Rebel Ridge (2024)

Jeremy Saulnier, acclaimed for the chilling brilliance of Green Room, returns to the director's chair with Rebel Ridge, a taut, intelligent small-town thriller that’s as gripping as it is thought-provoking. With a stellar cast, sharp storytelling, and a dose of restraint that elevates the film above simple action-packed fare, Rebel Ridge reaffirms Saulnier’s prowess in crafting atmospheric crime dramas.

The film centers on Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre, “The Underground Railroad”), an ex-Marine whose arrival in the seemingly sleepy town of Shelby Springs sets off a chain reaction of chaos and violence.

"highlights the deep rot of corruption but also reminds us of the power of resilience."


Tasked with bailing out his cousin, Terry quickly finds himself entangled in the town’s dark underbelly—a vast web of corruption and conspiracy that reaches every level of authority. Reminiscent of Stallone’s First Blood in its exploration of an ex-military protagonist standing against systemic injustice, Rebel Ridge injects new energy into familiar territory while carving out a voice all its own.

Pierre delivers an electrifying performance as Terry Richmond. His portrayal of a sharp, resourceful ex-Marine martial arts instructor wronged by the law is both compelling and layered, making him a protagonist audiences can root for.

Paired with AnnaSophia Robb (The Way Way Back), who brings strength and nuance to her role as a principled law student aiding Terry, the duo shares a dynamic chemistry that grounds the story amidst its harrowing twists. Meanwhile, Don Johnson delivers a standout performance as a local authority figure whose charm hides a sinister edge—a reminder of why he remains an enduring on-screen presence.

At its core, Rebel Ridge excels because it’s not a film driven purely by action. Yes, there are moments of pulse-pounding tension and expertly choreographed sequences, but Saulnier’s characteristically smart direction shows restraint, opting instead to weave a narrative steeped in intrigue and moral complexity. This approach keeps viewers fully engaged, transforming what could have been a by-the-numbers revenge thriller into something far more compelling.Rebel Ridge (2024)

While some of Saulnier’s dialogue occasionally falls a bit flat, his screenplay balances breezy pacing with moments of reflection, allowing the audience to savor the layers of Shelby Springs’ intrigue. Noteworthy too is the stunning cinematography, which juxtaposes the serene beauty of small-town America with the sinister elements lurking beneath its surface. Saulnier masterfully contrasts light and shadow to reflect the film's moral ambiguity, creating a visual experience as rich as the story itself.

Rebel Ridge slots comfortably in the lineage of films like Walking Tall and Cop Land, yet it never feels derivative. Instead, it pays homage to these classics while pushing the small-town crime thriller into thoughtful, modern territory. It’s a movie that highlights the deep rot of corruption but also reminds us of the power of resilience.

For fans of crime thrillers, revenge tales, or stark examinations of morality, Rebel Ridge is a must-watch. Well-written, expertly paced, and totally entertaining, it’s a triumph that solidifies Saulnier’s stature as a master of his craft. Now streaming on Netflix—you won’t want to miss out.

4/5 stars

Film Details

Rebel Ridge (2024)

MPAA Rating: TV-MA.
Runtime:
131 mins
Director
: Jeremy Saulnier
Writer:
Jeremy Saulnier
Cast:
Aaron Pierre; Don Johnson; AnnaSophia Robb
Genre
: Action | Crime
Tagline:
Their Laws. His Rules
Memorable Movie Quote: "Just because you was right, doesn't make us wrong."
Distributor:
Netflix
Official Site: https://www.netflix.com/title/81157729
Release Date:
September 6, 2024
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:

Synopsis: A former Marine grapples his way through a web of small-town corruption when an attempt to post bail for his cousin escalates into a violent standoff with the local police chief.

Art

Rebel Ridge (2024)