The Bikeriders: “Revved” Me Up!

I wasn't especially interested in seeing this film, but it was the best movie at the theatres that I hadn't yet seen.  It had mixed reviews, but an 81% critics and 74% audience rating on "Rotten Tomatoes."  Anyway, I'm glad I saw it because it's an interesting film, with an excellent screenplay and fine acting performances.  (Kudos to Writer/Director Jeff Nichols.)  The film is based on the photographic book of the same name by Dang Lyon, who became immersed in Mid-West Biker culture (in this case, Chicago,) from 1965-1973.  It illuminates a fascinating sub-culture of America that I was clueless about. Kathy Cross (Jodie Comer) is unhappily married.  A friend asks her to go to a bar where a motorcycle club, "The Vandals," hangs out.  It's not really her scene, but she decides to go anyway.  Kathy is very uncomfortable and is about to leave the bar when she spots Benny across the room.  She is very attracted to him (as he is to her).  The next day, Jodie's husband leaves her, scared off by Benny.  Immediately thereafter, Benny and Kathy start a relationship, and soon get married.  The story of the club and the members comprising it is narrated by Kathy, via intermittent interviews with Lyon (Mike Faist). Benny loves riding motorcycles.  At first, the club, founded by Johnny (Tom Hardy), is a place for passionate motorcycle riders to ride together, tinker with motorcycles, hang out, drink beer, and screw biker chicks.  They aren't college-educated and are unlikely to discuss the latest art exhibit at the local museum.  The bikers are impulsive and easily angered, but are basically good guys who "just wanna have fun" (to quote the great Cindy Lauper).  Over time, however, the club devolves into a much darker and violent entity.  Johnny sees the club veering off in this direction, but is powerless to stop it.  The film primarily is about how this transition occurs and the interesting member dynamics responsible for it. What also needs be highlighted is the excellent acting, especially by Comer, who I think deserves an AA nomination.  Tom Hardy, as usual, is also terrific.  Austin Butler does a fine job, but his part isn't especially demanding.  If it's possible to get an Uber motorcycle ride, I'd order one and see it at the theater before it's too late!  The film will probably be in my Top 20 for 2024.