Rebel Ridge has premiered on Rotten Tomatoes with an almost flawless score. The film, penned and helmed by Jeremy Saulnier—renowned for his works Blue Ruin (2013) and Green Room (2015)—features Aaron Pierre as a former marine who clashes with a group of small-town policemen while trying to secure bail for his cousin. Alongside Pierre, the film includes performances by Don Johnson, David Denman, AnnaSophia Robb, Emory Cohen, and Daniel H. Chung. As it gears up for its Netflix release this Friday, reviews for Rebel Ridge are beginning to surface.
As critiques continue to emerge online, Rebel Ridge has made its debut on Rotten Tomatoes with an impressive 95% rating based on 22 reviews. Although this score is likely to change as more evaluations come in, it signifies a successful comeback for Saulnier following the lukewarm reception of Hold the Dark (2018). The Popcornmeter score (formerly the audience score) is not yet available but will likely develop once the film is available on Netflix.
Implications of Rebel Ridge’s High Rotten Tomatoes Score
Could Jeremy Saulnier’s Film Be a Success?
A high Rotten Tomatoes score doesn’t always guarantee success; films sometimes resonate with critics but struggle to connect with audiences. However, this scenario seems improbable for Rebel Ridge, considering the acclaim it is receiving in reviews. As depicted in the chart below, Saulnier’s previous films, with few exceptions, have also generally been well-received by audiences.
Importantly, Rebel Ridge is a genre film, and action thrillers often have a broader appeal than adult dramas dealing with heavy themes. Reviews commend Saulnier’s film for delivering all the intense action and thriller components expected from such a movie, while also addressing the complex issue of police brutality. In her review for Screen Rant, Mary Kassel describes the film as “hardly apolitical” and applauds Saulnier for avoiding overtly prejudiced or self-righteous dialogues. This subtlety might be a critical factor in Rebel Ridge’s potential success.
Our Perspective on Rebel Ridge’s Favorable Reviews
The Netflix Thriller Marks a Comeback for Saulnier After Hold The Dark
Jeremy Saulnier has established himself as a compelling filmmaker in the genre domain. His films are often violent and relatively confined, showcasing his ability to create engaging narratives from simple premises. Even Hold the Dark, which stands out in Saulnier’s portfolio due to its supernatural horror tone and its somewhat uneven execution, still features enough stylistic flair, eerie sequences, and intriguing ideas to be worth watching.
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The positive feedback for Rebel Ridge suggests that Saulnier has revisited some of the elements that made Blue Ruin and Green Room so impactful. Aaron Pierre’s performance is particularly noted for its strength, indicating he might be an emerging Hollywood leading man to watch. While many Netflix action thrillers tend to pass by unnoticed, Rebel Ridge appears poised to leave a lasting impression.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes
Rebel Ridge
- Action
- Crime
- Drama
Former Marine Terry Richmond travels to Shelby Springs to post bail for his cousin, only to find his savings unjustly seized by a corrupt local police force. With the help of court clerk Summer McBride, Terry uncovers a deep-seated conspiracy and vows to bring justice to the town.
