There is a lot to like about The Rider; The cinematography is gorgeous, with a lot of shots showing the treeless meadows that reflect the protagonist's feeling of loss and emptiness. Brady Jandreau's acting is so genuine and honest. There are some truly great moments that will make you instantly engaged with every character in them. I don't even want to say anything about these scenes, I don't even want to mention the characters they include, because they are unbelievably effective and very poignant. The movie's message of perseverance and determination also should be considered and appreciated.The grave issue I have with this movie is its tone. I love character-driven stories, because they make me close to the main character. In other words, they put me in the protagonist's shoes, or even make me inside his mind. But The Rider's tone is so lifeless, and the story is almost uneventful. Of course, the movie should reflect the gloominess and bleakness of its subject matter, but the tone doesn't pick up even when the story do. Add to that, the movie lacks in dramatic intensity. Aside from some very touching scenes that can break your heart even if you haven't seen the entire film, the movie is so boring and phlegmatic. Honestly, I was bored most of the time while watching it. The dialogue also could have been better. it's so weak and clichéd.All the performances are good, especially Brady Jandreau as Brady Blackburn, except for the actor who played his dad. His acting is very weak as his bland and flat character.I had mixed feelings about The Rider. I found it monotonous, and I was bored to death. Nevertheless, I cared about the main character and almost every character around it, I appreciated its message, I was fascinated by its stunning cinematography, and I adored its tear-jerking ending.(7/10)

One of the finest depictions of the human-equine relationship I've ever seen. Artists, theologians, musicians throughout history have depicted the intimate and mysterious bond between horse and rider. This film takes its place in that genre as a based-on-true-story masterpiece. Part documentary, part fiction, the director's imagination, the real-deal Native American cowboy culture she so carefully narrates is achingly and unsentimentally beautiful. The uncut, raw horse-breaking and training scenes are mesmerizing. A triumph of the artistic and human Spirit!

//Revelation Film Festival Review//A touching portrayal of a rodeo star, Brady (Brady Jandreau), who finds his way of life wrangled away following a freak riding accident. Unable to mount up again, Brady goes on a journey of self-discovery while looking after his financially stricken sister and father in the harsh South Dakota badlands.What elevates the film's already strong story is the decision to cast a real family of bronc riders instead of professional actors in the main roles. As they draw on their own experiences in bringing the script to life, The Rider feels hauntingly real in its depiction of a hard-bitten way of life. While some parts in the middle feel a little slow, by the end the film leaves a devastating emotional impact that lingers long after. A definite highlight of the festival so far.

Set in the wide-open landscape of the Lakota reservation, and in the intensely masculine world of rodeo, this film at first seems like a documentary, with the down-to-earth, rock-solid authenticity of life in a trailer for a family of three. But it soon becomes clear that the film is concerned with more. Under the direction of Chloé Zhao, all these first-time actors give exceptional performances, but none more so than Brady Jandreau (Brady). Jandreau has an extraordinary screen presence, and as Brady is faced with a choice between two destinies, he gives us a ring-side seat. What further sets this film apart is its almost hypnotic beauty. Without patronizing or condescending, the cinematography bathes everything - horses, grave-markers, rodeo, hospital-ward - from the most intimate moments to the vast expanses of the Great Plains - in clarity and significance.