The Bikeriders tells a fictional story inspired by the 1967 photo-book of the same name by Danny Lyon, depicting the lives of the Outlaws MC, a motorcycle club founded in McCook, Illinois. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jeff Nichols, the feature artfully captures a rebellious time in America, when society and culture were quickly evolving.

Kathy a strong-willed member of the Vandals married to a wild biker named Benny, recounts the gang’s evolution. Over the years, she struggles to manage her seemingly untameable husband and his allegiance to Vandals leader Johnny. As life gets more dangerous, and the club threatens to transform into a more uncontrollable, sinister organisation, Kathy, Benny and Johnny are forced to make choices about their loyalty to the lifestyle and to each other.

From award-worthy performances to a hit-laden soundtrack, check out our five reasons for watching The Bikeriders below.

Stellar Leads

The Bikeriders boasts an ensemble of some of Hollywood's most dynamic actors. Austin Butler, fresh off his critically acclaimed role as Elvis, plays Benny, a young, impulsive and mysterious member of the Vandals Chicago motorcycle club. Butler nails it, showing off Benny's hard-hearted personality with a distinct coolness. Jodie Comer, who portrays Kathy, also stands out, not least for her charmingly goofy Midwestern accent. Finding herself in the midst of the chaos as a plain American gal, she moves the plot forward with humour and warmth, recounting the rise and fall of her lover’s biker gang to photojournalist Danny Lyon. Stealing the show is Tom Hardy, who’s at his hard-as-nails best. The Londoner leads the pack as Johnny, the charismatic yet troubled head honcho of the Vandals. He’s funny, scary, ruthless and sincere, as he struggles to control the anarchy of the club as it expands from its humble beginnings to an inter-state organisation.

Captivating Side Characters

Buttressing the A-list leads is a motley crew of oddballs. Each with their own unique quirks and backgrounds, these outsiders of polite society unite under the common banner of The Vandals. From the bug-eating Cockroach played by Emory Cohen; the mad, liquor-swigging Zipco played by Michael Shannon to the unpredictable and wild Californian blow-in Funny Sunny portrayed by Norman Reedus, they provide a fascinating case-study into the dregs of American life who were allured by the camaraderie and freedom offered by the biker lifestyle.

Painstaking Historical Accuracy

The Bikeriders is a must-see if your a motorcycle nut, with the film's high-octane commitment to historical accuracy ensuring a genuine depiction of the ‘60s subculture. This extends to the meticulous portrayal of the motorcycles themselves. The film makes use of over 40 vintage machines, including 1965 and '66 Harley-Davidson Electra Glides, as well as a 1956 Harley-Davidson FLH, driven by Tom Hardy’s character Johnny. The film also delves into the mechanics of the bikes, with Vandal member Cal (played by Boyd Holbrook) often nerding out over carburettors and fenders, highlighting the craftsmanship and passion of the biker community.

The Killer Soundtrack

The Bikeriders evocative soundtrack perfectly complements the atmosphere of the ‘60s and early ‘70s. The film features a mix of classic rock and roll tracks from the era - capturing the spirit of freedom and rebellion intrinsic to the biker lifestyle. Appearing naturally as part of the setting through radios and record players, the music also acts as a clever, subtle nod to the evolving society, starting out with the gentler soul and doo-wop tunes from the likes of The Shangri Las and Mickey Murray, before descending into the heavier sounds of bands like Cream and The Stooges as The Vandals spiral out of control.

A Unique Cultural Exploration

The Bikeriders is more than a film about the ‘60s biker subculture. By shedding light on a group of individuals who defied societal norms, the movie encapsulates the relative lawlessness and counter-cultural shift happening during the period. While little is shown outside The Vandals’ operations, the film offers a fascinating insight into greater American society of the time too - depicting the effects of the Vietnam War through the drug abuse of returning veterans, and the widespread isolation felt by young men in the poverty-stricken pockets of the Mid-West.

• The Bikeriders is in cinemas now. Book your tickets here. Watch the official trailer below.