The Bikeriders (2023)
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A sprawling drama explores the internal dynamics and eventual dissolution of a fictional motorcycle club in the late 1960s.
The story
In 1965, Kathy Bauer marries Benny Cross, a member of the Chicago-based Vandals Motorcycle Club. As the club expands across the Midwest under the leadership of its founder, Johnny Davis, the group's identity is forged in the shadow of 1960s counterculture. While photography student Danny Lyon documents the club's journey, the internal tensions of the members begin to surface. The narrative follows the evolution of the Vandals as they navigate the complexities of brotherhood, the influence of pop culture, and the growing pressures of the era, all while the members grapple with their roles within the organization.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
The film follows the Vandals Motorcycle Club from 1965 to 1973. In 1969, a violent altercation leaves Benny Cross injured, and the club's leader, Johnny Davis, asserts his authority. By 1971, a newcomer known as 'the Kid' attempts to join, leading to a violent confrontation. In 1973, the club faces internal decay as drug-addicted Vietnam War veterans join the ranks, leading to increased violence. After a series of escalating conflicts, including a staged break-in to help a member leave and a near-fatal assault on Kathy, the club's stability collapses. Following a fatal confrontation between Johnny and the Kid, the Vandals transform into a criminal gang involved in drug trafficking and murder. The original members either leave, find legitimate work, or perish. The story concludes in the late 1970s with Benny and Kathy finding peace in Florida, where Benny has abandoned the motorcycle lifestyle.
- Runtime (minutes)
- 116
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Jeff Nichols
- Writers
- Jeff Nichols · writer
- Cast and characters
- Jodie Comer; Austin Butler; Tom Hardy; Mike Faist · Danny Lyon
- Genres
- crime drama; gang; Western
- Themes
- brotherhood; the cost of loyalty; the erosion of ideals
- Tone and mood
- gritty; dramatic
- Setting
- Chicago and the Midwest, 1965–1973
- Premise and plot tags
- motorcycle club; 1960s; based on non-fiction
- Source material / true-story basis
- Danny Lyon's photo book of the same name
- Reception
- The film received a positive reception and grossed $36.3 million worldwide.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 70 · scale: 100 · review count: 53; CinemaScore · score: B · scale: A+ to F; PostTrak · score: 73%
- Production trivia
- The film's title is based on a photo book discovered by Jeff Nichols in 2003.; Several actors had to learn how to ride a motorcycle for the production.; The production was delayed due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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