The Bikeriders

Directed by Jeff Nichols, The Bikeriders follows the members of a 1960s motorcycle club, including Tom Hardy’s Johnny Davis and Austin Butler’s Benny Cross, as they encounter a series of complications and confrontations over the course of a few tumultuous years. It’s compelling subject matter that’s employed to watchable (albeit far-from-enthralling) effect by Nichols, as the filmmaker, armed with his own screenplay, delivers a slow-moving, unabashedly episodic narrative that doesn’t contain a whole lot in the way of forward momentum – with the viewer’s ongoing interest and attention sustained by the stellar performances and smattering of electrifying sequences. There’s little doubt, on the other hand, that Nichols does a superb job of establishing (and maintaining) an often hypnotically authentic (yet thoroughly cinematic) atmosphere, and it’s clear, certainly, that the picture does grow increasingly compelling as the characters become more and more sympathetic – which, when coupled with a satisfying closing stretch, ultimately does cement The Bikeriders‘ place as a stirring drama that’s perhaps not quite as consistently captivating as one might’ve hoped.

**1/2 out of ****