If there is one thing that American filmmaker Jeremy Saulnier feels is right up his alley, it is how to create tautly tense thrillers. His fifth offering, “Rebel Ridge,” is a straight-to-Netflix action thriller that thoroughly needed the big-screen treatment. Saulnier’s script is familiar. Bad guys underestimating the one-man-wrecking-machine hero is a trope we have seen multiple times. However, Saulnier adds well-measured layers to this oh-so-familiar story. And he is immensely helped by his charismatic lead, Aaron Pierre. “Rebel Ridge” is an old-school good-vs-evil match featuring a hero with modern sensibilities — something Hollywood has been in dire need of in recent times.
“Rebel Ridge” does not take time to build its case. It is gripping from the get-go as we see our bicycling protagonist, Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre), getting rammed from behind by a cop car. Enter Officer Evan Marston, played by David Denman. Denman played Pam Beesly’s ex-fiance Roy in the popular American sitcom “The Office.” The subconscious mind of someone who has watched the show would tell that the appearance of Denman’s Officer Marston does not bode well for our hero. Proving that the voice-in-head is correct, Officer Marston, along with Officer Steve Lann (Emory Cohen), goes on to perform their ‘police duties,’ which can only be termed harassment. Terry, being a man of color, starts to see the unjust perils of his situation, as do we.
The two police officers find $36000 in Terry’s bag and proceed to confiscate it while ignoring Terry’s explanation for the same. To add more justification for the subsequent actions Terry will take, we learn why Terry needs the money. Or at least, $10000 of it. He needs the money to post bail for his cousin, Mike. It is the reason he has come to this unjust town of Shelby Springs. The stakes are further raised with the revelation that a jail term for Mike may prove to be fatal for him, as his testimony has been instrumental in rounding up several drug lords in the past. So, Terry has the cause and a deadline. And unbeknownst to the officers, he has the required skills as an ex-marine. Now, it appears it is about time he goes gung-ho.
But, there lies Saulnier’s protagonist’s enigma. Terry Richmond does not do ‘gung-ho.’ As “Rebel Ridge” progresses, we see the nuanced subversion of the ‘alpha hero’ we are expected to accept in this kind of scenario, in this kind of film. Saulnier has written his Terry Richmond devoid of Andrew Tate-esque vain machismo. Terry’s fury is cold, and his wrath is restrained. He does not fly off the handle. There is noted reluctance in him when it comes to getting sucked into an unnecessary fight. He is constantly on the lookout to de-escalate while evaluating the situation at every turn.
In opposition, we have the corrupt cops and a bureaucracy that begets injustice. Formidable opponent, no doubt. The villain team is spearheaded by the Police Chief, Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson). A classic villain, fueled by greed, and is perpetually on a power trip. Saulnier paints his villains with a masculine penchant for starting a pissing contest.
Along with the chief, we have the loathsome Officer Steve Lann (credit to Emory Cohen’s portrayal), who perhaps garners the most disgust. Despite Terry’s measured approach, Saulnier notes the opportunity where “Rebel Ridge” can provide its audience with the most cathartic release. Hence, we are not surprised to see a couple of extra punches reserved for Officer Lann.
Films of this ilk heavily rely on the central character’s charisma. Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond is a revelation in that regard. The commanding physicality of Pierre brings suave energy and calculated invincibility while being pitted against the testosterone alliance of the police forces. Don Johnson equally provides the menacingly villainous fuel that drives the story forward. AnnaSophia Robb plays Summer, Terry’s only ally in Shelby Springs. Her character barely rises above being a token helping-hand character to the hero. The supporting cast’s performance is apt, if not striking.
“Rebel Ridge” has another feather in its cap. And that is its dialogues. One cannot imagine “Taken” without Liam Neeson uttering the immortal “I will find you” line. Saulnier has punctuated this tense thriller with similarly simple yet tremendously effective dialogues. The conversations feel natural while carrying enough zing. Then, you have David Gallego’s camerawork as the cherry on top. Despite the familiar premise, “Rebel Ridge” rises while practicing restraint. It is measured in its actions, flamboyant in the dialogues, and deeply relevant in its depiction of societal injustice.
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