Rebel Ridge (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The landscape of action thrillers is often populated with stories of soldiers struggling to reintegrate into civilian life, but few films address the complexity of those narratives as “Rebel Ridge” (2024) does. Directed by Jeremy Saulnier, known for his gripping work in Green Room and Blue Ruin, this Netflix-exclusive film explores the intense, racially charged journey of Terry Richmond, a Black Marine veteran who faces systemic corruption and small-town racism. It’s a tightly packed thriller that balances tense action scenes with social commentary.
Plot Overview
Aaron Pierre stars as Terry Richmond, a Marine veteran whose life takes a dangerous turn after he’s knocked off his bike by local police officers in the small town of Shelby Springs. With $36,000 in bail money in his backpack, Terry is en route to bail out his cousin Mike, but the corrupt officers, Marston (David Denman) and Lann (Emory Cohen), confiscate the cash. Terry’s attempts to recover the money through legal means are met with deceit and roadblocks from Chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson), the slimy leader of a crooked local police force. What follows is a high-stakes game of survival and justice as Terry fights to expose the corruption that threatens his cousin’s life.
Saulnier’s film provides a vivid portrayal of how corruption and systemic racism can impact even the most straightforward efforts for justice. Terry, armed with his military training and a relentless determination, attempts to navigate a system stacked against him.
Strong Performances and Direction
One of the strongest aspects of Rebel Ridge is Aaron Pierre’s performance as Terry Richmond. Pierre brings a raw intensity to the role, making the character’s desperation and determination palpable. Terry’s survivalist nature is effectively portrayed, emphasizing his strategic thinking and combat skills, honed through the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP). The film explores Terry’s military background without turning him into a superhuman figure, adding layers to his struggle that resonate with the audience.
Jeremy Saulnier’s direction stands out, as it always does in his films. His ability to create tension from simple scenes is exemplified in the film’s prologue, where the audience is introduced to Terry’s predicament. The opening scene of Terry’s encounter with the corrupt police officers immediately sets the tone of the film—gritty, realistic, and taut with suspense.
Cinematic Craftsmanship
Saulnier’s directorial style is known for its focus on atmosphere and tension, and Rebel Ridge is no exception. Shot by cinematographer David Gallego, the film features tight, claustrophobic shots during the action sequences, making the viewer feel like they are right in the middle of the conflict. The editing, also handled by Saulnier, is another highlight, with each scene building upon the previous one, ramping up the intensity until the film’s explosive climax.
The action scenes are choreographed with precision. While Rebel Ridge doesn’t rely heavily on bombastic set pieces, the shootouts and hand-to-hand combat are meticulously crafted, with Saulnier ensuring that the audience never loses track of the spatial geography during these moments. This adds to the immersive experience of the film.
Themes of Racial Politics and Corruption
At its core, Rebel Ridge isn’t just a simple action film. It delves into racial politics and the corruption ingrained within small-town law enforcement. Terry’s battle against a group of corrupt white cops in a predominantly white town brings an additional layer of tension, forcing the audience to grapple with the social dynamics at play.
Saulnier subtly weaves commentary on modern policing into the film, addressing how corruption has evolved and remained embedded within the system. Terry’s interactions with law enforcement depict the broader struggle of marginalized individuals facing systemic abuse. The film’s portrayal of small-town Southern racism is nuanced, adding depth to Terry’s plight as he tries to navigate the obstacles put in his way by the very people who are supposed to uphold the law.
Flaws in the Midsection
While Rebel Ridge excels in many areas, the film’s pacing falters slightly in the middle. The first hour is packed with tension and well-crafted action, but the narrative sags somewhat as it approaches the midpoint. However, this doesn’t detract too much from the overall experience, as Pierre’s gripping performance and Saulnier’s tight direction keep the audience engaged.
Where to Watch “Rebel Ridge” (2024)
As of its release in 2024, Rebel Ridge is available exclusively on Netflix. This streaming platform continues to be a hub for innovative original films, and Saulnier’s latest thriller is no exception. Audiences in America can stream the movie with a subscription to Netflix, which offers plans at various price points.
Netflix Streaming Services:
- Basic Plan: $9.99/month (standard definition, one screen)
- Standard Plan: $15.49/month (HD, two screens)
- Premium Plan: $19.99/month (4K, four screens)
Unfortunately, Rebel Ridge is not available for rental or purchase on other platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play. Netflix holds exclusive streaming rights, meaning it’s the only service where you can watch the film.
Final Thoughts
Rebel Ridge is a thought-provoking and intense thriller that blends gripping action with sharp social commentary. Saulnier continues to prove his prowess as a director who can deliver both thrills and insight in equal measure. The film may falter slightly in pacing, but it more than makes up for it with strong performances, particularly from Aaron Pierre, and a story that feels both timely and resonant.
If you’re looking for a smart action thriller with a unique twist on the genre, Rebel Ridge is well worth your time. With its exclusive release on Netflix, it’s easily accessible to American audiences looking for a thrilling and socially conscious viewing experience.
