Writer and director Jeff Nichols (Mud) is back in the saddle, so to speak, with his love letter about a bygone era in The Bikeriders. Inspired by the black-and-white images of photographer Danny Lyon's book, Nichols' film stars Academy Award nominee Austin Butler (Elvis), Tom Hardy (Venom), and Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) in a character-driven look back at the turmoil of the U.S. in the '60s and '70s. At the heart of his story, the filmmaker tells us, is "this idea of a love triangle," but "it wouldn't be a love triangle in the traditional sense."
The Bikeriders is told through an interview with Comer's character, Kathy, who recalls her first time meeting the enigmatic Benny (Butler). Their love story is the audience's gateway into the Chicago Vandals, a biker club led by the Marlon Brando-esque Johnny (Hardy), who opens his arms to the outcasts of society, but it isn't the only love story. Though the relationship between the bikers is binding and sometimes familial, Nichols tells us, "It was really important that the relationship between Tom's character and Austin's character wasn't one of being a father figure."
During this conversation with Collider's Steve Weintraub, Nichols explains his intentions for his main characters and shares what's most important to him in filmmaking and storytelling. He also discusses why humans are drawn to danger, the risks of filming his ensemble cast on vintage motorcycles, why The Bikeriders isn't in black and white, and why certain scenes proved to be the most "nerve-wracking" of his career.
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