The Bikeriders — REVIEW

On Thursday June 6, Elvis and Dune: Part Two star Austin Butler touched down in Australia for The Bikeriders premiere at the State Theatre for Sydney Film Festival (SFF). The 2023
film directed by Jeff Nichols is inspired by Danny Lyon’s 1960’s book that captures the rea life experiences of the Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club.

The Bikeriders begins with Kathy (Jodie Comer) meeting Benny (Austin Butler) in a biker bar where the two instantly hit it off. Benny is devoted to the motorcycle club The Vandals, founded by the group leader Johnny (Tom Hardy). Kathy expresses her distaste for the club; yet the visceral attraction between her and Benny sees them married within weeks. As the club continues to expand with Benny remaining loyal to Johnny, Kathy is constantly competing for her husband’s attention throughout the film.

Butler and Hardy share a strong on-screen bond that is representative of the time period’s biker gang subculture. The pair are linked through their love for riding and sense of community within the club. Butler does an admirable job of playing a charming, yet hot-headed and broken character, alongside Hardy’s violent portrayal of leadership.

Described as a “powerhouse” and a “brilliant” actress by Butler at the SFF premiere, it’s evident that the Killing Eve star Jodie Comer carries the movie. Viewers are drawn to Comer’s character right from the start with her witty remarks, stunning appearance, and her fun-loving and bubbly personality, despite the heartbreak she experiences at different moments in the film. One of the standout movie highlights is Comer’s brilliant Midwest Chicago accent, which demonstrates just how talented and versatile she is across her performances.

Kathy is the leading character in The Bikeriders, providing the audience with an insight into the life of Benny. Kathy attempts to make sense of Benny’s mind and struggles throughout the film, exploring the love she and Benny share together and the love he shares for his bike and the gang. She reflects on her past and present moments with Benny as she is interviewed by Mike Faist’s character Danny.

Faist, who recently starred in Challengers, plays the subtle yet important role of Danny Lyon as he interviews and documents each member of the gang. His interactions with the other characters in the film are often comedic and provide an adequate release between more serious scenes. He is always seen carrying around his camera and microphone, and is there by Kathy’s side to uncover her story and offer his support.

The film appropriately references Lyon’s book with its cinematography and composition that transports viewers right back to the 1960’s Midwest. Whilst The Bikeriders depicts brotherhood, conflicting emotions, and dangerous consequences in a picturesque way, the story itself and the film’s ending felt slightly incomplete. Fortunately, the 60s film aesthetics and the outstanding performances from the stellar ensemble cast make The Bikeriders a worthwhile watch.

★★★½ 

Although Austin Butler’s visit to Sydney was short lived and the SFF sessions are now sold out, audiences can see The Bikeriders in cinemas from July 4, 2024.