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The Rider

Play trailer 1:31 Poster for The Rider R 2018 1h 44m Drama Western Play Trailer Watchlist
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97% Tomatometer 189 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
After a riding accident leaves him unable to compete on the rodeo circuit, a young cowboy searches for a new purpose.
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The Rider

The Rider

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Critics Consensus

The Rider's hard-hitting drama is only made more effective through writer-director Chloé Zhao's use of untrained actors to tell the movie's fact-based tale.

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Critics Reviews

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J. R. Jones Chicago Reader 03/05/2020
An extraordinary translation of life into art. Go to Full Review Linda Marric HeyUGuys 06/05/2019
4/5
Bold, heartfelt and, most importantly, unafraid, this is a remarkable film. Go to Full Review Nikki Baughan Sight & Sound 12/07/2018
The Rider reshapes the traditional cowboy narrative in a way that both embraces and challenges western tropes. Go to Full Review Don Shanahan Every Movie Has a Lesson Jul 28
4/5
Populated by untrained actors and inspired by true events of these rookie performers, Zhao’s sophomore feature film stands on that determination only to slowly reveal the internal aches underneath the grizzled exteriors of hat brims, denim, and vices. Go to Full Review Brendan Cassidy InSession Film 07/02/2024
The Rider is simply the most moving and authentic film I’ve seen in 2018, a reinterpretation of the term ‘docudrama”, and a seamless blend between fiction and nonfiction. Go to Full Review Ryan McQuade InSession Film 04/04/2024
I love how Chloe Zhao makes this film almost feel like a bio-pic/documentary within this narrative structure, it’s as real as it could get and feels like something that is personal... Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jialiang @Jia_munich Jan 15 A Heartbreaking Masterpiece: The Rider (2017) "The Rider" is a quiet, devastating masterpiece that stays with you long after the credits roll. It is not just a movie about a cowboy recovering from an injury; it is a profound exploration of identity and what happens when your life's passion is taken away. The fact that lead actor Brady Jandreau is playing a fictionalized version of his real self adds a layer of authenticity that no Hollywood actor could replicate. You can feel his pain and his silent bond with the horses in every frame. The cinematography of the South Dakota landscapes is breathtaking, capturing a world that is both beautiful and lonely. It is a sad film, but also a deeply human one about resilience and the courage to let go. If you appreciate cinema that feels real and poetic, this is an absolute must-watch. Pure visual poetry. See more Stephen D @sjhdearden May 24 A 'documentary' style of film (think Mike Leigh) using non-professional actors. It is not likely to engage anyone who is not interested in the 'working class' lives of rodeo riders, in this case one adjusting to serious injury in the ring. See more Jim P Mar 30 Y'know, life is like a Rodeo. You ride it, and it bucks you up, down, left, right. Then you fall off... Sometimes you gotta get back on. But if you're wise, it might be better to walk away... See more Nicole H Mar 24 This is one of my favorite films. It's so moving. See more Viviana G 02/22/2025 Highly, very highly recommeded! Everything is superb, run to watch this fantastic film. See more Danilo P 02/12/2025 It is truly a masterpiece, simple but profound. See more Read all reviews
The Rider

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Cast & Crew

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Chloé Zhao

Director

Brady Jandreau

Brady Blackburn

Tim Jandreau

Wayne Blackburn

Lilly Jandreau

Lilly Blackburn

Lane Scott

Self

Cat Clifford

Self

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The Rider

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The Rider

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Movie Info

Synopsis After a riding accident leaves him unable to compete on the rodeo circuit, a young cowboy searches for a new purpose.
Director
Chloé Zhao
Producer
Mollye Asher, Sacha Ben Harroche, Bert Hamelinck, Chloé Zhao
Screenwriter
Chloé Zhao
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co
Highwayman Films, Caviar
Rating
R (Language and Drug Use)
Genre
Drama, Western
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 13, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 7, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA)
$2.4M
Runtime
1h 44m
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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