As a lover of action films and someone who’s spent countless hours watching heroes take down villains in spectacular fashion, I must admit that Jeremy Saulnier’s approach in “Rebel Ridge” was a breath of fresh air. Coming from a background where I’ve seen my fair share of bloodshed and chaos, it’s heartening to see a director challenge the status quo.
As a dedicated fan of suspenseful movies, I can wholeheartedly recommend steering clear of the quaint little town of Shelby Springs if you haven’t yet watched the latest Netflix release, Rebel Ridge. Having been burnt by spoilers in the past, I know all too well the heartache and disappointment they bring. Trust me, fellow movie enthusiasts, it’s worth the wait to unravel the mystery for yourself without any major plot twists being revealed. So, heed my advice and avoid Shelby Springs until you’ve had a chance to experience Rebel Ridge in all its glory!
Since I first watched “Blue Ruin” by Jeremy Saulnier over a decade ago, I instantly became an avid fan and have kept tabs on his work ever since. So you can only imagine my enthusiasm when learning that “Rebel Ridge” was set to release in 2024. Upon watching the Netflix original, I concur with critics’ praises for Aaron Pierre’s captivating portrayal, and I believe it’s undeniably one of the top action films in recent years.
Beyond just appreciating it, I’m captivated by how the finale of Rebel Ridge goes against typical action movie norms. Join me as we dissect the climactic explosion of this raw revenge thriller, discuss potential implications for the genre, and explore the director’s perspective on his innovative take on violence.
What Happens In The Rebel Ridge Ending
The series titled “Rebel Ridge” centers around Terry Richmond, played by Aaron Pierre, who initially endeavors to secure his cousin’s release from the Shelby Springs, Louisiana jail, to prevent his transfer to state prison where he would be in danger due to testifying in a prior case. However, when the local police seize (or take) Terry’s bail money using civil forfeiture, his cousin is tragically murdered, and after discovering that corrupt Chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson) was behind this scheme, Terry sets out to right the wrongs. This quest ultimately leads to a climactic confrontation at the police station.
In simpler terms, Terry managed to collect incriminating evidence against the police force and the struggling community, but not before facing off with the officers. Rather than resorting to deadly violence (which he was justified in doing given the circumstances), this experienced veteran chose a less-lethal approach that still proved effective. In the end, he successfully exposed the injustices that had been taking place.
How The Final Showdown Defies Action Movie Conventions
Everything from the best Westerns like Unforgiven to the best sci-fi movies like The Matrix have seen the heroes go crazy at the end and pretty much kill everyone in their path. While Rebel Ridge does see Terry wage a one-man war on the Shelby Springs Police Department in the final act, he doesn’t kill a single person, though some, like Officer Steve Lann (Emory Cohen), get their faces turned to mush before it’s all said and done. And honestly, it’s refreshing to see a different approach to the “final showdown” we’ve seen in countless action movies over the years.
Terry indeed has reasons to eliminate those corrupt cops, but instead of taking their lives, he chooses to injure them, understanding that killing them would likely impede justice by preventing them from being held accountable for their crimes against the low-level offenders. This calculated decision, which preserves his own image and allows the true extent of the cops’ wrongdoing to be exposed, reflects Terry’s character admirably and offers a fresh perspective on action movie tropes, as skillfully portrayed by director Jeremy Saulnier.
Terry’s Non-Lethal Yet Incredibly Violent Approach Makes Sense
Upon learning about Rebel Ridge, I initially assumed that the film would culminate in a brutal confrontation similar to Jeremy Saulnier’s previous works, where the protagonist would resort to violence and eliminate anyone who threatened him. However, surprisingly, Terry Richmond never takes a life during his conflict with the Shelby Springs PD. This aligns well with his actions portrayed throughout the first two hours of the movie, making it a logical progression in the storyline.
In the movie “Rebel Ridge”, Terry consistently chooses non-violent solutions and even goes the extra mile to rescue individuals, including those who had previously wronged him. This selfless behavior is most evident in the case of Officer Evan Marston (David Denman), the officer who initially pulled Terry over and stole his money, triggering the entire plot. Interestingly, the former Marine Corps Martial Arts Program leader, who later left the military (as shown in one of Saulnier’s finest-directed scenes), sacrifices his own life to save Marston, after Chief Burnne shoots him and leaves him for dead.
Previously mentioned, Terry is aware of the possible repercussions if a black man were to shoot several police officers in the Southern region. He understands that such an action might escalate tensions and worsen the situation for all parties.
I Would Love To See This Approach In More Action Movies
To clarify, I’m a fan of action-packed movies, especially those by John Woo, with their epic conclusions featuring the hero annihilating everyone in a gory spectacle. However, as I mentioned before, it’s refreshing to witness a change in the usual pattern where the protagonist defeats the villain in a barrage of bullets. This is something we often see even in top-notch Batman films, where the character avoids killing to save Gotham. It’s high time we start seeing this shift in the action genre as well.
Terry Richmond’s assault on the police department is packed with thrilling action, but what makes it truly unique is the non-lethal strategy used. This creative and fun scene showcases a range of tools like rubber bullets, bean bags, tear gas, and other alternatives to lethal force, making one wonder about the possibilities when other directors adopt this approach in their work.
What Director Jeremy Saulnier Has Said About His Handling Of Violence In Rebel Ridge
Similar to other films by director Jeremy Saulnier, Rebel Ridge culminates in a significant confrontation. However, it sets itself apart as no characters meet their end during this conflict (only one death occurs throughout the movie). This choice was made intentionally by the filmmaker, as he explained in an interview with Eric Eisenberg of TopMob prior to its release, primarily due to his desire to make the movie suitable for his own children.
It often feels like change is necessary because we grow tired of the familiar. As a father of three girls, I’ve always kept them away from my movies. [Laughs] But don’t fret, Rebel Ridge remains a good R-rated movie. We understand that. Yet, they’re grown up enough now to start watching some of these films with me.
In my perspective as a fan, Terry Richmond, unlike protagonists in Saulnier’s earlier works, is a competent character, not just another ordinary guy who accidentally stumbles upon something. The director himself mentioned his desire to explore “something else” within himself, suggesting a departure from the familiar.
I often find myself casting characters who may not be the most skilled or polished in my film projects, which offers a refreshing twist. It was quite entertaining! As for the motive behind this choice, perhaps it was a desire to showcase something different from me. After all, isn’t it interesting to create a movie that doesn’t leave viewers feeling anxious or disturbed? [Laughs]… The response has been unexpected, but it’s hysterical and I’m looking forward to exploring this new direction further.
Perhaps Saulnier will keep going down that road in the future. Count me in if that’s so!
At present, you have the opportunity to watch “Rebel Ridge” through your Netflix membership. Additionally, be sure to explore ReelBlend’s conversation with the director for additional understanding as it might just be among the top films of the year!
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2024-09-15 12:07