The typical Netflix action thriller and neo-western can fall into two distinct categories. The first involves straightforward generic and forgettable procedurals. Such films simply go through the motions of the genre, delivering stories and bland action sequences seen time and time again. The other involves something much darker, going against the conventions one may expect of the typical action thriller. Granted, one wrinkle can make those films stand out, regardless of quality. A confident director can bring out something new in the material, making the genre feel fresh.
Director Jeremy Saulnier (Hold The Dark, Green Room, Blue Ruin) attempts his spin on the action-thriller and neo-western in his latest film, Rebel Ridge. In an attempt to post bail for his cousin, Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre) crosses paths with the corrupt local police department led by Chief Sandy Brunne (Don Johnson). Terry uncovers a massive conspiracy in the town with a court clerk named Summer (AnnaSophia Robb). This involves Terry using a particular set of skills to get back what’s his. This leads him down a war path, which includes a willingness to do whatever is necessary.
As a director, Saulnier’s previous works involve severe brutality and darkness. He regularly offers an unflinching approach to his action/horror sequences, which has admittedly turned some viewers away from his work. Those doubters may find solace in Rebel Ridge’s more straightforward action movie approach. Saulnier makes the most of the tension, making the film an often exciting addition to the neo-western subgenre. The story’s pacing can be the equivalent of a pot on a slow boil, and once things boil over, the results become explosive.
While the most exciting action comes later, Saulnier crafts consistent tension. Besides writing, directing, and producing, he also edits the film. Wisely, his editing allows the dialogue to pack a punch. Some may consider that approach forcing the actors to take this material too seriously. Thankfully with actors like Pierre and Johnson, it’s hard not to get sucked up into their conflict. Both actors manage to sell sometimes machismo-heavy dialogue engagingly. That is especially true since the stakes and general tension build over two hours.
The problems begin to take shape when the plot itself gets into motion. To avoid spoilers, my qualms can be simplified succinctly. Certain “revelations” come off as cliche instead of impactful. In other words, audiences have seen these sorts of twists and turns told for decades in these stories. Unfortunately, the grand revelations in Rebel Ridge do not accomplish that. Instead, the plotting delivers a frustratingly convoluted story, which limits the work the rest of the supporting cast can accomplish.
Capable actors like Robb, David Denham, Emory Cohen, and James Cromwell (in a relatively brief appearance) aren’t left with much to do. Robb has to serve as Pierre’s partner in crime, occasionally resulting in a snappy rapport. The problems with her character start in her motivations, delving into an unfortunately predictable area. She makes the character engaging, but never more than the sum of the parts she has been given. While effective, Denham and Cohen are nothing more than archetypal crooked cops. That makes them the equivalent of NPC (Non-Player Characters) types that Terry has to face eventually.
Many can still enjoy Rebel Ridge, with its undeniably entertaining action-thriller sensibilities. Saulnier is much more interested in creating an unpredictable atmosphere. He starts the film with a harrowing opening sequence involving socio-political undertones, immediately sucking viewers in. It’s a creative choice that definitely helps to ground the story in a realistic way. The problem for some will involve the film simply taking its time to get to the “good stuff.”
I would lie if I said I was ever bored throughout Rebel Ridge. Pierre and Johnson give the film enough depth and palpable tension to keep you engaged. The problem is that particular character motivations and sequences feel like narrative padding over the 131-minute running time. You can see the intent being to flesh out the mystery, but the problem is that by a certain point, viewers understand enough of what is happening. Whereas the film attempts to over-explain itself in ways that do feel convoluted. It will leave some quite disappointed because what works in the movie is exceptionally engaging.
Fans of Saulnier’s previous efforts might be perfectly fine with his sometimes languid approach. Focusing on mood over the plot helps build the tension and makes the action exciting. The problem is that casual moviegoers may find that slower pacing dulls the film. If viewers are out there expecting a Jason Statham-type action film, that is not the case. Instead, Rebel Ridge is riddled with an unbridled rage via our hero that begins to take shape over time.
Rebel Ridge is anything but your typical Netflix action thriller. Instead, it’s a neo-western that takes its time to deliver what viewers came to see: the action. There is no denying its brutality and effectiveness (especially with it being delivered late in the film), which succeeds thanks to establishing an early, tension-filled mood. Aaron Pierre succeeds as the “action hero,” especially in his interactions with Don Johnson. Both actors relish the screen, which, in my view, made up for the cliched story beats. Rebel Ridge is not the action movie many may expect, but it’s hard to deny the effectiveness of its ambitions.
Rebel Ridge is now streaming on Netflix.
Learn more about the film, including how to watch, at the Netflix site for the title.
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