The Bikeriders
By Tara McNamara,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Biker-gang drama glorifies lawlessness, violence, smoking.
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The Bikeriders
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What's the Story?
In THE BIKERIDERS, Kathy (Jodie Comer) falls in love with Benny (Austin Butler), the wildest member of the Vandals Motorcycle Club. As the Vandals' organization expands into local chapters across the United States, the group becomes more destructive and dangerous, and Kathy demands that Benny choose between her and the club. The movie's narrative structure comes through an interview with Kathy, who reflects on how the club grew from a social group of motorcycle misfits into a dangerous gang.
Is It Any Good?
This drama is engrossing and, as a historical record of sorts, offers insight into how denim-vested outlaw motorcycle clubs came to power in the 1960s. Butler's strong star performance plays into old-school (and outdated) notions of "bad boy" masculinity. Looking like a cross between James Dean and Brad Pitt, Benny is definitely cool. Too cool. Dangerously cool. The violence in The Bikeriders is shocking—but even more eye-opening is the nonchalance with which the members give and receive it. Here, men work out their issues by punching and kicking one another; afterward, they go get a beer. You may find yourself wondering whether perhaps men need to express their emotions through pummeling each other (the answer is an emphatic "no").
Using a reporter to interview the subjects is distracting. The flashbacks hum, but there's too much of Kathy looking into a camera and talking (for some reason, with a Minnesota accent, even though she's a Chicagoan). The choice to tell this hypermasculine story through the perspective of one of the club wives would have paid off more had it offered more insight into the members' motivations for leading a life of menace—but Kathy never figures it out, and, therefore, neither do we. As a result, the movie, while well made and engrossing, is as emotionally muted as its male characters.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why lawlessness can seem appealing. How does The Bikeriders demonstrate the need to be held accountable for actions that are harmful to others and to society?
What historical and sociological merit does the film have? What's problematic about the real-life group that inspired the film?
Why do you think the story is told from the point of view of Benny's wife, Kathy? What does her perspective offer?
Do you think all people need to feel like they belong? What are ways to find and connect with people who share your interests? How does this film show what happens when people are alienated and feel rejected?
In the 1930s, movies made about gangsters usually ended with their violent death—but the mob said those movies actually helped them recruit new members. What does that suggest about how we interpret entertainment?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 21, 2024
- On DVD or streaming: July 9, 2024
- Cast: Jodie Comer , Austin Butler , Tom Hardy
- Director: Jeff Nichols
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Focus Features
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 116 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language throughout, violence, some drug use and brief sexuality
- Last updated: July 10, 2024
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