The Bikeriders

Highlighted by evocative throwback visuals, The Bikeriders immerses us in its setting and culture — right down to the outfits, the accents, and most of all, those sweet vintage motorcycles.

Emphasizing atmosphere over plot, this meandering yet compelling drama about a 1960s biker gang from director Jeff Nichols (Loving) isn’t merely an updated Easy Rider, but examines rampant violence and anarchic rebellion through a bittersweet lens of wistful nostalgia.

It’s inspired by a photo book chronicling the adventures of a true-life club that Nichols employs as a framing device, depicting a fictional interview between author Danny (Mike Faist) and Kathy (Jodie Comer) about the latter’s experiences with the Chicago-based Vandals.

She recalls an atmosphere overflowing with brooding, macho posturing, and revved-up masculinity, where bikes hog the spotlight, and loyalty and camaraderie are valued at all costs. “The whole point of these gangs is that they can’t follow rules,” she explains.

Kathy doesn’t seem to fit, yet she’s drawn to soft-spoken Vandals member Benny (Austin Butler), one of the top lieutenants to ruthless and territorial gang leader Johnny (Tom Hardy).

As their romance develops, she finds the tenderness and sensitivity beneath his tough-guy bravado, trying to remain devoted while simultaneously being outspoken and assertive.

Carrying a palpable sense of unease and distrust, she gains influence along the way, even as you sense tragedy is inevitable. Eventually, with danger constantly lurking and Johnny becoming more erratic, Kathy presses Benny to make a difficult choice.

Comer (The Last Duel) provides our window into this world, as Kathy becomes the film’s emotional anchor while evolving into a voice of reason amid the casual misogyny and quick-tempered brutality. She’s certainly the most intriguing character, although Butler (Elvis) and Hardy each infuse their respective portrayals with depth and complexity.

The even-handed screenplay by Nichols neither glamorizes nor condemns the lifestyle as it digs deeper into the gang’s motives and philosophy. However, some of the periphery roles remain shallow and undeveloped — little more than eccentric followers — and some subplots hit a dead-end.

Without more gas in the narrative engine, the film starts to spin its wheels. However, a committed ensemble cast helps The Bikeriders find another gear, fueling a unique perspective and rhythm along the open road.

Rated R, 116 minutes.