Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violence, language, and bad cops in tense action thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Rebel Ridge
What's the Story?
When REBEL RIDGE begins, Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre) is on his way to post bail for his incarcerated cousin when he's knocked off his bike by local police officers, who confiscate his money. An ex-Marine martial arts expert, Terry isn't intimidated, but he needs to get his vulnerable cousin released before he's transferred to a more dangerous prison. Terry confronts the police about their actions and is threatened by police chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson), but he finds an ally in local lawyer-in-training Summer (AnnaSophia Robb). The rest of the legal system in small-town Shelby Springs seems enmeshed in an elaborate conspiracy. Can Terry and Summer get to the heart of the corruption in time?
Is It Any Good?
This tense mystery with a salient setting has a stellar cast and plenty of action but is weighed down by an overly long run time. The pacing can also feel a little sluggish in Rebel Ridge. That might be because Netflix has marketed the film around the action, when in fact it's more of a slow-burning mystery. It could be a Western in a different setting. Instead, the lush Southern location swelters with symbolism—there's something lurking in the trees and muddy rivers.
Marketing also highlights Johnson, though he doesn't have as much screen time as you might expect. That's fine, because Pierre has an intense presence, and his character is much more complex than Johnson's corrupt sheriff. It was also a smart move to cast seemingly vulnerable Robb against Pierre. They hold your attention for the plot's many twists and turns.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether Terry's actions are justified in Rebel Ridge. Does he cross any ethical lines? When and how?
What's the history behind the idea of defunding police? Where can you find more information?
How does the setting complement the story in this film? How would the film change if it were set in a northern clime, or in a city rather than a rural setting?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 6, 2024
- Cast : Aaron Pierre , Don Johnson , AnnaSophia Robb
- Director : Jeremy Saulnier
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 131 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Winner , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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