Rebel Ridge is not just a gripping crime thriller; it's a film that delves deep into the intricate layers of America's social and political fabric. Jeremy Saulnier has masterfully crafted a narrative that showcases a commanding and star-making performance from Aaron Pierre. The film's themes tap into the very vein of American politics, offering an engaging and thought-provoking perspective. It's a film that empathizes with its lead and all those affected by a flawed system while also delivering some of the most intense action and thrilling sequences of 2024. Rebel Ridge is not your typical shoot-em-up, as it keeps the tension high with its incredible script and performances, making you feel like anything can happen at any moment, even if it's just two people speaking in an office. You are on the edge of your seat, fully immersed in the underbelly and story of this corrupt southern town.
Rebel Ridge kicks off immediately with Terry (Aaron Pierre), a former marine, being knocked off his bike by a Police cruiser on the way to post bail for his cousin. The cops seized his bail money, and now it's a race against the clock to get either the money or any money to bail his cousin out before he's transferred to prison, where he's under threat of attack. Terry's past as a marine and his current predicament with the police give us a glimpse into his character and relationship with the system. The cops are clearly up to no good, but they have no idea that Terry is a one-man former marine army ready to go to any lengths to save the people he loves by any means necessary. He will fight for them and have one day when the system does not win.
I would kill to have ten or even just five of these mid-budget crime thrillers that were even a tenth as good as Jeremy Saulnier's Rebel Ridge every year. It is a film that, right from the jump, immediately has you invested in its protagonist and world and tells you the stakes. We are immediately angered by the actions of the police and their treatment of Terry, and they have us empathizing with our hero. Aaron Pierre's performance is uplifting, intimidating, and just so confident. He has so much strength and intelligence pouring out of him in every scene, and you can see him analyzing each scenario. You fully believe he is ten steps ahead of everyone in each scene. I love that the cops are talking trash about his marine career because he didn't deploy only to do a little more research on him, leading to an iconic line of "He's on the Wikipedia page" Give the cops and the audience an OH SHIT moment like this dude is for real and Aaron Pierre's performance fully backed it up.
The supporting cast of Rebel Ridge is equally memorable and incredible. Don Johnson is perfectly cast as the small-town Police Chief, a character who will go to any lengths to maintain his power and use the system to abuse that power. His performance is fierce and charming simultaneously, precisely as you'd imagine someone with that status would be. Annasophie Robb's portrayal is a nice counter to Pierre's performance, and her heartbreaking performance shows the brutal toll it's taken on her character as someone trying to combat a corrupt system the 'right' way. Emory Cohen deserves a great shout as the 'Cop you hate the most and want Terry to smash his face into a million pieces' Steve. His physical body language alone exudes the persona of an asshole cop, and the way he leans into it is excellent, just a great heel.
Saulnier's direction is phenomenal here. He can stage intense and thrilling sequences like no other, and I was a massive fan of Green Room years ago. He moves the camera through several action set pieces to just movie star-making shots of Aaron Pierre, and how he holds in on some of those close-ups is incredible. The cinematography by David Gallego, the cinematographer of Rebel Ridge, is a visual treat. The film is filled with stunning scenes of fire, golden hour, or dawn, all of which stick in my memory of all handsomely being shot. The action is meaty and hits hard, but it has an incredible impact; you feel everything being landed, from punches to gunshots. It is super visceral, and no one feels invincible, which helps ground the story. Saulinier's choice to focus on a broken system instead of a few bad apples when it comes to the police and how a system that's being upheld by the courts and not having the protagonist be a cop take it down was all so smart. Sauilinier can tap into the corruption at the heart of America and highlight rural, small-town America like no other, which I appreciate.
Rebel Ridge is a relentless thrill ride from start to finish. It's a brilliant and intense thriller that unloads a clip of dopamine right into your brain. Aaron Pierre's performance jumps off the screen and should be featured or considered for every upcoming action film. Let Saulnier direct it and give him whatever he wants. Just next time you put this in theaters, it'll hit way harder than it already does.
Final Score: 8.5/10
Written by Kevin J. Pettit
A well-written review.
One correction: it's not "Saulinier," it's Saulnier.
Thanks for this. I’m a fan of Saulnier’s work, though I was lukewarm on Hold the Dark. This sounds like a return to form. Has motivated me to watch it this weekend 👌