Rebel Ridge (2024) : “Tense Moments, but the Story Stays on a Well-Worn Path.”

 

Director: Jeremy Saulnier

Starring: Aaron Pierre, Don Johnson, David Denman, Emory Cohen, Annasophia Robb, Zsane Jhe

Producers: Anish Savjani, Neil Kopp, Vincent Savino, Jeremy Saulnier

Music: Brooke Blair, Will Blair

Cinematography: Magnus Nordenhof Jønck

Genre: Thriller, Action

Language: English

Runtime: 2 hours 11 minutes

OTT: Netflix

Release Date: 2024-09-01

Plot

“Rebel Ridge” follows Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre), a Marine veteran with training in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP). As Terry travels to a small town in the South to bail out his cousin, Mike (C.J. LeBlanc), he encounters corrupt law enforcement officers who rob him of the money meant for Mike’s bail. Terry finds himself in a battle with the local police as he uncovers secrets about the town while trying to resolve his cousin’s situation. Amidst racial tensions and personal vengeance, Terry fights for justice in a system designed to oppress him.

Performances

Aaron Pierre: 

Pierre gives a solid, restrained performance as Terry Richmond, effectively portraying the character’s internal struggle with racial tensions and his calculated use of martial arts skills. His intense screen presence carries much of the film’s emotional weight.

Don Johnson: 

As Chief Sandy Burnne, Johnson plays his part convincingly, reprising a familiar role of authority with underlying corruption. His nuanced performance adds menace to the film.

Annasophia Robb: 

Robb’s portrayal of Summer McBride brings depth to the character. She serves as a crucial ally to Terry, offering a balance to the otherwise intense storyline.

Zsane Jhe: 

Playing Officer Jessica Sims, Jhe portrays a complex character navigating her position in a corrupt police force. Her role adds dimension to the racial dynamics within the film.

Technical Aspects

Director: 

Jeremy Saulnier’s direction is competent but lacks innovation. His handling of action sequences is clear and effective, but the film’s potential for deeper commentary on racial politics remains unexplored, making it feel like a missed opportunity.

Music Director:

Brooke Blair and Will Blair provide a subtle, moody score that complements the film’s dark tone. However, it doesn’t stand out as a memorable element and feels more like a background filler.

Cinematography: 

Magnus Nordenhof Jønck captures the small-town setting with precision, emphasizing the isolation of Terry’s world. While the visuals are clean and effective, the cinematography doesn’t elevate the tension or atmosphere to another level. It remains functional without adding a distinct style to the film.

Editor: 

The editing is consistent, maintaining a steady pace throughout the film. However, it misses the opportunity to heighten suspense or provide more impactful moments in key scenes.

Production Values: 

The production design is functional, with realistic locations and decent set design, but it remains rather unremarkable. There’s nothing particularly innovative in terms of visual effects or set pieces that leave a lasting impression.

Strengths

Aaron Pierre’s strong performance.

Well-coordinated and clean action sequences.

Nuanced character dynamics, especially between Terry and Summer McBride.

Weaknesses

Predictable plot with little originality.

Racial themes feel underdeveloped.

Action lacks the visceral impact that would make it stand out.

My Personal Take on Cinema

“Rebel Ridge” feels like a film that had the potential to be much more. While Aaron Pierre delivers a compelling performance, the film ultimately relies on too many familiar tropes, leaving its racial commentary underexplored. The direction and technical elements are solid but fail to push boundaries, resulting in a competent yet unremarkable thriller. For all its efforts to showcase a veteran’s struggle, the film falls short in delivering a truly memorable or impactful story.

Rating: 

2.75/5