Jeremy Saulnier’s newest release, ‘Rebel Ridge’ (2024) is one intense film that doesn’t hold back. This is a mean and dirty vengeance story set in the grand state of Louisiana. There is just a classic corrupt cop vs innocent man story here, but some of this gets turned up. There is some sleek combat throughout the film that really shows how action is not dead in this day and age. ‘Rebel Ridge’ (2024) is an out of no where movie for me, but it’s must say it was such a delight to watch. There is a lot going on in this film, but it’s worth the watch for sure. 

There is a comparison to another movie that is undeniable. Even the director, Jeremy Saulnier couldn’t refute how closely this is to ‘First Blood’ (1982). The Stallone classic follows a Vietnam veteran who gets caught up in a small town and the police give him a rough time. Little do they know, Stallone’s character is one mean machine. That is almost a cut and paste for ‘Rebel Ridge’ (2024), just with a little extra jazz going on. The style of story is a pretty classic one, and it unfortunately isn’t out of the realm of reality. The cool thing about ‘Rebel Ridge’ (2024) is that we get to see a little bit more of the motivations from the police, and how their backs are to the wall in a different sense. Great filmmakers will always take from greater films, and this is a perfect example.

The combat in this film is pretty incredible. There are no fast cuts or choppy edits to hide the combat. It’s right in the front of the screen, for all to see. When Aaron Pierre’s character first faces off with Donzig Johnson’s, it’s clear that the action is going to be there. With a fantastic hand to hand scene when neither Johnson nor Cohen can get the upper hand. The entire shot is framed in center and lets everything just play out. Even by the end of the film, there is a pretty intense shoot out the works for the ages. The following Chase that ensues the fire fight helps conclude the film nicely. This is how action and combat can be done well in cinema today.  

Director, Jeremy Saulnier, is one of the sharpest contemporary directors out there now. One film that I have always recommended to anyone who needs a recommendation is Saulnier’s ‘Green Room’ (2015). Even his earlier film, ‘Blue Ruin’ (2013) is a slow burn, but intense film about vengeance, similar to ‘Rebel Ridge’ (2024). Saulnier falls into a group of these contemporary directors like S. Craig Zahler and Scott Cooper, where they manage to work their way into a legendary career, even if they only have a few films. Saulnier is definitely someone who has such a strong presence while making a movie. The stories he writes are intense but not thoughtless, and the way he films suspense is fantastic. Saulnier is definitely someone to keep an eye on in the coming years. I can’t wait to see what he makes next. 

The week building up to this release I was getting more and more excited. I didn’t even know about it until then, but oh boy was I not let down. ‘Rebel Ridge’ (2024) is such a strong outing for Jeremy Saulnier, and though it isn’t his best, it’s still some strong work. The cast is fantastic with one another, and the script that’s given to them helps carry it. Sure, there are a few issues, and we all know the biggest one. The movie ran a bit long in the tooth, and could have used a bit more help on the cutting room floor. However, that doesn’t mean this movie isn’t worth a watch. ‘Rebel Ridge’ (2024) is going to be looked back upon as one mean classic for sure.