The beauty of the Western niche is that its elements can be applied to any setting, even those lacking cowboys and horses. Written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier, Rebel Ridge is a modern twist on a classic genre, delivering a thrilling story with an emotional core.
Attempting to post his cousin’s bail, a former marine finds himself in a battle with a corrupted small-town police force. The film stars Aaron Pierre, Don Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb and David Denman.
When broken down, Rebel Ridge is a movie that thrives in its simplicity. Conveying a narrative that is far too relatable in today’s society, the movie is exceptionally well-made. Jeremy Saulnier’s skills as a filmmaker are on full display, allowing for scenes filled with tension, heart and visceral action. In many ways a throwback to old-school crime flicks, this is a feature that’s very easy to enjoy.
In what may be a breakout role, Aaron Pierre communicates a firm presence underpinned by subtle character work. While his character is a tough individual indeed, the acting on display allows for the development of a protagonist who is strong (in a variety of ways).
The supporting cast is effective too, particularly Don Johnson. Playing someone who could have easily been a cliche villain, Johnson’s years of acting experience ensure that he is well-equipped for the antagonist force that the movie requires. Moving to AnnaSophia Robb, while her performance is notable, her inclusion as a main player does contribute to the film’s biggest negative.
Rebel Ridge is a good movie that could have been excellent with some fine-tuning. Diving into themes of police corruption, the script feels unnecessarily convoluted. A simpler story with a shorter runtime would have delivered the same message, in a tighter package. Although Robb is a great performer, shifting the focus away from her may have proved beneficial overall.
Easy to watch and skillfully made, Rebel Ridge is a solid addition to Jeremy Saulnier’s filmography. Those who enjoy thrillers and modern westerns should certainly have this high on their list of movies to watch in 2024.