riders (2022)

original title: Jezdeca

A SCENIC ROAD TRIP ON AN EMOTIONLESS HIGHWAY

There were quite a few films at this year’s Europa Film Festival at the Ritz in Randwick that caught my attention – one of them being Riders - Slovenia’s official submission for the ‘best international feature film’ category at the 96th Academy Awards. On paper it sounded right up my alley, a carefree coming-of-age road trip hangout film, it’s the perfect recipe to sit back and enjoy in cruise control, unfortunately though, it never quite managed to get out of first gear.

In the Spring of 1999, in Slovenia, Tomaz (Timon Sturbej) and Anton (Petja Labovic) two friends from a quaint village embark on an unconventional journey. Transforming their mopeds into no-frills choppers, they seek freedom and love amidst a backdrop of shifting traditions and newfound independence in post-Yugoslavia, Slovenia, and Croatia. Accompanied by Ana (Anja Novak) a mysterious runaway woman and Peter (Nikola Kojo), an experienced biker, they challenge societal norms and confront existential questions.

Along the way, they encounter loss, test their values, and grapple with the meaning of free will. As their road trip unfolds, they undergo a transformative quest for identity, ultimately reshaping their lives in unexpected ways. Through poetic realism and an unconventional narrative structure, this timeless tale invites viewers to join the protagonists on a thought-provoking and emotional journey of self-discovery.

While Riders boasts breathtaking scenery, with its captivating shots of characters cruising through picturesque countryside landscapes, the film falls short of delivering an emotional punch. I was hoping it was going to hit me in all the feels, unfortunately, it struggled to hit me in hardly any. Despite its attempts to exude a cool hangout vibe, which it does up to a point, the narrative struggles to engage, causing disinterest for extended periods. While it certainly has its moments of charm, there’s a palpable absence of depth that prevents the film from truly resonating.

The performances across the board are fine but none are exactly memorable, nor is anything about this film to be perfectly honest. In the end, Riders rides the line between aesthetic appeal and emotional depth but ultimately fails to fully capture the hearts of its viewers. Despite the stunning visuals, the narrative lacks the horsepower to truly leave a lasting impression.

★★☆☆☆

3 MARCH 2024