Plot: Over the course of a decade, a Midwestern motorcycle club evolves from a gathering place for local outsiders to a sinister gang, threatening the original group's way of life.

Film: The Bikeriders 

Director: Jeff Nichols

Writer: Jeff Nichols

The Bikeriders is based on the photography book of the same name, by Danny Lyon, which was originally published back in 1968. The book follows the story of an American motorcycle gang from Chicago over many years, and this cinematic masterpiece by Jeff Nichols brings these photos and transcribed interviews to life.

At the centre of our story is the leader of the gang, Johnny (Tom Hardy) and the enigmatic Benny (Austin Butler) and his wife, Kathy (Jodie Comer). Most of the narrative is driven by Comer’s character and she almost serves as the moral compass of the film, as the gang slowly descends into crime and violence. A far cry from what the club was supposed to be when it first started out.

At just under two hours, the film feels an ideal length. There are no filler scenes, or unnecessary moments, which for blockbusters nowadays is a breath of fresh air. The music reflects the time period perfectly, and the soundtrack is filled with as much grit and hardiness as the scenes themselves.

The standout performances come from our three leads: Tom Hardy, Austin Butler and Jodie Comer. The chemistry between Butler and his on-screen wife, Comer, is both believable and one to root for. But the relationship that shines the brightest is the one between Butler and motorcycle gang leader, Hardy. They are nothing short of exceptional together, and once again, Austin Butler showcases his versatility. From Elvis, to Feyd-Rautha, to Benny is no small feat.

One aspect that surprised me was the level of violence. Violence quickly becomes a theme that is very much a forefront of the movie. And the descent into crime is so subtle that you only realise the depth of the crimes occurring when you’re fully immersed in them. The audience, like the gang themselves, only realise when it's too late to turn back.

I only wish that the relationship between Kathy and Benny had been explored more intensively as there were times when it felt rushed and time periods glazed over, which was a shame because the scenes they do have together are utterly magnetising as a viewer. 

The cast is sensational, and a special mention to Norman Reedus who truly seemed as though he’d just turned up on set as himself and improv-ed his scenes. The Bikeriders is dark, gritty, raw and a reflection of a time I knew very little about, but am now wholeheartedly invested in.