Rebel Ridge

This new Netflix film has all of the ingredients for a wonderful popcorn action thriller. Directed by Jeremy Saulnier–also responsible for Hold the Dark and Blue Ruin–it doesn’t waste any time. In fact, the very first scene throws us into the action, with two cops running our protagonist, former Marine Terry (Aaron Pierre), off the road. Unfortunately for him, they also steal the $36,000 in cash that he desperately needs to bail his brother from prison.

To make matters worse, they haul him to the local station in handcuffs. Here we meet the main antagonist of the story: Chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson). He has zero sympathy for Terry’s plight. Of course, he tells him that if they cross paths again, it will go another way. As the plot progresses, Terry uncovers evidence of corruption within the system.

The performances, especially from The Underground Railroad star Pierre and Johnson, whose claim to fame is Miami Vice, are quite strong. Additionally, the first half builds up tension well, setting us up for an explosive finale.

Alas, Rebel Ridge suffers most in this department. The final confrontation between Terry and his opponents is underwhelming. Saulnier does himself no favors here by acting as his own editor. The movie clocks in at just over two hours and ends on a perfunctory note. Because it felt longer than its actual runtime, I was relieved when the credits rolled.

All things considered, Rebel Ridge feels like it is harkening back to films such as First Blood, with our hero pushed too far by the authorities. Unfortunately, the execution is sorely lacking, and it fails to deliver on the promising premise. What we are left with is a frustratingly serviceable (and overlong) bundle of clichés.

Now streaming on Netflix.

131 minutes