The phrase “style over substance” is a common complaint regarding certain films. In these instances, some films can be so aesthetically pleasing that they lose sight of the story. Such films can craft well-drawn characters and a richly detailed sense of place. It can feel as if viewers are transported in time with the period’s sights, sounds, and smells. Director Jeff Nichols’s latest film, The Bikeriders, attempts that feat by tackling the world of 1960s motorcycle gangs.
L-R: Tom Hardy as Johnny and Austin Butler as Benny in director Jeff Nichols’ THE BIKERIDERS, a Focus Features release. Photo Credit: Kyle Kaplan/Focus Features. © 2024 Focus Features. All Rights Reserved.
The Bikeriders is a loose adaptation of the photobook of the same name by photographer Danny Lyon. The story in the film follows Kathy (Jodie Comer) recounting the story of the fictional motorcycle gang The Vandals to Danny (Mike Faist). This includes her romance with the mysterious Benny (Austin Butler) and the trials and tribulations that came with it, including Benny’s relationship with the gang’s leader, Johnny (Tom Hardy). This includes the arch of a bunch of guys who talked about and rode motorcycles to an underworld of crime, violence, and fear.
L-R: Actor Mike Faist and director Jeff Nichols on the set of THE BIKERIDERS, a Focus Features release. Photo Credit: Kyle Kaplan/Focus Features. © 2024 Focus Features. All Rights Reserved.
Many could complain about the story’s lack of narrative drive. While chronicling a “rise and fall,” the film takes time to unfold this world. It celebrates this ’60s era while simultaneously implying it was never meant to last. Telling this story involves a relatively leisurely pace that could test some viewers’ patience. That fault has to be given to the film’s marketing, which invoked a Scorsese-like film (The Irishman) in tone. In actuality, the story is more focused on characters dealing with these changing times. Thankfully, you have performances from scene one that convey this conceit.
Jodie Comer (Killing Eve; Free Guy) as Kathy is much more than just an audience conduit. Her Chicago accent hides a level of intelligence and cut-throat instinct that conveys the character’s detailed smarts as she has to showcase a sense of agency in a world of testosterone-driven, man-child-esque bikers. At the same time, Comer plays Kathy so that her relationship with Benny shows a layer of humanity, making her more than just a “tough girl.” It’s a beneficial element in contrast to the performances of Butler and Hardy.
L-R: Actor Jodie Comer, director Jeff Nichols and actor Austin Butler on the set of THE BIKERIDERS, a Focus Features release. Photo Credit: Kyle Kaplan/Focus Features. © 2024 Focus Features. All Rights Reserved.
Austin Butler (Dune: Part Two) understood that the film had to feel like a time capsule. He makes Benny feel like he belongs in that era while evoking a James Dean (Rebel Without a Cause) swagger. The results will keep viewers compelled and make them feel like Butler was ripped straight from that time. Tom Hardy (Inception; Venom) evokes a similar quality of “old-school” star charm playing Johnny as a Marlon Brando-type (On the Waterfront) character, making Hardy’s performance all of the more compelling, similar to Butler’s. Those two performances are not as showy as Comer’s but deliver the essence that director Jeff Nichols (Mud) sought to showcase.
Full disclosure: I saw The Bikeriders last year at the Savannah Film Festival in Savannah, Georgia. Jeff Nichols was in attendance and discussed his ambition of capturing an era of time. That first viewing had me appreciate his ambition more than outright love it. Having now seen the film in a 4K home video release, I am happy to report I have come full circle into loving the film. The crisp display does more than just evoke that period, offering much more of a sensory experience. That does not include the somewhat limited but primarily effective collection of bonus features.
L-R: Boyd Holbrook as Cal, Austin Butler as Benny and Tom Hardy as Johnny in director Jeff Nichols’ THE BIKERIDERS, a Focus Features release. Photo Credit: Mike Faist/Focus Features. © 2024 Focus Features, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
The home release offers three insightful bonus features for those eager to delve deeper into The Bikeriders world. Titled “Johnny, Benny & Kathy,” “The Era of The Bikeriders,” and “The Filmmaker’s Eye: Jeff Nichols,” each featurette provides a glimpse into the film’s creation and the director’s perspective. While these insights are informative, they are unfortunately brief at only 3-5 minutes in length. However, the home release also includes an in-depth feature commentary by Nichols, enriching the viewing experience. Viewers eager to glean more of Nichols’s thought process regarding the film will enjoy this commentary. Nichols is an apparent fan of this material, which translates into an insightful, educational, and entertaining watch for film fans.
L-R: Actor Jodie Comer, director Jeff Nichols and actor Austin Butler on the set of THE BIKERIDERS, a Focus Features release. Photo Credit: Kyle Kaplan/Focus Features. © 2024 Focus Features. All Rights Reserved.
Non-film purists can enjoy The Bikeriders on a purely visceral and story-based level. Those looking to dig deeper into The Bikeriders should look no further. This home release offers a visually transportive experience with performances that make you feel like you’ve traveled to that era. The delivered results make this more than worth your time to watch at home. Add in the brief (but mostly enjoyable) bonus features and there is lots to recommend.
The Bikeriders Special Features:
- Johnny, Benny, & Kathy
- The Era of The Bikeriders
- The Filmmaker’s Eye: Jeff Nichols
Available on Peacock and digital August 9th, 2024.
Available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD August 13th, 2024.
For more information, head to the official Focus Features The Bikeriders webpage.
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Categories: Films To Watch, Home Release, Home Video, Recommendation, Reviews, streaming
This is not the typical film I go to see. But I really enjoyed it. Jodie Comer’s performance was exquisite.