The recently released movie The Bikeriders was inspired by a photography monograph (my review) and this film by Luke Gilford was a result of his 2020 book on America’s queer rodeo subculture. Charlie Plummer plays a young man living in New Mexico who’s unhappy with his job and practically raising his young brother because of his mother’s slapdash attitude. When he gets hired at a ranch, he discovers a new family of queers who farm the property and travel to the subculture rodeos. He’s especially drawn to Sky, who helps him realize his own identity. This is a career-making role for Plummer. He creates a character full of confusion and contradictions, while navigating the journey with deep emotion. (He also does a mean drag number.) The rest of the cast is populated with wonderful actors and the scenes from the rodeo are especially empowering. The fact that I’m gay made me want to see this film, but the performances and Gilford’s direction craft a truly moving story that’s beautifully sweet and sometimes heartbreakingly tender. BTW, Emporia native and Sante Fe drag star Calvin “Brandi” Fields has a small part giving Plummer a short pep talk before he goes on stage. 
(4.5 / 5)
