The Rider

The Rider is a deeply personal and introspective film directed by Chloé Zhao, which delves into the world of rodeos and the lives of the people involved in it. The movie takes its cue from the real-life story of Brady Jandreau, a young and talented cowboy who was forced to re-evaluate his career after a devastating accident. At the heart of the film is Brady, a charming and fearless young man who is a natural on horseback. With a horse of his own, he has risen to become one of the most promising rodeo riders in the circuit. However, his fortunes take a dramatic turn when a horse named Winter crushes his skull during a competition, leaving him with serious injuries that threaten his ability to continue his sport. The scene is vivid and intense, with Brady screaming in pain as the camera zooms in on his battered head. It's a moment that sets the tone for the rest of the film, which grapples with the consequences of Brady's injury and his struggle to come to terms with his new reality. In the aftermath of the accident, Brady is warned by his family and friends that his riding days are over. His father, Wayne, a gruff but lovable man who has his son's best interests at heart, is particularly concerned about Brady's safety and tries to convince him to hang up his spurs. However, Brady is determined to prove them wrong and, against the advice of his loved ones, decides to continue training and competing, albeit in a more subdued manner. As Brady navigates his rehabilitation and his relationship with his family, the film takes on a more nuanced and contemplative tone. Brady is no longer the confident and fearless young man he once was, but a complex and flawed individual struggling to redefine his identity. He is forced to confront the harsh realities of life as a cowboy, where injury is a constant threat and one wrong move can be fatal. One of the most compelling aspects of The Rider is its portrayal of Brady's relationship with his family. Brady's parents, Wayne and Lynn, are deeply invested in their son's well-being and try to encourage him to pursue a safer and more stable path. However, Brady's relationship with his younger sister, Lane, is particularly significant, as it serves as a reminder of the vulnerability and fragility of life. Through his interactions with Lane, Brady is forced to confront the fragility of his own identity and the impermanence of his youth. As Brady continues to ride and train, he becomes increasingly obsessed with the idea of regaining control over his own fate. He sees his riding as a way to reclaim his power and assert his individuality in a world that is rapidly changing. However, his obsession also leads him down a path of recklessness and self-destruction, as he pushes himself to the limit in a bid to restore his former glory. The film's exploration of Brady's emotional and psychological state is deeply nuanced and insightful. Through his interactions with his family, friends, and his horse, the film reveals a complex and multifaceted individual who is struggling to come to terms with his new reality. Brady's relationships with these people serve as a reminder of the importance of community and support in times of crisis, as well as the need to adapt and evolve in the face of adversity. One of the most striking aspects of The Rider is its use of natural light and its stunning cinematography. The film's director, Chloé Zhao, is a master of capturing the beauty and brutality of the American West, and her camerawork is nothing short of breathtaking. From the sweeping vistas of the rodeo arena to the intimate close-ups of Brady's battered face, the film's cinematography is often breathtaking and poignant. As The Rider hurtles towards its conclusion, Brady's journey becomes increasingly intense and personal. He is forced to confront the harsh realities of his situation and the fragility of his own existence. In the final scenes of the film, Brady is seen riding his horse through a beautiful and serene landscape, a vision that serves as a reminder of the beauty and power of the natural world. The film's ending is a poignant and uplifting one, as Brady finally begins to come to terms with his new reality and the limitations of his own body. Through its portrayal of Brady's journey, The Rider offers a powerful and moving exploration of what it means to be a man in the heartland of the United States, where tradition and culture meet the harsh realities of life. Ultimately, The Rider is a deeply personal and introspective film that grapples with the complexities of identity, masculinity, and the human condition. Through its nuanced and contemplative portrayal of Brady's journey, the film offers a powerful and moving exploration of what it means to be alive and to find one's place in the world.