Watching Rebel Ridge felt like uncovering a hidden gem in the world of thrillers. The film kicks off with Terry Richmond, a former Marine who gets thrown into a whirlwind of corruption in a small Southern town. Aaron Pierre brings Terry to life with a grounded intensity, navigating his character’s struggle as his bail money gets snatched by crooked cops under civil asset forfeiture laws. What follows is a mix of suspense, strategic violence, and a good dose of moral dilemmas. It’s not your typical action-packed movie, but that's actually where it shines.
Jeremy Saulnier’s direction really sets the tone here, leaning into a slow burn rather than constant chaos. It’s a thoughtful approach, and while some might wish for a bit more action, I appreciated the restraint. The movie keeps you on edge, building tension scene by scene. When things do explode, it feels earned rather than just there for shock value. There’s a lot of character focus too, especially around Terry's efforts to outsmart the corrupt system, making his journey feel real and personal.
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Aaron Pierre steals the show as Terry. He’s got this calm yet powerful presence that pulls you in, and you can’t help but root for him as he takes on the town's crooked police force. His quiet determination gives the film its backbone, while Don Johnson brings his own twist as the corrupt police chief, Sandy Burnne. Johnson nails the role, making Burnne more than just a one-dimensional villain. You get that he’s a terrible guy, sure, but there’s enough nuance there to keep it interesting. AnnaSophia Robb does a great job as the courthouse clerk, adding some real depth to her character. She clicks well with Aaron Pierre, and their on-screen connection brings a nice touch of warmth to the story.
That said, there’s a lot of legal talk and manoeuvring that could’ve been trimmed down to keep things flowing a bit better. At just over two hours, the movie does drag here and there, which could’ve been avoided with a tighter narrative. Still, those slower moments don’t take away from the overall suspense and grit that keep the film gripping.
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TSHC Score: 7.2/10
Rebel Ridge offers a refreshing take on the genre. It’s smart, intense, and doesn’t rely on nonstop action to hold your attention. It’s a thriller that knows when to hit hard and when to hold back, with performances that make it well worth the watch. If you’re up for something more character-driven with bursts of tension and well-placed action, this one’s worth your time.
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