Rebel Ridge: A Modern Action Hero Confronts Corruption
Terry (Aaron Pierre), a former Marine, sells his car and his share in a Chinese restaurant to bail out his cousin Mike (C.J. LeBlanc). Mike, a former informant, had turned in several criminals, making him a target in prison. While riding his bike, Terry is run off the road by Shelby Springs police officers, who seize the $36,000 bail money. The police suspect the money is dirty, but Terry doesn’t have time for explanations. He inadvertently uncovers a corrupt scheme where the police have been seizing money from citizens for minor offenses for years.
Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in a scene from “Rebel Ridge”
A Director’s Touch
Without knowing the director, “Rebel Ridge” might not catch the eye of casual viewers. The synopsis seems straightforward, and the film bypassed festivals, premiering directly on Netflix. However, director Jeremy Saulnier’s name makes this action film worth watching. Saulnier has established himself as a master of suspense with thrillers like “Blue Ruin” and “Green Room,” both screened at Cannes. He also directed episodes of “True Detective” Season 3 and the less successful “Hold the Dark.” “Rebel Ridge” faced its own challenges: production was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and lead actor John Boyega left mid-production. Saulnier admitted the film was effectively made on the third attempt, with the budget rising to $40 million, significantly more than his previous projects. The successful final result is all the more impressive.
Challenging Action Tropes
“Rebel Ridge” avoids old-school action clichés and presents a new kind of action hero. We’re used to protagonists who show no mercy to villains, quickly dispatching them. Terry, tall and muscular, looks like a killing machine. He easily disarms police officers, uses chokeholds, and twists arms, but he avoids taking lives. For the first half of the film, Terry tries to negotiate with the police and avoid escalating the conflict. This modern Rambo is against violence, but circumstances force him to defend himself. Terry doesn’t act like an aggressor, even using non-lethal rounds, while the Shelby Springs police are ready to kill him at any moment.
Don Johnson in a scene from “Rebel Ridge”
Corruption and Power
Saulnier critiques the financial struggles of the police, which lead them to extort citizens and harass petty offenders. He also highlights how sheriffs in small, remote American counties have virtually unlimited power. The villain, played by Don Johnson, has built a small police state where he makes the rules. No one comes to Terry’s aid, forcing him to use his Iraq-honed skills in his hometown, declaring war on corruption.
A Taut and Gripping Thriller
“Rebel Ridge” is an action film without weak points. While it may not be packed with constant action, the suspenseful scenes are inventive and fresh, and the tense, ambient-like music keeps you on edge. Some viewers may be put off by the complex bureaucratic details explaining the police corruption, but others will appreciate the well-developed script, where the conflict is meticulously crafted.
Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in a scene from “Rebel Ridge”
Unexpected Alliances
Terry’s only ally is Summer (Annabeth Gish), a former drug addict who now works at the courthouse. A young mother who made mistakes in the past, she dreams of regaining custody of her school-aged daughter. Summer doesn’t need trouble with the police, but she can’t ignore the injustice. In an old-school action film, Terry and Summer would be destined for romance and intimate scenes. Saulnier makes them equal partners with something to lose and gain.
A Smart and Engaging Action Film
“Rebel Ridge” is a rare modern action film that isn’t dumb. Saulnier skillfully combines suspenseful scenes with social and political commentary. The story gains momentum with each minute, and the last half-hour is captivating. “Rebel Ridge” is definitely worth watching and could be a highlight of 2024.