Kyle Kaplan
Jeff Nichols brings pure Americana to the Telluride Film Festival with his lush historical drama “The Bikeriders,” which feels like the distant older cousin of “The Outsiders.” It’s his best directorial effort to date, and in tow are three stirring performances from Austin Butler, Jodie Comer and Tom Hardy, all putting their stamp on an awards season that will undoubtedly be competitive.
Based on Danny Lyon’s 1968 photography and interview book, The Bikeriders tells a fictional story inspired by a Midwestern motorcycle club, seen through the lives of its members over a decade.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Oscar predictions across all categories.
Nichols, who is a writer and director, has created a special roster of talented American filmmakers capable of delivering honest and moving performances from Michael Shannon (“Take Shelter”) and Matthew McConaughey (“Mud”). He does it again with his actors, including Butler, Hardy and Comer.
Butler shows that he can do much more than just play Elvis Presley. Fresh off his first nomination last year for “Elvis,” his role as Benny, which is far more internalized than one would expect, provides another opportunity to invite him to the ceremony. Another captivating turn from the young actor.
Hardy is a high-profile actor with a slew of critical favorites and blockbusters under his belt. As Johnny, the leader of the motorcycle gang, you’ll see the British actor straddle the line between Marlon Brando in The Godfather and Robert DeNiro in Goodfellas. Hardy’s first and only nomination came in the Best Supporting Actor category for his villainous role opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Revenant” (2015). This could give him a one second lead.
There has been a flirtation in the industry with a possible Comer Oscar nomination in recent years, following her surprise Emmy win in 2017 for the BBC’s Killing Eve. When Telluride CEO Julie Huntsinger spoke to Variety about the festival program, she said she didn’t recognize her. “I left the screening and went to IMDb on my phone because I wanted to know who this actress was and I was shocked that it was her.”
She was right. What a joy it is when she hosts the film with a Midwestern accent and manages to steal the focus in almost every scene she appears in. Much of the discussion will revolve around where she chooses to campaign, either as a lead or supporting actress, which will also be the case with Butler and Hardy.
Expect the film, like many films with an extensive cast, to be considered for the SAG Awards’ Ensemble Cast category. It stars Nichols’ frequent collaborator Shannon alongside Mike Faist, Boyd Holbrook, Toby Wallace, Norman Reedus and Emory Cohen.
Although most of Nichols’ six films were critically acclaimed, none of his films received a single Oscar nomination: Loving’s lead Ruth Negga for best actress. There may be more to come under the guidance of distributor 20th Century Studios. A nomination for directing would be more than overdue and deserved.
The Artisan categories are beautiful to look at, with stunning cinematography from Adam Stone and crisp editing from Julie Monroe.
Will it be able to compete at the Oscars? I would suggest this as a starting point for Telluride.