If you’re looking for a drama that’ll take less than five minutes to be sold on, let us introduce you to The Bikeriders. Far from her role as the psychopathic villain in Killing Eve, the 1960s-set film stars Jodie Comer as the strong-willed yet honest and warm Kathy Bauer, who's the wife of a member of the Vandals motorcycle club – and her performance, which you can watch on Prime Video tonight, is one you simply can’t forget.
The crime drama, which was first released in 2023, tells the story of a fictionalised version of the real-life Chicago Outlaws, documenting the four years that photojournalist Danny Lyons spent following them. As you’ll see when you watch it, Jodie adopted a very specific 1960s Chicago accent for the part - and it’s not an exaggeration to say she absolutely masters it.
With the film now available to stream, here’s everything you need to know about The Bikeriders before you watch it, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.
What is The Bikeriders about?
The film revolves around the Vandals motorcycle club, a fictionalised version of the real-life Chicago Outlaws motorcycle club in the 1960s. Inspired by motorcycle enthusiast Danny Lyons’ 1967 photography book, which became a seminal work of documentary photography. We see their journey from innocence to, well, something a little further form it as the club evolved into a dangerous – and increasingly violent – gang.
Danny spent several years with the Outlaws in 1963 just as he was trying to carve out a career as a photographer. But what started out as a work project turned into something more as Danny became friends with many of the members. He interviewed several members of the club for the book, many of which has been drawn on for the film.
So, where does Jodie Comer’s performance come in? Not only does she narrate the film, the Killing Eve star also plays Kathy, a strong-willed woman who falls for hot-headed biker Benny (Austin Butler), a member of the Vandals. Other members of the group include the club’s leader Johny (Tom Hardy) and the especially eccentric Zipco (Michael Shannon).
Speaking to BuzzFeed about the film, Jode shared what it was like stepping back into the 1960s: “I have to say ‘60s was pretty cool. Especially these types of people, you know, who were kind of living in Chicago within the subculture, who just felt very kind of rebellious and free,” she said
“Again, to speak to Danny Lyon and his photographs is like... They were so authentic and there was so much to pull from. You think of the ‘60s, and you think of the music, you think of the clothing. Everything was so brilliant and transformative, I feel. I feel like when you're doing that kind of period, you're like, okay, it helps you kind of step into the world. Swinging ‘60s.
She also spoke to Variety about one particular scene in which her character puts Johny (Tom Hardy) in his place. “I’ve watched Tom’s work for most of my life, and just being like, ‘Oh, my God, now I have to go in and own this as this woman, and try and put him in his place…’” she said.
“I just remember there being a real kinetic energy between us. Tom is great; he’s so open and has such clear instincts of his own.”
Who’s in the cast of The Bikeriders?
- Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) as Kathy
- Austin Butler (Elvis) as Benny
- Tom Hardy (Peaky Blinders) as Johnny
- Michael Shannon (The Shape of Water) as Zipco
- Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead) as Funny Sonny
- Toby Wallace (Pistol) as The Kid
- Mike Faist (West Side Story) as Danny
- Damon Herriman (Mindhunter) as Brucie
- Phoung Kubacki (Better Call Saul) as Gail
- Emory Cohen (The Place Beyond the Pines) as Cockroach
- Happy Anderson (Bad Boys for Life) as Big Jack
- Beau Knapp (Destroyer) as Wahoo
- Boyd Holbrook (The Predator) as Cal
- Karl Glusman (Civil War) as Corky
Is there a trailer for The Bikeriders?
Yes, you can watch the trailer for The Bikeriders below.
Is The Bikeriders any good?
Yes – it’s a truly immersive film that will sweep you up in the world of a 1960s motorcycle club. Jodie Comer is, as expected, faultless in it, as is Tom Hardy, Austin Butler and the rest of the cast. If you’re interested in watching something atmospheric that features personal drama, rock music and brilliant acting, The Bikeriders is well worth a watch.
How can I watch The Bikeriders?
The Bikeriders is available to watch now on Prime Video. You can also watch it on Sky and NOW.
What other Jodie Comer dramas can I watch now?
If you haven’t yet seen Jodie in Help, we’d highly recommend watching it. The painfully honest series stars Jodie as a care home assistant who goes to extraordinary lengths to protect her patients when the pandemic hits. Help is available to watch on Channel 4. We’d also recommend Thirteen, which features a fantastic central performance from Jodie as a 26-year-old Ivy Moxam, who escapes the clutches of her kidnapper after 13 years spent locked in a cellar. You can watch Thirteen on BBC iPlayer now. To watch more of Jodie’s best performance, check out our round-up here.
