Dave Edwards’s review published on Letterboxd:
Saulnier’s First Blood
Rebel Ridge is a confident slow burn, gorgeously shot, and as cinematic as it gets.
There’s only thing gnawing at me. I should have been able to view it on the big screen. Seeing Rebel Ridge with a crowd could’ve been a treat — it’s nearly two hours of sustained tension, driven by some fantastic performances. It would go over like gangbusters, I bet.
Aaron Pierre gives a quiet, attention-commanding, movie-star-making performance as Terry Richmond, a marine railroaded by corrupt law enforcement who’ve perfected the use of bureaucratic red tape to cover up their crimes. AnnaSophia Rob (also great) gives off serious Holly Hunter vibes as a lawyer who helps Richmond expose the corruption. Standing in their way is Chief Sandy Burnne, the evil sum’ bitch who’s got the town under his thumb, played to the hilt by Don Johnson, clearly relishing his opportunity to play a reptilian villain.
Saulnier is firing on all cylinders with Rebel Ridge, continuing to find new, horrific scenarios for good people to be caught up in. There’s plenty of sociopolitical commentary throughout, but the director manages to avoid using a heavy hand and delivers several blistering action set pieces that fit snuggly alongside Saulnier’s prior work.
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