The Bikeriders: A Disappointing Ride

As I sat down to watch The Bikeriders, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. The film’s portrayal of a Chicago biker gang, The Vandals, from the mid-60’s to the early 70’s, felt inauthentic from the get-go. The casting of Austin Butler as a tough biker, for instance, was a misstep. He looks more like a clean-cut actor trying to prove his range than a genuine biker.

The Vandals, a Chicago biker gang, in their heyday

The film’s narrative is disjointed, with no clear through-line to speak of. We’re treated to stories of the gang’s toughness, but it all feels like a shallow attempt to portray bikers as stereotypical lowlifes. The acting is subpar, with even talented actors like Michael Shannon, Damon Herriman, and Boyd Holbrook struggling to make an impact under layers of bad makeup and unconvincing acting choices.

Jodie Comer as Kathy, the wife of a biker

Jodie Comer’s attempt at a Midwestern accent as Kathy, the wife of a biker, falls flat. It’s a shame, because I’m sure it took effort to master the accent, but it comes across as forced and unnatural. Tom Hardy’s Chicago accent as Johnny, the gang’s leader, is equally cringeworthy. It’s a shame, because he’s shown his range as an actor in the past.

Tom Hardy as Johnny, the leader of The Vandals

The film’s message, unintentionally or not, is that bikers are either lowlifes or wannabes trying to prove themselves. It’s a negative depiction of a lifestyle that deserves better representation. Real-life bikers should be unhappy with this film, not just because of its negative portrayal, but because the filmmakers are bad at their jobs.

Biker culture deserves better representation

The Bikeriders is a disappointing ride that fails to deliver on its promise of a gritty, authentic portrayal of biker culture. With subpar acting, a disjointed narrative, and a negative message, it’s a film that’s best avoided.