Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter, Mud) brings a vivid authenticity to his freewheeling account of the late ‘60s, early ‘70s glory days of “The Vandals”, a midwestern biker gang; taking inspiration from Danny Lyon’s 1967 photography book of the same name, The Bikeriders immerses viewers in the look, feel, and sounds of the bare-knuckled, subtly codified subculture, creating an intoxicating experience that positively roars off the screen. Kathy (Jodie Comer), who is married to brooding outlaw Benny (Austin Butler), recounts the genesis and evolution of The Vandals, which began as a club of outsiders united by respect for strong-willed leader of the pack, Johnny (Tom Hardy); over the years, Kathy tries to navigate her husband’s wayward nature and his allegiance to Johnny, finding herself embroiled in a love triangle of sorts.

Notes by David O’Mahony