The Rider 2018
Directed by
Chloé Zhao
Made by
Sony Pictures Classics
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Rider (2018). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
All of the characters portrayed in this narrative hail from the Lakota Sioux community located on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. The story revolves around Brady Blackburn, played by Brady Jandreau, who struggles with impoverished living conditions alongside his father, Wayne (Tim Jandreau), and his autistic teenage sister, Lilly (Lilly Jandreau). Once celebrated as a promising rodeo star, Brady’s life takes a drastic turn after a severe rodeo accident leaves him with brain damage. This injury not only weakens his right hand but also makes him susceptible to seizures, with doctors cautioning that continuing to ride would only exacerbate his condition.
Brady frequently visits his friend Lane (Lane Scott), who is currently residing in a care facility due to a similar brain injury incurred from a rodeo mishap. Meanwhile, Brady’s father neglects his responsibilities, squandering their money on drinking and gambling. In a particularly distressing moment, Wayne sells their beloved horse, Gus, to finance their trailer, causing Brady great anguish.
In a bid to support his family, Brady takes on a job at a local grocery store. He also earns extra income by breaking horses. With his hard-earned savings, Brady hopes to invest in another horse, a fiery creature named Apollo. However, his father surprises him by purchasing the horse instead. As Brady forms a connection with Apollo, reminiscent of the bond he shared with Gus, he finds solace in riding once more. Yet, his relentless pursuit leads to a near-fatal seizure, prompting doctors to warn him that riding any further could result in dire consequences.
On returning home, Brady is devastated to discover that his new horse has had an accident that renders it permanently unable to be ridden. Unable to bear the thought of putting down his own horse, he must reluctantly ask his father to handle the heartbreaking decision. In a heated exchange with Wayne, Brady resolves to participate in an upcoming rodeo competition, disregarding his doctors’ stern warnings.
At the competition, as he prepares to ride, he catches sight of his family in the audience. Overwhelmed by conflicting emotions, he ultimately makes the significant decision to step back from the competition and turn away from a life tethered to rodeo riding — a poignant moment of self-realization in his challenging journey.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Rider (2018) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Introduction to Brady's World
The story begins in the Lakota Sioux community on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Here, we meet Brady Blackburn, his father Wayne, and his autistic sister Lilly, showcasing their challenging living conditions.
Brady's Rodeo Accident
Brady, once a promising rodeo star, suffers a severe accident during a rodeo event that results in brain damage. This life-altering incident not only incapacitates his right hand but also makes him vulnerable to seizures.
The Impact of Injury
Following the accident, doctors advise Brady against riding again, emphasizing the risks it poses to his health. Despite this, he struggles to accept the change in his identity and future as a wrestler.
Visiting Lane
Brady frequently visits his friend Lane, who is in a care facility due to a similar injury from rodeo riding. Their interactions highlight the harsh realities and dangers associated with their once-beloved sport.
Family Struggles
As Brady grapples with his injury, his father Wayne neglects his duties, choosing to spend their limited resources on drinking and gambling. This lack of support adds to Brady's frustration and despair.
Loss of Gus
In a moment of extreme stress, Wayne sells their cherished horse Gus in order to pay for their trailer. This act deeply wounds Brady, who feels the weight of his father's indifference towards their family.
Brady's Job
To help sustain his family, Brady takes a job at a local grocery store. He also begins breaking horses in hopes of saving enough money to buy a new horse, marking his determination to get back into riding.
A New Horse Named Apollo
Brady develops a connection with a spirited horse named Apollo, hoping to build a new bond similar to that with Gus. This new relationship offers him a semblance of happiness and normalcy amidst his struggles.
Father's Surprise
In an unexpected turn of events, Wayne purchases Apollo without telling Brady. Although this gesture is meant to be supportive, it sets off a chain of complications and emotional turmoil for Brady.
Seizure While Riding
Brady's exhilaration for riding soon turns to fear when he suffers a seizure while on Apollo. This episode reinforces the doctors' warnings and puts him at a crossroads regarding his passion for rodeo.
Apollo's Accident
Upon returning home, Brady finds that Apollo has been injured and can no longer be ridden. Devastated, he struggles with the decision of whether to put down Apollo, a painful echo of losing Gus.
Confrontation with Wayne
Frustrated with his father's decisions, Brady confronts Wayne about the decision involving Apollo. This conversation becomes a pivotal moment, forcing Brady to re-evaluate his relationship with his father.
Rodeo Competition Decision
Brady decides to participate in an upcoming rodeo competition, defying his doctors' warnings. This choice reflects his struggle against his limitations and desire to reclaim his life.
Family's Presence
As Brady prepares for the competition, he catches sight of his family in the audience. This visual triggers a wave of emotions, reminding him of the stakes involved that go beyond personal achievement.
A Life-Altering Decision
Overwhelmed, Brady ultimately chooses to step back from the competition, marking a significant self-realization. This decision symbolizes his acceptance of his circumstances and the responsibilities towards his family.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Rider (2018) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Brady Blackburn
Brady Blackburn, portrayed by Brady Jandreau, embodies the struggle to reclaim his identity after a life-changing accident. As a former rodeo star with a deep love for horses, he faces physical and emotional challenges while trying to support his family. His resilience and vulnerability make him a relatable figure in the narrative.
Wayne Blackburn
Wayne Blackburn, played by Tim Jandreau, is Brady's father, whose struggles with addiction create additional burdens for his family. His neglect and irresponsible decisions reveal the darker dynamics of familial relationships and the impact of personal demons. Despite his flaws, his presence offers a complex layer to the family’s narrative.
Lilly Blackburn
Lilly Blackburn, portrayed by Lilly Jandreau, is Brady's autistic sister, representing innocence and the challenges of living with a disability. Her character adds depth to the family’s struggles and highlights the need for compassion and understanding within familial bonds. Lilly's presence enriches the emotional landscape of the film.
Lane
Lane, played by Lane Scott, is Brady's friend who has also suffered from a rodeo injury. He symbolizes the shared struggles of those within the rodeo community and the mental and physical hurdles they face. His interactions with Brady provide insight into the camaraderie and the darker side of rodeo culture.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Rider (2018), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie unfolds in contemporary times, capturing the ongoing challenges faced by individuals within the Lakota Sioux community. This modern setting highlights issues such as poverty, disability, and the struggle for identity amidst a competitive world of rodeo riding.
Location
Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota
The Pine Ridge Reservation is home to the Lakota Sioux community, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. It faces socioeconomic challenges, which are poignantly depicted in the narrative of 'The Rider'. The stark landscape mirrors the struggles and aspirations of its residents, creating a backdrop that shapes the characters' lives.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Rider (2018). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Resilience
Resilience is a central theme in 'The Rider', as Brady navigates the complexities of his life after a devastating injury. His determination to support his family and pursue his passion for riding showcases the strength of the human spirit. The film illustrates how resilience is not just about overcoming obstacles but also about making difficult choices for the sake of loved ones.
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Family Struggles
The film poignantly explores family dynamics, particularly the challenges faced by Brady as he cares for his father and sister amidst instability. His father's neglect and burdens of responsibility weigh heavily on Brady, reflecting the broader struggles within families in difficult circumstances. This theme resonates deeply as Brady seeks to protect and provide for his family.
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Identity
Identity is a vital theme as Brady grapples with his past as a rodeo star while facing the realities of his current existence. His connection to horses symbolizes his struggle to reconcile who he was with who he is becoming. The film delves into the quest for self-acceptance amidst life-altering challenges, making it a powerful narrative of personal growth.
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