Jeremy Saulnier, known for his films such as Blue Ruin, Green Room, and Hold the Dark, continues his reputation as a master of the slow-burn action genre with his latest film, Rebel Ridge, now available on Netflix. Unlike typical action fare that dives straight into violence, Saulnier builds anticipation, making the eventual chaos feel all the more intense. Rebel Ridge is a definitive example of this technique, centering around a protagonist who seeks to evade violence, which only heightens the audience’s desire for conflict.
The film adopts a classic western narrative, featuring a stranger who arrives in a town plagued by corruption. Here, that stranger is Terry Richmond, portrayed by Aaron Pierre, a former marine who finds himself in trouble after being hit by a police car while cycling. The police confiscate a large sum of cash he intends to use to bail out his cousin, currently facing a minor drug charge. Complicating matters, his cousin is a vital witness in a murder case and faces imminent danger in prison. Terry is determined to prevent this tragedy from occurring.
Terry’s predicament is frustrating; despite being innocent, he is mistreated by the authorities, symbolizing the legal injustices at play. The smug officers, led by a callous chief played by Don Johnson, are fully aware of their power over him, even if he is physically imposing.
Aaron Pierre’s performance is captivating, and his expressive eyes convey Terry’s silent calculations and plans for escape. The film showcases Terry’s ability to disarm situations rather than escalate them, creating a tension-filled contrast between his circumstances and his instincts. While Terry is not strictly a pacifist, his reluctance to resort to violence builds anticipation for the inevitable explosion of conflict.
Unlike typical thrillers that allow their plot devices to fade, Rebel Ridge actively engages with themes of civil asset forfeiture, providing a commentary on systemic injustices. Terry’s journey is accompanied by Summer, an aspiring lawyer played by AnnaSophia Robb, who clarifies the legal complexities at play. While this exposition can sometimes feel heavy-handed, it generally enhances the plot’s suspense. However, the film also uncovers a deeper conspiracy within the town, adding layers to the narrative that can occasionally become convoluted.
Saulnier excels not only at building tension but also at crafting scenes of chaos when the action unfolds. His precise camera work and thoughtful pacing escalate the adrenaline level without losing clarity, allowing the audience to fully grasp the stakes. Even though Rebel Ridge features less violence than one might expect, the moments of conflict are staged with such intensity that they become deeply satisfying. The film manages to successfully blend intelligence with visceral action, setting a high standard for streaming action movies.