Rebel Ridge (2024) ****

Until yesterday I don't think I was even aware of this movie, but Jeremy Saulnier's neo-western, Rebel Ridge (2024), is a surprise gift, leaping right into my top films of the year list. Seriously, this deserved a theatrical release. Saulnier's previous picture, 2018's Hold The Dark (review) was also a Netflix release and it was a slight letdown (I liked it less on a rewatch two years ago) after his two excellent prior films, Blue Ruin (2013) and Green Room (2015) (review). 

The movie jumps right into the action from the get-go and does a wonderful job of giving the audience reason to root for its star. There are numerous terse and tense standoffs between relative newcomer Aaron Pierre (giving a powerhouse performance) and the veteran Don Johnson (providing a perfect foil). RR is a touch long, but makes up for it with an incredibly action-packed and expertly choreographed third act (which does feature a slightly unbelievable resolution, but one that is satisfying regardless). I'm pleased as punch that Saulnier is still making excellent films like this one.

Jeremy Saulnier Feature Films Ranked