In 1968, Danny Lyon published a photo-book chronicling his experience with the Outlaws motorcycle gang. This fictionalized version stars Austin Butler as the scrappy young rider who ends up in a relationship with a woman (Jodie Comer), while establishing a close friendship with the gang’s leader (Tom Hardy). This episodic narrative is told from her POV to provide glimpses into the challenges of this way of life. Butler continues his charismatic turns as the sultry rebel and Hardy combines softness with his usual intensity, but it’s Comer, with her squeaky Chicago-accented voice, that gives the movie its most enthralling personality. Writer/director Jeff Nichols has kept the story involving, while pulling genuine, compelling performances from the entire cast, which also includes Michael Shannon and Norman Reedus. Ultimately, this is a love story framed in bike culture and the actors make it worth the ride. NOTE: Some of Lyon’s original photos are shown during the credits. 
(3.5 / 5)
