The Rider (2018)

In the rugged heartland of America, Brady Blackburn is a name that resonates with admiration within the rodeo circuit. A bronc rider of renowned skill, Brady has inherited his love for horses and riding from his parents, Wayne and the late Mari Blackburn. Life, however, takes a harsh turn when Brady suffers a catastrophic fall from a bucking horse during a rodeo, resulting in a skull fracture that necessitates the insertion of a metal plate into his head. Against medical advice, Brady discharges himself from the hospital, fueled by a relentless determination to return to his life as a cowboy, the only existence he's ever known. Yet, a grim prognosis looms over his aspiration - another head injury could have devastating consequences. Despite his inner turmoil, Brady refuses to be treated with kid gloves, for the physical rigors of cowboy life are integral to his identity as a man. Meanwhile, Brady's home life is marred by poverty and neglect. His father Wayne, a man with little regard for familial responsibilities, squanders their scarce resources on alcohol and gambling. His younger sister Lilly, living with autism, further amplifies the hardship. To salvage their situation, Wayne sells their horse, Gus, a decision that deeply angers Brady. In response, the young cowboy secures a job as a store clerk, a desperate attempt to financially support his family. Simultaneously, Brady grapples with the harsh reality of his friend Lane's condition. A former rodeo rider, Lane is now institutionalized and requires round-the-clock medical care due to a similar accident. This stark reminder of the potential consequences forces Brady to reassess his own future. Can he reconcile with the possibility of never returning to the rodeo? Or will his stubborn pursuit of his passion lead him down a perilous path, threatening to destroy him physically or emotionally? 'The Rider' is a riveting tale of resilience and self-discovery, exploring the struggle between the indomitable spirit of a cowboy and the crushing reality of life's unpredictability. This narrative offers an intimate look into the trials and tribulations of a young man wrestling with his identity, his dreams, and the harsh realities of his existence.

The Rider is a drama movie featuring Brady Jandreau and directed by Chloé Zhao.

The Rider is currently streaming on Cinemax Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy The Rider on AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.