REBEL RIDGE is a gripping, smart, highly entertaining, fast-action thriller film. The simple crossing of paths between Terry (Aaron Pierre) and Summer (AnnaSophia Robb) kept my heart fluttering long after the credits rolled. These two polar opposite actors were brilliant in their characterizations. They shine a bright light on how corrupt and greedy some smaller towns can become. It got and kept my undivided attention.
REBEL RIDGE worked so well because of the excellent writing. The dialogues were filled with the current context most people of Color face daily. The opening fifteen minutes put it all into perspective. The antagonist, Chief Sandy Byrne, played by Don Johnson, hit every diabolical chord while still eerily being too calm for words. Perfect tone and a compelling script went a long way to help suspend disbelief while emerging in a Rambo-like tale.Â
REBEL RIDGE has it all, with great fight scenes amid quiet connections between two people who just want to right a wrong and feel safe again. I love a venture where the good is truly good, and the bad guys show no remorse for their evil deeds. The film is exhilarating until the very final second.
It is streaming on Netflix.Â
