Rebel Ridge
Rebel Ridge
An ex Marine on his way to bail out his cousin from jail finds himself pushed against the wall by a high handed and corrupt chief of police. He then has no option but to confront the cop and despite strong resistance he finds allies in surprising places.
Hakihiko reviewedJune 20, 2025
Tense, Smart, and Gritty
"Rebel Ridge" is a gripping thriller that delivers exactly what you want from the genre - intensity, clever writing, and a protagonist you can root for. The pacing is sharp, keeping the tension alive throughout, and it knows when to explode into action without ever becoming mindless.
The movie is driven by strong performances, especially from the lead, who brings a grounded energy to the chaos. The atmosphere is thick, almost claustrophobic at times, thanks to solid direction and an unflinching look at themes like systemic injustice and survival.
While not reinventing the wheel, "Rebel Ridge" elevates familiar elements with smart execution. The script is lean and punchy, the visuals are gritty without feeling forced, and there's an underlying anger in the storytelling that gives it emotional weight.
A tense and satisfying ride with brains and brawn in equal measure.