Alright, let’s dive into Rebel Ridge! The plot centers around Terry
Richmond, played by Aaron Pierre, an ex-Marine who gets into deep trouble when
small-town cops unjustly seize the cash he needs to post bail for his cousin. Now, from the
get-go, you know Saulnier is pushing buttons, especially when Terry—a Black man—is harassed
by white police officers. It immediately sets up this racial tension, and it doesn’t take
long before you’re fully on Terry’s side. Aaron Pierre is fantastic in this role. He’s
tough, disciplined, but also controlled. You can tell from his body language that Terry knows
he could probably take down anyone in his way, but he’s not trying to go that route unless
absolutely necessary. He uses his voice more than his fists—until he’s forced to use them. Pierre
brings the intensity, but what really makes him stand out is his restraint. This guy's not your
typical action hero; he’s smart and calculated. Now, here’s where Rebel Ridge shines
and also falls a bit short. On one hand, Saulnier is a master at building tension.
You’re on edge, the atmosphere is thick, and the film is really good at keeping
you guessing. The sequences where Terry is dealing with corrupt cops and the
shady dealings in Shelby Springs are super engaging. You feel the weight of the
small-town corruption bearing down on him. But as the movie goes on, some cracks start
to show. At just over 2 hours, it feels long, and the plot starts to get repetitive. Characters
don’t really have much depth—they’re mostly there to move the plot forward. Terry is obviously the
standout, but the others, like Summer (played by AnnaSophia Robb), are more plot devices than
fully fleshed-out characters. Even the corrupt cops feel a little one-dimensional, which is
disappointing because the setup promises more. There’s also this subplot
with Terry’s friend Mr. Liu, a field medic who fought in Korea,
but the movie never really explains their connection. It feels like a missed
opportunity for some deeper storytelling. At its core, Rebel Ridge is a suspenseful ride
with a lot of tension and strong performances, especially from Aaron Pierre. But it falls
into the trap of being too predictable, and the big reveal—that corruption has infected
the town—is something we see coming from a mile away. While the film is competently made, it
doesn’t break any new ground. If you’re into tense thrillers and like Saulnier’s style, it’s worth a
watch. But don’t expect it to be groundbreaking. So, if you’re in the mood for a well-shot thriller
with some solid moments of tension, give Rebel Ridge a shot. Just keep your expectations
in check—it’s good, but not mind-blowing. Alright, that’s my take! If you
enjoyed this review, make sure to hit that like button and subscribe
for more. Catch you in the next one!