The Bikeriders
In cinemas now
Those familiar with writer-director Jeff Nichols’ filmography will know that he is a creative that is unafraid to discard convention when telling a story. As a result, those expecting The Bikeriders to be the tale of warring motorcycle clubs that its promotional material suggests it to be might find themselves underwhelmed or perhaps even frustrated by its actual end product.
Like much of his prior work, Nichols’ latest is an unhurried analysis of a slice of American subculture, in this case the sort of aforementioned clubs that are synonymous with Brylcreem, grease, leather, and the open road. Inspired by Danny Lyon’s photo-book of the same name, the film is centred on three protagonists played by Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, and Tom Hardy, and explores the unconventional appeal of living life as a rule-abiding outlaw.
To embellish on that juxtaposition further, the oddity of The Bikeriders’ characters is that they are uber-masculine and unafraid to break the law, yet steadfastly adhere to the rules of their club. Indeed, much of the film’s tension comes from the growing popularity of their lifestyle and the subsequent attempts by unrulier aspirants to infiltrate it and turn it into something that is altogether more dangerous. In that sense, it is an effective analysis of the male condition that is perhaps best viewed through Butler’s character, a rebel who, much to the frustration of his partner, is apparently devoid of emotion, until the film’s shocking finale finally elicits it from him.
Although the stellar work of cinematographer Adam Stone and costume designer Erin Benach make it almost impossible to look away from Butler and Hardy, Comer is very much the MVP of this picture. Her performance, characterised by an accent that is not entirely dissimilar to that of Frenchy from Grease, is effervescent and provides unofficial narration which goes a long way to getting under the skin of the film’s topic. As was the case in Ridley Scott’s underrated The Last Duel, Comer more than holds her own against her heavyweight castmates and once again underlines her credentials as one of the most formidable actors working today.
With a formidable supporting cast (which includes frequent Nichols collaborator Michael Shannon) and a killer soundtrack to boot, it’d be hard to argue against The Bikeriders being the coolest picture of the year, although the substance beneath its slick facade is what really makes it worthwhile.
