Based on true events and a photobook taken as a part of an interviewer by a photographer between 1965 and 1973, The Bikeriders follows the story of the inauguration of a bikers club in the Midwest only to be headed south by the early 70s. The story here should essentially be looked at from the gaze of a gangster drama with the elements of bikes only used as a catalyst in the story. It is almost like ‘Goodfellas On Wheels’ as correctly mentioned by a viewer on letterboxd. And this slow-burn drama is supremely effective in acquainting the viewers with the world that might seem to be exuding of coolness and bits of non-chalant attitude of the characters. But the deeper you venture into the drama, the more you realise that the glossy exterior is just a farce given the danger that lurks in the corner. The screenplay standing at a shade under 2 hours is immersive and compelling right throughout the narrative, almost being a roller coaster of emotions with a hint of nostalgia(for many bikers, I am sure). Yet, the gangster twist to the drama adds a different dimension to the proceedings, even as it indulges the viewers to stay committed to the world.

The drama unfolds through the whereabouts of a character who narrates the different episodes in her life with respect to the rise and fall of the Vandals club which started off as a community for the love of bikes, before slowly encroaching the line which was the other side of the law. It is clear that starting a club might be easy, given that you often have people that you know who would participate in it. But to sustain it is the most difficult, even as you begin losing out on the original core culture of the club. And this is something that was highlighted through a series of events unfolding in the drama, even as you are acquainted with the raw world of the bikers along with the edgy characters that very much seem to be a part of the world coupled with toxicity as an inherited virtue.

The proceedings are engaging and interesting even as you find yourself to be drawn to the characters that are well written. For instance, the conflict that arises for the character of Benny is to choose the love of his life – biking or the girl that he loves. On the other hand, you have Johnny, the brain behind the inauguration of the club who slowly begins to lose control with the onset of druggies and criminals who make their way into the bikers’ club. These are genuine conflicts introduced in the film, something as simplistic as a brawl that eventually has a larger implication on the group. This, even as the members of the group slowly begin to part ways, some with respect to death, and some simply moving on in life.

The subtle streak of friendship is also nicely explored in the drama, even as it leads to certain disagreements between the two characters who are on different journeys of life. My little criticism about the writing can stem from the fact that the stakes in the drama were not raised as high as they ought to have been, to evoke a sense of bittersweet feeling for the viewers. This was obviously not true for the shocking final act that broke the shackles of predictability but I did wish that the downward spiral of the group as a whole was a little more pronounced to fully engage with the characters. Nevertheless, the screenplay is well written and definitely manages to impress.