Rebel Ridge – Review. By Daniel Rester.

Writer-director Jeremy Saulnier’s latest project, Rebel Ridge, feels like a callback to the post-Vietnam films where veterans would take on corrupt systems. First Blood (1982) especially comes to mind as Saulnier focuses more on tense situations and character psychology than a death count. People tend to forget that John Rambo wasn’t shown as an absolute killing machine until Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985). 

The Rambo fill-in in Rebel Ridge is Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre), a former Marine on his way to post bail for his cousin. Terry is quickly detained by two police officers, who steal his money under the guise of it being a civil forfeiture. In an attempt to get his bail money back, Terry seeks assistance from a courthouse employee named Summer (AnnaSophia Robb). The two soon uncover a scandal involving local chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson) and his small-town officers. 

Pierre, who replaced John Boyega on the project, proves he has star quality. With his piercing eyes, intimidating figure, and low but commanding voice, he has quite the presence. It’s not surprising that he was tapped to voice a younger Mufasa in the upcoming prequel to The Lion King (2019). With both Rebel Ridge and the Disney film under his belt, Pierre is having a breakout year with 2024. 

Saulnier guides his lead actor and the others with his usual deft hand. The director of Blue Ruin (2014) and Green Room (2016) knows how to slowly crank up tension while providing minimal easy releases. He keeps the audience anticipating action scenes in Rebel Ridge, which builds suspense but also admittedly makes things drag in the middle. When the action does come, though, it is potent and believable in that Michael Mann sorta way. The climax is especially impressive and gives the film a boost right when it needs it. 

Cinematographer David Gallego and music composers Brooke Blair and Will Blaire help Saulnier establish a grounded feel and throbbing rhythm from scene to scene. Saulnier as a director does sterling work at staging action and getting fine performances from his actors here. His writing and editing (this being his first time as his own editor) could have been more compact though as the film is 131 minutes but feels like it’s 150. 

Johnson, Robb, and Emory Cohen all turn in solid work, but this is really Pierre’s show. Saulnier keeps his focus on the adroit and muscular actor for nearly the entire runtime, and Pierre uses every second wisely. Rebel Ridge is a smart action thriller in the First Blood mode and is elevated by Pierre’s terrific central performance. 

Rating: 8/10

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