As a long-time fan of gritty crime dramas and someone who has seen their fair share of police corruption stories, I must say that Jeremy Saulnier’s “Rebel Ridge” is a breath of fresh air. The movie masterfully subverts expectations, challenging conventional wisdom about good versus evil and the fallacy of judging someone based on their identity.
Jeremy Saulnier’s film titled “Rebel Ridge” has been a resounding success on Netflix, climbing up their rankings and receiving widespread acclaim from critics and viewers alike. The gripping storyline about a lone man confronting a corrupt police force builds to an intense climax, all while showcasing exceptional cinematography and a standout performance by Aaron Pierre. As a result, “Rebel Ridge” is considered one of the top movies of 2024.
Although everyone seems to be raving about Rebel Ridge’s thrilling conclusion, some viewers are still left slightly puzzled about its events and the build-up that led to it. To shed light on the ambiguity surrounding the finale of Rebel Ridge, we will delve deeper (with major spoilers ahead) and attempt to clarify the sequence of events that transpired.
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People Are Confused by the Ending of Rebel Ridge
In the climax of Rebel Ridge, Terry Richmond confronts Chief Sandy Burnne at the police station, breaking in to seize their stockpile of weapons, followed by a lengthy fight against numerous armed officers. This sequence unfolds rapidly, packing many significant plot developments, disclosures about hidden truths, and hints at corruption within the force. Given its fast pace and multitude of events, it might be challenging for some to fully grasp everything happening at once.
Many people have been left puzzled about the conclusion of “Rebel Ridge,” specifically concerning Officer Jessica Sims’ actions and whether she betrayed Terry. The speed at which Terry joins forces with Officer Martson also raises questions, as does determining who Chief Sandy Burnne truly allied with. These elements have sparked a variety of responses online, ranging from those who believe the ending was unresolved or perplexing, to those debating whether it hints at ‘copaganga’ or contradicts it entirely. A common online discussion revolves around this topic.
What Really Happens at the End of Rebel Ridge
In my perspective, what makes Rebel Ridge’s conclusion captivating is its knack for flipping expectations while skillfully employing common themes to subtly confuse viewers. This film asserts that conflicts are seldom straightforward “good versus evil” scenarios, and labeling individuals based on their identity often results in erroneous judgments and the misidentification of villains and heroes due to skewed preconceptions. Once you view the movie through this lens, the conclusion becomes more coherent.
At the beginning of the film, it subtly suggests that within the police department, someone is backing Summer McBride and her pursuit of truth, while also providing a minimal level of security. Recalling that Officer Jessica Sims, the lone female officer in the force, had assisted him in a past crisis, even unwillingly, Terry Richmond assumes it was her who was secretly supporting his cause. This misplaced trust allows him to feel a sense of security just before the climactic confrontation.
Jeremy Saulnier’s primary aim in making ‘Rebel Ridge’ was to elicit an instinctive reaction from viewers. From what the audience may retain, that is no longer under my control. However, I find comfort in knowing I gave it my all.” (Netflix’s Tudum)
The Real Inside Officer Is Revealed
Initially, Officer Sims appears to betray him, but when tensions rise, Officer Evan Marston steps in to try to stop Terry’s execution. At this critical moment, Terry murmurs “Serpico,” recognizing that Officer Marston was the undercover officer fighting against corruption within the police department. This realization shifts the cautious relationship between Terry and Officer Marston into a partnership during the heated conflict; Officer Marston guides Terry on how to gather the crucial evidence needed.
In such a tense situation, I found myself cheering on Officer Sims as they skillfully maneuvered Chief Sandy Burnne off the road and escorted Terry, along with other officers, to the hospital. Yet, it’s important to note that this action does not necessarily imply that Sims was always an ally of Terry. Her earlier betrayal remains a part of her past. This incident could be seen as navigating moral gray areas, where Officer Sims and fellow officers might have been driven by fear of Sandy Burne and his ruthless enforcers up until that point, but ultimately taking advantage of the opportunity to distance themselves when it presented itself.
The ending of “Rebel Ridge” isn’t overly complicated, but it pushes boundaries and encourages viewers to think deeply. Some people might find it confusing, but it’s not propaganda as some claim. Instead, it subtly explores the complexity and potential for corruption in any power structure.
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2024-09-14 03:02