After initially assuming that a new Netflix film could beRamboandJack Reacher’s perfect movie replacement, I have come to realize that I was wrong. A few weeks ago, I came across a trailer for an upcoming Netflix movie, which caught my attention because of how familiar it seemed. Once I was done watching the trailer, I was almost convinced that the Netflix film would riff on the tropes and storytelling devices that have made action franchises likeRamboandJack Reachersuccessful.
Since I have an undying appetite for shows and movies that revolve around overpowered protagonists likeJack ReacherandRambowho single-handedly take down formidable adversaries, I was excited by the prospect of a new entry into this brand of action movies. However, when I finally watched theNetflix action movie,Rebel Ridge, I was surprised by how well it stood on its own despite adopting some familiar genre archetypes. While it does share some similarities withJack ReacherandRambo, my initial impression of it was undoubtedly flawed.
Jeremy Saulnier Drew Inspiration From Rambo, But Rebel Ridge Stands On Its Own
Rebel Ridge Is More Than A Typical Action Thriller
In an interview (viaPolygon),director Jeremy Saulnieropened up about what inspired him to write and helmRebel Ridge. He revealed that he initially hadClint Eastwood’s Man With No Namein mind when he initially started working on the film’s script. Once he figured out he would be pittingRebel Ridge’s main characteragainst a small town’s law enforcement,he knew “First Bloodwas the primary reference” he could use to pitch his finished script. However, as Saulnier revealed, even thoughFirst BloodandRebel Ridge’s initial story setup is similar, the two films are not the same.
Instead of merely selling itself as an action thriller,Rebel Ridgeunfolds its story as a socio-political drama that offers a lot more than beatdowns and gun fights.
After watchingRebel Ridge’s trailer, I could not help but assume that it would be an over-the-top but fun action flick that features an all-out battle between the protagonist and the police. WhileRebel Ridge’s protagonist, Terry Richmond, has a military background like Rambo and even Jack Reacher, his reasons for fighting against law enforcement are unique. Instead of merely selling itself as an emulation of other action thrillers,Rebel Ridgeunfolds its story as a socio-political drama that offers a lot more than beatdowns and gun fights. This allows it to stand on its own.
Richmond’s Battle In Rebel Ridge Is Far More Mental Than Physical
Rebel Ridge Is More Cerebral With Its Approach
AlthoughRebel Ridgemaintains an air of ambiguity surrounding its main character’s past, its opening arc hints that the central town’s police force is making a mistake by messing with him. However, despite teasing that Terry Richmond can be as ruthless towards wrongdoers as Rambo and Reacher,Rebel Ridgeportrays him as a disciplined man who avoids confrontation at all costs. He does not favor injustice but attempts to navigate the corrupt landscape around him with restraint and strategic thinking.
For Richmond…physical confrontation is reserved as a last resort.
While Jack Reacher is also cerebral with his approach in the movies and the Amazon TV show, he is far less restrained in his use of force. His physical prowess is often portrayed as a tool he uses without hesitation. For Richmond, in contrast,physical confrontation is reserved as a last resort. Even when all hell breaks loose towardRebel Ridge’s endingarc and several police officers corner him with guns, he uses his fists and non-lethal weaponry to ensure he does not kill anyone.
Rebel Ridge’s Approach Makes It More Realistic Than Jack Reacher & Rambo
Rebel Ridge Dabbles With Relatable Themes
Apart from not stretching the suspension of disbelief too far with its action,Rebel Ridgealso dabbles with relatable themes surrounding racism, police brutality, and often-misused loopholes in laws. By portraying how police officers seize Terry Richmond’s money in the name of civil asset forfeiture,the film highlights the real-world concerns surrounding the abuse of legal mechanisms. These real-world parallels in the movie make it all the more realistic.
The story Rambo tells Col. Trautman about his friend and teammate Danforth during his breakdown inFirst Blood’s closing moments was a true story Sylvester Stallone heard from a war veteran who had experienced the traumas of the Vietnam War.
First Blood, too, stands the test of time because of its groundbreaking and realistic portrayal of PTSDand the harsh realities of the lives of veterans after the Vietnam War. However, its thematic explorations are significantly different fromRebel Ridge’s.Rebel Ridgealso introduces other civilian characters, like Summer, who have been deeply affected by systemic issues and can do nothing about them. Even when they try to take a stand, the police officers do not think twice before framing them for crimes they did not commit. This adds another layer of relatability to its political themes.
Directed & Written by
2 hours 11 minutes
95%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
78%
I would have enjoyed watchingRebel Ridgeeven if it was a regular actioner like theJack Reachermovies. However, I found it even more compelling because of its ability to bring something new to the tried and tested tropes of the genre, likeFirst Blood. Its thoughtful exploration of systemic issues merged with a gripping portrayal of an overpowered ex-military protagonist made me appreciate it more than I would have if it had merely fulfilled my early expectations.
Rebel Ridge
Former Marine Terry Richmond travels to Shelby Springs to post bail for his cousin, only to find his savings unjustly seized by a corrupt local police force. With the help of court clerk Summer McBride, Terry uncovers a deep-seated conspiracy and vows to bring justice to the town.
