As a critic with over three decades of experience under my belt and a particular fondness for gritty rural-set thrillers, I must say that “Rebel Ridge” is a worthy addition to Jeremy Saulnier’s impressive oeuvre. This film is like a fine wine – it may not be as rough around the edges as some of his earlier work, but it still offers a rich and satisfying viewing experience.
After a significant wait, the highly anticipated new project by director Jeremy Saulnier is now here, having faced postponements because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the departure of lead actor John Boyega. Stepping into Boyega’s role is newcomer Aaron Pierce, with filming resuming in 2022. Now, “Rebel Ridge” is ready for its debut on Netflix, promising another gripping rural-style thriller from Saulnier
“Rebel Ridge” signifies Saulnier’s fifth movie production and his first since 2018’s “Hold the Dark”. This new film harmoniously aligns with his earlier works, each demonstrating a multitude of his artistic inspirations. Names like the Coen brothers, Sam Peckinpah, John Carpenter often pop up when observing a Jeremy Saulnier production. However, he also imparts a raw visual style that uniquely sets his films apart. “Rebel Ridge” exhibits similar qualities, albeit to a somewhat reduced extent
In the story “Rebel Ridge”, Saulnier favors complex characters, and this film delivers with abundance. The character of Terry Richmond, portrayed by Pierce, is an ex-soldier who encounters more than expected in the small, one-horse town of Shelby Springs. Terry arrives in town carrying a hefty $36,000 cash, intending to bail out his cousin Michael (played by C.J. LeBlanc) who has been arrested on a minor drug possession charge. Terry aims to act swiftly and secure Michael’s release before he is transferred to a nearby prison
However, a twist in his plans occurs when Terry encounters police officers Evan Marston (David Denman) and Steve Lann (Emory Cohen), who unexpectedly assault him. Subsequently, they illegally seize Terry’s $36,000 on the premise that it might be drug money. In a state of urgency, Terry heads to the Shelby Springs police station in search of assistance from Chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson). Unfortunately for Terry, he soon finds himself and his cousin caught up in an ongoing scheme involving corruption within the police department and county court system
In this film, Saulnier progressively reveals layers of hidden corruption within a small town, making it complex to keep up with the numerous twists and turns. The story is filled with surprising disclosures, misleading paths, and strategic plot developments, many of which occur in the latter part. This intricate plotting gradually creates a mounting tension leading to a predictable violent confrontation. However, unlike his other works, this movie presents a less brutal and raw depiction of violence, yet it retains Saulnier’s distinctive style and thematic focus
Regarding the acting, Pierce exudes the right physical impact and intensity, yet leans towards being almost excessively stoic. Nevertheless, he possesses the robustness that his character requires. AnnaSophia Robb delivers a strong performance as Summer, a Shelby Springs court clerk who assists Terry in uncovering the truth. Although her Southern accent falters at times, she remains convincing and manages to elicit our empathy. Lastly, Don Johnson is always enjoyable to watch in any film he appears in
It’s indisputable that “Rebel Ridge” is Jeremy Saulnier’s film, as he takes charge of directing, writing, co-producing, and editing it. This movie might catch you off guard with its rich exploration of the storyline, which could be a departure for those familiar with his grittier works like “Blue Ruin” and “Green Room”. However, even if this film seems more subdued in comparison, Saulnier’s unique stylistic elements and thematic interests are still evident. These are the qualities that always compel me to watch a movie directed by Jeremy Saulnier, and “Rebel Ridge” will premiere on Netflix on September 6th
Read More
- The Last Epoch Dilemma: Confronting the Gold Dupe Crisis
- UFO PREDICTION. UFO cryptocurrency
- BONE PREDICTION. BONE cryptocurrency
- Abiotic Factor: Players Discuss the Need for Quick Character Adjustments in-game
- EUR INR PREDICTION
- IMX PREDICTION. IMX cryptocurrency
- NUUM PREDICTION. NUUM cryptocurrency
- Last Epoch: Why Keystroke Registration Issues Are Frustrating Players
- Michelle Yeoh Will Not Appear in ‘Avatar 3,’ Says James Cameron: ‘She’s in 4 and 5’
- PBX PREDICTION. PBX cryptocurrency
2024-09-05 18:11