Directed by Jeff Nichols, The Bikeriders is based on the photo book by Danny Lyon about a fictional motorcycle gang, the Vandals Motorcycle Club which is loosely based on the real-life Outlaws Motorcycle Club, better known today as the American Outlaws Association or simply as A.O.A.

The book was published in 1968 and it took a deep dive into motorcycle culture, the motives behind their actions and what the lifestyle means to them. The film stars Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Mike Faist, and more, and was originally released in 2023 in certain regions, but was delayed due to the SAG-AFTRA strike and is now finally showing in cinemas worldwide.

In 1965, after a chance encounter at a local bar, strong-willed Kathy Bauer meets and is inextricably drawn to Benny Cross, a hotheaded young member of the Chicago-based Vandals Motorcycle Club. Despite already having a boyfriend at the time, her relationship ends overnight and just five weeks later, she is married to Benny. Over time, Benny’s loyalty is tested, finding himself having to decide between Kathy and the Vandals, which is led by the enigmatic Johnny Davis.

As the club grows in numbers, things become even more complicated for everyone involved and affect the lives of everyone around them. During all this, photography student Danny Lyon travels with and interviews the Vandals, gathering information for his book, The Bikeriders.

The film’s focus is on the romance between Kathy and Benny, and the early days of the Vandals Motorcycle Club. Jodie Comer stars as Kathy, best described as a good girl attracted to the bad boy type, namely Benny portrayed by Austin Butler, who maintains his tough guy image and shows no emotion.

The two have fantastic chemistry on screen together, showing Kathy to be prim and proper but also a strong-willed housewife, while Benny is the dirty bad boy biker with a stern personality and emotionally closed off, but also shows how much he cares for those close to him. It’s the type of relationship that’s difficult to understand from an outside perspective, but this film goes into detail on what attracts Kathy to Benny, allowing audiences to see him through her eyes. Jodie puts in a fantastic performance, showing the challenges and dangers of being married to a biker.

Fresh off his performance as Elvis Presley in the 2022 biopic, Elvis, Austin Butler shows his diverse acting range, this time as a biker showing little to no emotion, even around his wife Kathy. No matter what threats come his way, Benny always maintains his tough guy image, even if it could cost him his life. He’s never one to back down from a fight, knowing the Vandals will always have his back and Kathy will always be loyal to him, although he eventually finds himself having to choose between the gang and his wife who can only take so much of this lifestyle. Austin Butler does an amazing job portraying the always tough, stern, and emotionless Benny Cross, but also shows a very human side to him as well.

Tom Hardy is natural in his role as Johnny Davis, the leader of the Vandals. He shows great leadership qualities not only being in charge of a feared motorcycle gang but also dealing with the challenges and complications that come with it. He shows that he and the gang are not to be messed with, always looking out for his fellow bikers and even their loved ones as well, feeling like one big family. When someone does mess with this family, you can guarantee there will be consequences. As time goes on and the number of members builds up, Johnny and even other members begin to contemplate a life beyond biking, but simply giving up the lifestyle isn’t that simple, as many still look up to him and remain fiercely loyal, for better and for worse.

Mike Faist portrays a young Danny Lyon, who wrote the book this movie is based on. Throughout the film, he is seen with an old recording device interviewing various members of the Vandals and even some of their family members, including Kathy as they talk about what this culture means to them and how it’s affected and changed their lives. This also provides an opportunity for various characters to go into more detail about their lives as bikers or being in a relationship with or married to bikers, especially Kathy who goes into more detail about what attracted her to Benny and why she stuck with him through thick and thin.

Other characters also talk about what their lives were like before biking, what jobs they do to help fund their lifestyle, their personal lives and more, even if some members lack some education. Danny Lyon as a character has more of a supporting role, but still shows his importance to the story, seeing how fascinated he is by everyone he interviews, all leading to his one of his best-selling books.

Various other stars also appear in supporting roles as other members of the Vandals including Michael Shannon as Zipco, Boyd Halbrook as Cal, Damon Herman as Bruce, Ben Knapp as Wahoo, Emory Cohen as Cockroach, Karl Glusman as Corky, and more who all get their moments throughout the film. The most notable of them is Norman Reedus as Funny Sonny, who feels like he’s just being himself, but in the best way as he just fits in perfectly in a biker-themed movie.

The cinematography does a fantastic job of creating that authentic look and feel of mid-60s Chicago, from the buildings and their interiors, old cars, the fashion, hairstyles, and of course, the motorcycles. Hearing the bike engines revving as they ride through the streets always creates excitement and anticipation for what happens next. The soundtrack features various famous songs from the 60s, perfectly fitting for a biker flick by Mickey Murray, The Animals, Johnny Adams, The Fleetwoods, and many more.

The film not only makes sure to highlight how feared and respected the Vandals were by the locals and even the police but also how influential they were to the youths who aspire to be like them and hope to one day join the gang. Australian star Toby Wallace plays a character simply referred to as The Kid, who witnesses the Vandals riding down a street he’s working at, then suddenly becomes rebellious by vandalising property and fighting back against anyone who crosses him. Without giving too much away, he does play an important role that could impact the future of the Vandals.

Those expecting to see a movie like the hit television series Sons of Anarchy won’t get much of that. The Bikeriders puts more focus on the people riding the bikes, giving audiences more insight into their personal lives and the impact they have on people around them. With the author of the book appearing as a character interviewing members of the biker gang, the film also feels like part of a documentary. There is of course some action and violence, but only when it’s necessary for important plot points. The best approach to watching this film is with an open mind and no expectations, as it won’t be what you’d expect but you’ll be pleasantly surprised with what it does give and how everything is executed.

The only downside to The Bikeriders would be that it didn’t get enough marketing and promotion that it deserved, and it hasn’t been doing as well as it should at the box office. It could be because it was already released almost a year ago and then delayed due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, forcing it to lose relevance. Whatever the reason, The Bikeriders is not a movie that should be overlooked. It is truly a unique film with some original ideas and solid casting, it brings you back to the 60s and gives you deep insight into biker culture. The Bikeriders is one hell of a ride not to be missed.

Written by: Sammy Hanson