Rebel Ridge, Jeremy Saulnier’s latest feature, delivers exactly what I love in a movie: a gripping, politically charged crime thriller with pulse-pounding hand-to-hand combat and raw intensity that keeps you at the edge of your seat. From its electrifying opening sequence to its gritty exploration of systemic corruption, the film hooks you in and never quite lets go.
The story kicks off with a nightmare scenario: Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre) is cycling down a quiet Louisiana road, determined to post bail for his cousin when his world is turned upside down. Out of nowhere, a police car smashes into him, sending him sprawling onto the pavement. The tension skyrockets as Terry, a Black man, is confronted by two white officers who throw baseless accusations his way. When they find his bail money in his bag, they seize it under the guise of civil asset forfeiture, leaving Terry in a race against time to free his cousin, Mike (C.J. LeBlanc), before he’s transferred to a state prison.
The corrupt Shelby Springs police force, led by the despicable Chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson in a performance that oozes smug arrogance), is the real villain here. Terry’s journey through the broken legal system unfolds with nervewracking suspense, gradually revealing his background as a marine trained in expert hand-tohand combat. Saulnier’s take on Terry’s combat skills is both realistic and surprisingly humorous, painting a nuanced portrait of a man trying to use his physical prowess within the confines of the law—until he can’t.
The action is meticulously crafted, with nonlethal approaches that are as satisfying as any blockbuster showdown. Watching Terry expertly disarm guns and deliver razor-sharp punches is a thrill, thanks to Aaron Pierre’s compelling performance. Even without his intense portrayal, Chief Sandy Burnne and Steve Lann (Emory Cohen) bring such smugness and repulsiveness to their characters that you’re rooting for Terry from the start. Their infuriatingly arrogant portrayals make Terry’s fight feel both impossible and all the more exhilarating.
Summer (AnnaSophia Robb), a local law clerk and fellow victim of the system, provides a perfect counterpart to Terry. Their partnership is dynamic and engaging, fueled by a shared sense of injustice and frustration. Together, they become an unstoppable force, bringing an emotional depth to the narrative that makes every victory feel hard-won.
Jeremy Saulnier’s direction shines, especially during the film’s high-octane action sequences. He manages to craft stylish, unbroken tracking shots that add a layer of suspense without feeling flashy. The climactic scenes are explosive, with a shootout that showcases Saulnier’s knack for gripping, visceral action. Yet, he also knows when to dial it back, creating an atmosphere thick with tension.
The film does slow down significantly at the end of the first act. The adrenaline-fueled action gives way to painstaking legal proceedings, with long-winded conversations in cramped rooms about the intricacies of civil asset forfeiture. While these moments educate the audience and add realism, they also drag the pace, suggesting Saulnier doesn’t fully trust viewers to catch the details on their own. It’s a slight misstep that temporarily robs the movie of its earlier momentum.
Nevertheless, Rebel Ridge delivers a satisfying, cathartic ending that makes the wait worthwhile. Watching Terry triumph over a deeply corrupt system is exhilarating, and it leaves you cheering for justice. Saulnier has crafted a film brimming with electricity and gut-wrenching tension, and I hope it gets the wide audience it deserves. This is a movie you can’t afford to miss— just prepare for a journey that requires patience but pays off in unforgettable ways.
