The Bikeriders, written and directed by Jeff Nichols, has an interesting premise and a talented, compelling cast, but it does seem to feel longer than it actually is. Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Mike Faist, and Norman Reedus are part of a pretty solid cast in this film based on the book by Danny Lyon.

The Vandals are a fictional motorcycle club in Chicago. They like to drink, fight, and cause some mischief, but as the years roll on, they become something a bit more sinister. Danny Lyon is a writer and photographer who has managed to be allowed to observe and interview the group. Most of the tale is related by Kathy, played by Comer, who is married to Austin Butler’s Benny, one the youngest riders with the Vandals. She tells Lyon of the complicated and trying camaraderie among the group and how they were led into deeper criminal activities, and how her husband was ruled by his sense of loyalty to the club. Tom Hardy portrays the leader known as Johnny and is unsurprisingly rather compelling.

All of the main performances were quite good. Comer does a great job with her character and some of the narration she provides during her interview scenes. Hardy really has an interesting and complicated role here. Austin Butler, who is kind of a rising star, is pretty good, but the more experienced cast members keep the bar pretty high here. Hardy and Comer, in particular, were fairly captivating.

In spite of the violence and other sorts of mayhem, the film still manages to drag a bit at times. There are some very interesting examinations exploring some of the motivations for being a part of this outlaw motorcycle club. I kind of liked the presence of Mike Faist as Danny Lyon and how he was tolerated by the club. The interview set-up was pretty well-done. I found Kathy to be particularly charming as a narrator. It’s hard not to like her and feel some sympathy for her as she navigates this complicated dynamic with her husband being a part of a motorcycle club.

The film has a lot of great components, but somehow it falls short of being a great cinematic experience. The moments that seemed to bog the story down are pretty noticeable. It may be that I need to take some time away and watch the film later to see if a second viewing will improve my outlook. I would still recommend going to see it. I wouldn’t be surprised if this film showed up in some sociology classes in the future.

Anyway, it’s another film with some flaws, but it’s still worthwhile to give it some attention.