The Rider (2017) Watch Online Free

Once a rising star of the rodeo circuit, and a gifted horse trainer, young cowboy Brady is warned that his riding days are over after a horse crushed his skull at a rodeo. In an attempt to regain control of his own fate, Brady undertakes a search for a new identity and what it means to be a man in the heartland of the United States.

The Rider (2018), directed by Chloé Zhao, is a deeply moving and intimate drama about the life of a young cowboy named Brady Blackburn, played by Brady Jandreau, who plays a version of himself in the film. The movie tells the story of Brady’s struggle to cope with the aftermath of a traumatic head injury he sustained during a rodeo. A gifted horse trainer and rising star in the rodeo circuit, Brady finds himself unable to ride again due to his medical condition, which includes epilepsy. The film is both a poignant portrayal of physical and emotional recovery and a meditation on identity, masculinity, and the harsh realities of life in rural America.

Plot Overview

Brady’s journey unfolds in the wake of his injury, where his dreams of becoming a professional rider and trainer are shattered. The film shows his physical struggles, including the aftermath of his injuries—epileptic seizures and debilitating pain. While the doctors strongly advise against riding again, Brady cannot shake the need to return to his former life. With his family in financial hardship, he takes on a low-paying job at a local drugstore, but this is far from the life he once envisioned.

In addition to his personal turmoil, Brady grapples with his fractured family dynamics. He helps care for his younger sister Lilly, who has Asperger’s syndrome, while their father, Wayne, is an alcoholic and struggles to support the family. When Brady’s beloved horse Gus is sold to make ends meet, Brady’s world is further shaken, but he continues his attempt to find purpose through his bond with a new, difficult-to-train horse, Apollo. Ultimately, the story takes a tragic turn, pushing Brady to confront his future in a way that feels both inevitable and heartbreaking.

Reasons to Watch The Rider

1. Authenticity: The film is remarkable for its authenticity, as it stars real-life cowboys and non-professional actors, including Brady Jandreau and his family. The performances feel raw and unfiltered, giving the film a sense of realness rarely seen in mainstream cinema
2. Chloé Zhao’s Direction: Zhao’s direction is restrained and poetic, emphasizing the vast, quiet landscape and the internal struggles of her characters. Her delicate portrayal of Brady’s emotional and physical trauma creates a haunting atmosphere throughout the film
3. Exploration of Masculinity: The Rider touches deeply on what it means to be a man in a rural American context. Brady’s struggle to redefine himself after his injury offers a nuanced perspective on masculinity, identity, and self-worth
4. Visual Storytelling: With stunning cinematography by Joshua James Richards, the film uses visuals to tell much of its story. The expansive shots of the South Dakota plains mirror Brady’s emotional landscape and help to express the feeling of isolation and loss
5. Real-Life Tragedy and Triumph: The film’s story is rooted in real-life events, giving it a grounded, sincere energy. Brady Jandreau’s own experiences, including his injury and recovery, are reflected in his portrayal of Brady, making the film feel personal and deeply moving
6. Emotional Depth: The relationships between Brady and his family are at the heart of the film, particularly his bond with his sister Lilly. Their connection offers moments of tenderness and resilience that balance the otherwise somber tone of the film
7. Unflinching Look at Disability: The Rider does not shy away from depicting the realities of living with a disability. Brady’s seizures, the struggles he faces in adjusting to a different life, and the difficulty of accepting his new limitations are shown with compassion and honesty
8. Character-Driven Narrative: Unlike many films that rely on external conflict or plot-driven structure, The Rider is a character study that delves into Brady’s internal conflict, making it a powerful exploration of personal growth and the search for meaning
9. Cultural Insight: The film provides a rare and insightful look into the world of rodeo and cowboy culture, offering a respectful and nuanced portrayal of a profession often overlooked in cinema
10. A Moving, Quiet Film: This film is not fast-paced or flashy. It’s an emotional journey that lingers long after the credits roll. Its somber tone, combined with moments of unexpected beauty, creates an experience that resonates deeply

What Will You Feel After Watching?

After watching The Rider, expect to feel a mix of sadness, admiration, and introspection. The film’s emotional weight is immense, and you may find yourself moved by Brady’s quiet resilience and the stark realities he faces. The film’s raw portrayal of personal loss, recovery, and the search for a new purpose is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. There will be moments of deep sorrow, especially as Brady faces the loss of his identity as a cowboy and the tragic fate of his horse Apollo, but these are balanced by the sense of hope that emerges as he grapples with his future

Overall, you may feel a profound sense of empathy for the characters and an appreciation for the complexity of their lives. The Rider is not a film that provides easy answers or quick resolutions, but it invites you to reflect on themes of healing, identity, and the beauty of human perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity. It’s a film that will leave you contemplating what it means to be truly alive when everything you once knew is taken away