Rebel Ridge is a thrilling action movie set in the fictional town of Shelby Springs. Leesville, a modest city in Louisiana’s Vernon Parish, served as the primary filming location for it.
Initially, we were reminded of John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone), while watching it. But, then this 2024 Hollywood film is targeted at the new and younger generation of movie buffs.
“Rebel Ridge”Is An Intriguing Action Movie; It Boasts A New Action Star Aaron Pierre, Who Uses Both Brain & Brawn
Trailer (Official): Rebel Ridge (2024/USA) Movie
Official Trailer – Rebel Ridge (2024/USA) Movie – Netflix | YouTube.
Synopsis: Rebel Ridge (2024/USA) Movie
In a small town rife with corruption, a former marine Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre) struggles to find his way as he seeks to post bail for his cousin. His efforts led to a tense and violent standoff with the local police chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson). It’s triggered by the unjust seizure of the cash necessary for his cousin’s bail by law enforcement. He didn’t start this fight, but he will finish it.
“This (Rebel Ridge) film is not based on a particular incident, but elements of it could certainly happen… I’m interested in examining corrupt systems — not so much how they’re built, but how they persist… it taps into our collective frustrations and, after a harrowing two hours, offers some catharsis…”
Jeremy Saulnier | Netflix
Spoiler Free Review: Rebel Ridge (2024/USA) Movie
The introduction
Jeremy Saulnier’s action-thriller features Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond, an ex-marine who faces conflict with the local police force, which is headed by Chief Sandy Burnne, played by Don Johnson. As mentioned above, Terry is an alumnus of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. There he has honed his skills in non-lethal and remarkably effective combat strategies.
Please note: We have shared the detailed story in the spoilers below.
So, Rebel Ridge reminded us of the First Blood, but
Initially, while watching it, we thought that Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre) was going to become another John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) of the First Blood movie. But, as we eagerly waited, that did not happen. As we kept watching, we realized that the Rebel Ridge (2024) movie is a smart and updated version of Sylvester Stallone’s classic First Blood (1982) movie.
Although the basic plot and theme of the film are similar, the path chosen by former marine Terry Richmond to get elusive justice is different than that of the war veteran John Rambo. Like an intelligent soldier, Terry Richmond decides to use his brain. So he listens to the brainy advice of court assistant Summer McBride (AnnaSophia Robb) to defeat his resourceful enemies.
In the 'First Blood' (1982) movie, Rambo only kills one man and as he explains that "they drew first blood, not me". Now, in Rebel Ridge (2024) movie, self-restrained Terry does not kill anyone.
We liked the performances of Aaron Pierre, AnnaSophia Robb, Don Johnson & others
After seeing the action sequences involving the tall and muscular British actor Aaron Pierre in this film, we are very impressed. His towering presence and brooding persona on screen lends credibility to the unbelievable story. Mind you, one (angry) army Terry is taking on the might of the entire police department of a small town in the film. We think, Aaron Pierre could become the next action star.
Besides the hero Aaron Pierre, we also admired the performance of the American actress AnnaSophia Robb. She has portrayed her vulnerable, yet brave character admirably in the film. Now, what can we say about the veteran actor Don Johnson? While playing the antagonist corrupt police chief, he is equally impressive.
The rest of the ensemble cast played their parts well too, viz., David Denman (Officer Evan Marston), Emory Cohen (Officer Steve Lann), Zsane Jhe (Officer Jessica Sims), etc.
Not to forget, the captain of the ship Jeremy Saulnier (writer and director) played the most important part. Not only did he write a brainy tale but also directed a wonderful action film.
The conclusion
This tale about fighting corruption holds lots of fascination. We liked this absorbing film, Saulnier surprised us with his clever and masterful storytelling in the Rebel Ridge movie.
Rating:
FM Rating
3.65/5
Poster:
Key Details:
Genre
Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Original Language
English (USA)
Duration
2 hours 11 minutes
Writer
Jeremy Saulnier
Director
Jeremy Saulnier
Cast
Aaron Pierre (Terry Richmond), Don Johnson (Chief Sandy Burnne), AnnaSophia Robb (Summer McBride), David Denman (Officer Evan Marston), Emory Cohen (Officer Steve Lann), Zsane Jhe (Officer Jessica Sims), Dana Lee (Mr Liu), C.J. LeBlanc (Mike Simmons), James Cromwell (Judge), Steve Zissis (Elliot), etc.
