The Rider

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The Rider

R

2018

1h 44m

Drama

Western

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

03/05/2020

An extraordinary translation of life into art.

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Linda Marric

HeyUGuys

06/05/2019

4/5

Bold, heartfelt and, most importantly, unafraid, this is a remarkable film.

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Nikki Baughan

Sight & Sound

12/07/2018

The Rider reshapes the traditional cowboy narrative in a way that both embraces and challenges western tropes.

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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.

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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.

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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...

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Sara G

@RT93304102 Mar 18

I watched it twice in two days. This movie hits you. In a good way. Wow.

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Jialiang T

@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.

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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.

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Jim P

@RT08384096 03/30/2025

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...

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Nicole H

@RT48352258 03/24/2025

This is one of my favorite films. It's so moving.

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Viviana G

@RT66838565 02/22/2025

Highly, very highly recommeded! Everything is superb, run to watch this fantastic film.

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The Rider: Trailer 2

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The Rider: Trailer 1

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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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