Netflix’s upcoming action thriller, Rebel Ridge , continues to impress as it debuts its explosive Rotten Tomatoes score following the first reviews. Promising to be one of the best action movies of the year, Rebel Ridge currently stands at 95% on the “Tomatometer,” with critics heaping praise on director Jeremy Saulnier and star Aaron Pierre in this tale of a former marine who faces off with a corrupt small town police force.
Chase Hutchinson of Collider has possibly hyped-up Rebel Ridge more than anyone ever thought possible, comparing the action outing to the likes of Rambo and Reacher.
“A thriller that’s part Rambo, part Reacher, and all Aaron Pierre, it confidently rolls into town, kicks some ass, then gets out with only a few scratches here and there.”
Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com, meanwhile, heaps praise on the “artistry” that filmmaker Jeremy Saulnier brings to the action thriller genre.
““Rebel Ridge” is just a reminder of how thrilling it can be to see a genre piece with this level of artistry.”
These sentiments are echoed by William Bibbiani of TheWrap, who calls Rebel Ridge a reminder of what can be achieved when “exciting, engaging, stimulating entertainment” is done with dedication.
“A film like Rebel Ridge reminds us that you can lose yourself in exciting, engaging, stimulating entertainment while still keeping your brain completely on.”
Jeremy Saulnier & Aaron Pierre Have Produced ‘Explosive Results’ With Rebel Ridge
Flickering Myth’s Robert Kojder praises Aaron Pierre calling the actor “effortlessly cool, refusing to show signs of dehumanization even when stuck in humiliating situations. He also has a simmering, intimidation IT factor that lends exhilarating catharsis to the climactic showdown.” JoBlo’s Chris Bumbray agrees, adding, “A star-making action role for Aaron Pierre. Saulnier’s most accessible to date. Lean and mean.”
Sadly, there is one critic pouring some cold water on proceedings, with Caryn James of The Hollywood Reporter calling Rebel Ridge nothing more than “being competent and watchable.”
“It does have a very appealing look… along with some beautiful wide views of the orange-tinged horizon. Unfortunately, the film itself is as flat at that horizon line.”
Chris Evangelista of Slashfilm, however, disagrees, applauding both Saulnier and Pierre and urging audiences not to allow Rebel Ridge to get lost in the ever-growing streaming pile.
“”Rebel Ridge” perfectly showcases the skills of its director and star. Saulnier is very, very good at what he does, and so is Pierre, and the two of them working together has produced explosive results. Don’t let “Rebel Ridge” slip through the Netflix cracks.”
Written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier, Rebel Ridgestars Aaron Pierre, Don Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, David Denman, Emory Cohen, Steve Zissis, Zsane Jhe, Dana Lee, and James Cromwell, and you can check out the official synopsis below.
“Terry Richmond enters the town of Shelby Springs on a simple but urgent mission– post bail for his cousin and save him from imminent danger. But when Terry’s life’s savings is unjustly seized by law-enforcement, he’s forced to go head to head with local police chief Sandy Burnne and his combat-ready officers. Terry finds an unlikely ally in court clerk Summer McBride and the two become ensnared in a deep-rooted conspiracy within the remote township. As the stakes turn deadly, Terry must call upon his mysterious background to break the department’s hold on the community, bring justice to his own family– and protect Summer in the process.”
Rebel Ridge
is scheduled to be released by Netflix on September 6, 2024.
Check out the trailer below!