Watch The Rider

The Rider is a 2017 independent drama directed and written by Chloe Zhao, starring Jessie Buckley, Tim Powell, and Brady Jandreau. The movie was initially premiered at Cannes Film Festival before it got released worldwide by Sony Pictures Classics. The Rider follows the story of Brady Blackburn, a young cowboy returning to the rodeo after a tragic accident left him with a severe head injury. The movie delves into the struggles of the protagonist as he yearns to return to the sport he loves while dealing with the fear of causing permanent damage to his already impaired brain.

The film showcases the rawness of life on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where Brady lives. Zhao immersed herself in the community and portrayed their daily lives in an authentic and sincere manner. The movie uses a cast of non-actors who live in the area, which brings even more authenticity to the storytelling. Patrick Lawlor's cinematography captures the vastness of the South Dakota landscapes, and the slow-paced rhythm of the movie allows the audience to take a breath and appreciate the beauty of the scenery.

Jandreau delivers an outstanding performance as Brady Blackburn, portraying the character's struggles and vulnerability in a nuanced, honest way. As a director, Zhao has a knack for capturing the subtleties of human emotion and expression, and this skill is on full display when exploring the character of Brady. The Rider is perhaps the best example of realistic filmmaking in recent years.

The movie also touches on universal themes of identity, mortality, and resilience. Through Brady's story, we see how our passion and identity can sometimes have a severe impact on our lives. The movie explores the idea of who we are when we can no longer do what we love. Brady's journey is both admirable and tragic, as he tries to navigate through his desires against other's expectations and his physical limitations.

The Rider is an incredibly touching film that offers a profound reflection on identity and comes to grips with mortality. The movie offers a realistic and immersive portrayal of life on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, showcasing a side of America that is often overlooked. Brady's story is a powerful and universal storyline, appealing to audiences across cultures, nationalities, and backgrounds.

Overall, The Rider is an emotionally charged and sincere film that showcases the talent of its cast and the vision of its director. Zhao's nuanced approach to storytelling offers an unflinching and authentic portrayal of modern cowboy culture and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The Rider is a movie that lingers in the viewer's mind long after the credits roll, leaving a lasting impression of its themes, characters, and breathtaking landscapes.