of Benny, played by Butler. Benny is one of the notorious gang members of the Chicago motorcycle club ‘The Vandals’. The interviews go over the early beginnings of ‘The Vandals’, the golden age of motorcycle riding, and the internal rifts that later led to the club’s destruction. Dramatic and full of action, the film marvels in dark humor and satire. There’s this specific line Kathy says: “It’d be funny if it wasn’t so tragic”. It’s a line that perfectly encapsulates the experience of watching The Bikeriders. The feature elicits laughs with characters all having their own little quirks that are funny in their own little ways. But it does lightly tread that line between humor and tragedy. This is further amplified by constant foreshadowing and clichés like “an eye for an eye” and girls thinking they can change the man they love.
Script-wise, some of the dialogue and choice of words feel very forced. It’s especially noticeable in Butler’s delivery. His character Benny is supposed to be this cool, dark and brooding figure – a man of few words. Benny is essentially the centerpiece of the film. But some of the lines he’s given don’t really sound well said out loud. Even more so because of Butler’s chosen cadence for Benny’s speech. He tries to be gruff and rough, but there’s something very noncommittal about his performance. It’s almost hard to take him seriously at times. Compared to the other main characters, Benny lacks a compelling story arc. He’s such a nothing character that his absence in the latter half of the film doesn’t feel like a loss.
Comer and Hardy are his saving grace. These two play off each other so well, and they carry any scenes they have with Butler. Hardy’s comedic timing is incredible; the way he switches from dry humor to utterly menacing at the drop of a hat is fascinating to watch. He’s honestly the most entertaining factor of the entire feature. His character Johnny embodies one of the main themes that The Bikeriders explores. It’s this idea of made-up rules by made-up families, the misplaced morality and messed-up sense of loyalty. There’s also a little bit of queer subtext in Johnny and Benny’s relationship that Hardy easily exudes. Faist is also a magnetic presence as Danny. But his very little screentime doesn’t afford him much chance to really shine through here. Especially not against names like Butler and Hardy.
An absolute highlight for The Bikeriders production-wise is the use of sound. The score is a mix of rough rock, heavy metal and orchestral music. There’s a lot of harmonies involved in the chosen songs. It’s this mixture that gives ‘The Vandals’ such a specific identity of being both worshipped and feared. Their violence inspires others, but it also breeds even more violence – a cycle that destroys its own creation. Each song is very lyrically in-tune with the events happening on-screen. Sound mixing is also an important factor in why, despite its shortcomings, The Bikeriders retains the viewers’ attention. It’s the creative use of diegetic sound and revving of the motorcycle engines timed with the rhythm of the background music. The motorcycle is the heartbeat of the film, and the heartbeat of the dynamic between Johnny, Benny and Kathy.
Overall, The Bikeriders is an inspired piece by Nichols. It explores a certain type of brotherhood based on the love for riding motorcycles. There’s a sense wanting to belong and be part of something, and an organized structure to the chaos that unfolds. Every club and gang has an origin story – a beginning, if you will. For ‘The Vandals’ and for the characters of Benny and Kathy, it starts with Johnny, and it ends with him as well.
That’s our thoughts on The Bikeriders by Jeff Nichols at the London Film Festival. Attending the film festival this year? Have any interest in the current line-up of amazing features showcased? Tell us all about your love for cinema on our Instagram or Twitter! Have a read at our previous article, Akina Kitazawa Talks New York, New York: A New Musical On Broadway.