Taglines
Their laws. His rules. They brought the fight. He’ll bring them down.
Network
Netflix
Spoiler Alert: The Storyline & The Ending Explained
The Basic Storyline of the Movie
The hero and his mission
Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre) is heading to the jail to post bail for his cousin Mike (C.J. LeBlanc) on his bicycle. Unfortunately, he encounters an obstacle when the officers who apprehend him take possession of all the cash he has assembled for the bail payment.
It seems that Terry never anticipated this kind of troublesome situation. Years after his service as a Marine, he finds himself employed at a Chinese restaurant, striving to avoid complications. However, his efforts to maintain a low profile are thwarted when he is stopped on his bicycle by two police officers in the town of Shelby Springs.
The conflict with the corrupt police department
As a result, Terry is thrust into a chaotic scenario marked by police misconduct and the entrenched prejudices of a small community. The police chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson), is determined to undermine him, whereas court assistant Summer McBride (AnnaSophia Robb), supports his cause.
As Summer explains to Terry early on in the film, asset forfeiture holds up in court because a citizen’s money has no civil rights of its own. She even points out, amusingly, that the court document for the case will simply read “The Township of Shelby Springs vs. $36,000.”
As the situation escalates to a life-threatening level, Terry is compelled to draw upon his enigmatic ex-marine past to dismantle the department’s influence over the community, seek justice for his family, and ensure Summer’s safety in the process. So, Terry’s distinctive abilities provide him with the means to escape this dire predicament.
They brought the fight. He’ll bring them down.
The writer & director use the idea of “cash asset forfeiture”
“Civil asset forfeiture – it’s this insane loophole in anti-drug regulation that allows law enforcement to seize property from ordinary citizens without any proof of criminal activity… I thought it’d make a great premise for a movie because of how unifying it is — it pisses everyone off.”
Jeremy Saulnier | Netflix
The Ending of the Movie Explained
Terry makes a smart tactical decision and a mistake too
Being a smart and intelligent ex-marine, Terry chooses not to travel to Rebel Ridge. Instead, he sets his sights on the police station again, launching an assault on the armoury and incapacitating police chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson). However, he is soon confronted by Deputy Jessica Sims (Zsané Jhé).
Terry, believing he has successfully evaded danger by assuming Deputy Jessica Sims is Summer’s informant, makes a critical misjudgment. Consequently, surrounded by the armed police officials, he finds himself bracing for the imminent threat of a bullet piercing his body, anytime.
Terry gets a couple of helping hands
Nevertheless, rescue comes from an unlikely police officer Evan Marston (David Denman). Interestingly, he was one of the officers responsible for Terry’s initial arrest and cash asset forfeiture. Terry quickly understands that Marston is the informant for Summer.
As Terry and the police prepare for a confrontation, the parking lot of the police station starts to mirror the war-torn landscape that Terry believed he had left behind after concluding his military service. So, as an ex-marine, Terry is left with no choice but to fight back and win against all odds.
Employing an array of equipment from the police armoury and his non-lethal techniques, Terry successfully neutralizes multiple officers, capturing the ensuing mayhem on a police cruiser’s dash cam. Following this, he and Marston rescue a drugged Summer and escape, with Burnne in relentless pursuit.
Finally, Terry wins and finds a moment of peace
At a critical juncture, Deputy Sims has a moment of realization and deliberately crashes into her superior, sending them off the road. Terry transports Marston and Summer to the hospital, ensures the dash cam is secured, and takes a seat on a nearby bench inside the hospital building. After enduring some of society’s most harrowing experiences—such as civil asset forfeiture, police brutality, and post-traumatic stress—he finally closes his eyes, finding a moment of peace.
The writer & director explain the last peaceful scene
“If there’s any one thing I’m going for, it’s simply to activate an involuntary response in the audience… As far as what an audience might take away from it all, that’s thankfully out of my hands now. But I’m fully at peace knowing I gave it everything I got.”
Jeremy Saulnier | Netflix
Poster and Featured Image of the Rebel Ridge (2024/USA) Movie | Pictures Credit: Netflix.
