The Rider

The Rider

Year: 2018

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: Chloé Zhao

AdventureDramaComedyRomanceWesternMusic

In this poignant Western, a former rodeo star's life is shattered when a horse crushes his skull. As he struggles to find a new sense of purpose on the Pine Ridge Reservation, Brady's quest for identity becomes a powerful exploration of masculinity and redemption in the American heartland.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Rider yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Rider (2018)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Rider (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie unfolds in contemporary times, capturing the ongoing challenges faced by individuals within the Lakota Sioux community. This modern setting highlights issues such as poverty, disability, and the struggle for identity amidst a competitive world of rodeo riding.

Location

Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota

The Pine Ridge Reservation is home to the Lakota Sioux community, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. It faces socioeconomic challenges, which are poignantly depicted in the narrative of 'The Rider'. The stark landscape mirrors the struggles and aspirations of its residents, creating a backdrop that shapes the characters' lives.

🏜️ Reservation 🇺🇸 South Dakota

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:24

Main Characters – The Rider (2018)
Meet the key characters of The Rider (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Brady Blackburn

Brady Blackburn, portrayed by Brady Jandreau, embodies the struggle to reclaim his identity after a life-changing accident. As a former rodeo star with a deep love for horses, he faces physical and emotional challenges while trying to support his family. His resilience and vulnerability make him a relatable figure in the narrative.

🏇 Rodeo Star 💪 Resilient 😔 Family Man

Wayne Blackburn

Wayne Blackburn, played by Tim Jandreau, is Brady's father, whose struggles with addiction create additional burdens for his family. His neglect and irresponsible decisions reveal the darker dynamics of familial relationships and the impact of personal demons. Despite his flaws, his presence offers a complex layer to the family’s narrative.

🍺 Neglectful 😢 Struggles 💔 Father

Lilly Blackburn

Lilly Blackburn, portrayed by Lilly Jandreau, is Brady's autistic sister, representing innocence and the challenges of living with a disability. Her character adds depth to the family’s struggles and highlights the need for compassion and understanding within familial bonds. Lilly's presence enriches the emotional landscape of the film.

👧 Autistic 💖 Innocent 🌼 Family Support

Lane

Lane, played by Lane Scott, is Brady's friend who has also suffered from a rodeo injury. He symbolizes the shared struggles of those within the rodeo community and the mental and physical hurdles they face. His interactions with Brady provide insight into the camaraderie and the darker side of rodeo culture.

🤝 Friendship 🏥 Injured Rider 💬 Supportive

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:24

Major Themes – The Rider (2018)
Explore the central themes of The Rider (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🐎 Resilience

Resilience is a central theme in 'The Rider', as Brady navigates the complexities of his life after a devastating injury. His determination to support his family and pursue his passion for riding showcases the strength of the human spirit. The film illustrates how resilience is not just about overcoming obstacles but also about making difficult choices for the sake of loved ones.

💔 Family Struggles

The film poignantly explores family dynamics, particularly the challenges faced by Brady as he cares for his father and sister amidst instability. His father's neglect and burdens of responsibility weigh heavily on Brady, reflecting the broader struggles within families in difficult circumstances. This theme resonates deeply as Brady seeks to protect and provide for his family.

🦅 Identity

Identity is a vital theme as Brady grapples with his past as a rodeo star while facing the realities of his current existence. His connection to horses symbolizes his struggle to reconcile who he was with who he is becoming. The film delves into the quest for self-acceptance amidst life-altering challenges, making it a powerful narrative of personal growth.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:24

Similar Movies to The Rider
Discover movies like The Rider that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.