'' The Rider '' is a 2017 American contemporary western drama film written , produced and directed by Chloé Zhao . The film stars Brady Jandreau , Lilly Jandreau , Tim Jandreau , Lane Scott , and Cat Clifford and was shot in the badlands of South Dakota . It premiered in the Directors ' Fortnight section at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20 , 2017 , where it won the Art Cinema Award . It was released in theaters in the United States on April 13 , 2018 . It grossed 3.4 million dollars , making it a small success . The film was critically praised for its story , performances , and its depiction of the people and events that influenced the film
Cannes Film Festival
2017 Cannes Film Festival
The Rider (film)