Rebel Ridge

So, I turned on Netflix, and there it was—a new movie I hadn’t heard of, one that Netflix barely promoted. And let’s be honest, if the ones they hype are usually terrible, how good could this be? Well, let me say it’s one of the best movies they’ve released in a long time. When I saw that Jeremy Saulnier directed it, I wasn’t surprised.

Saulnier has a knack for creating films that slowly build tension, only to release it in perfect bursts. He did it brilliantly with Blue Ruin, even better with Green Room, and he does it again here with this slow-burn thriller.

As I watched Rebel Ridge, it reminded me a bit of First Blood. The way the story piles on injustice against the main character, with him holding back his reaction until the last possible moment, really pulls you in and makes you understand his motivations. Beyond the skilled direction, one big question comes to mind: Who is Aaron Pierre?

The only other movie I’d seen him in was Old, and honestly, I don’t even remember him in that. But after this performance, I need to see him in more roles. He strikes a perfect balance between the emotional and physical parts of the film, giving the whole story a sense of realism that made all the difference for me.

This movie feels fresh by bringing back what made action films of the ’90s so great. It’s simple, grounded, and focused on human struggles without being over-the-top. Hopefully, Netflix realizes they don’t always need to go bigger and flashier. If they just keep giving these projects to talented people, there will always be an audience.

Have you seen this movie? Do you want more like it?