There are some films that may not make a big noise, but in their own quiet way draw attention. That would be the best way to describe “The Rider,” which has been earning cinephile buzz ever since it premiered at the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight. The film spent much of 2017 accruing serious cred on the festival circuit, which has built up into four Indie Spirit Award nominations including Best Director and Best Feature. Now, you can see for yourself what the hype is all about.
Starring Brady Jandreau, Tim Jandreau, Lilly Jandreau, Lane Scott and Cat Clifford, the story follows a former rodeo rider who must find a new path following an accident. Here’s the official synopsis:
Based on his a true story, THE RIDER stars breakout Brady Jandreau as a once rising star of the rodeo circuit warned that his competition days are over after a tragic riding accident. Back home, Brady finds himself wondering what he has to live for when he can no longer do what gives him a sense of purpose: to ride and compete. In an attempt to regain control of his fate, Brady undertakes a search for new identity and tries to redefine his idea of what it means to be a man in the heartland of America.
It’s a picture we adored, noting that it “draws upon the mythic iconography of the classical Hollywood Western — the quintessential dude genre — and turns its precepts on their head.”
“The Rider” opens on April 13th.