Rebel Ridge Review: A Refreshing Take on Stoic Heroes
My thoughts on Netflix’s Rebel Ridge starring Aaron pierre
Last night, I watched Rebel Ridge on Netflix, starring Aaron Pierre and Don Johnson, and I have to say there were several storytelling elements that genuinely stood out to me. The film took a familiar character trope—the Marine veteran with elite combat skills—and added unexpected depth, making the story more relatable and human.
What stood out most was the development of the main character, Terry Richmond. Typically, in action films, we expect the stoic, emotionally guarded hero to power through without much vulnerability. And while Terry did exhibit that classic restrained demeanor, Rebel Ridge allowed him to feel, express, and even shed tears when faced with obstacles beyond his control. This was a significant departure from the conventional portrayal of hyper-masculine protagonists who rarely show emotion. Terry’s vulnerability made him more authentic and, in turn, more compelling as a character. It’s a reminder of the importance of crafting layered protagonists, especially in genres where emotional expression is often overlooked.
However, while the film excelled in character depth, it stumbled in its pacing. At 2 hours and 11 minutes, Rebel Ridge felt longer than necessary. Acts I and II dragged on with several redundant scenes that slowed the narrative’s momentum. Unfortunately, this affected the final act, which, though filled with exciting action, felt too short for the buildup created earlier in the film. Aaron Pierre’s immense talent and unique physicality absolutely shined in Act III. His incredible skill as a dramatic actor, combined with his years of martial arts and boxing training, was on full display. But despite the intensity and thrill of the action sequences, I found myself wishing for a more extended Act III.
The adrenaline-filled third act could have had even more impact if it had been given more time to develop and resolve the story’s tension, in favor of a more concise Act II. As a storyteller, maintaining narrative balance is essential to ensure that each act builds naturally towards a satisfying resolution. In Rebel Ridge, the tension built throughout the first two acts, but the third act didn’t provide the depth of resolution I was expecting. The film glossed over crucial plot points—especially the dirty cops subplot—which could have been explored further to provide a more fulfilling conclusion.
If I were to offer storytelling suggestions, I’d recommend streamlining the first two acts by cutting redundant scenes and using that extra time to elongate the third act. Adding more action and focusing on a deeper resolution, such as exploring the aftermath of the corrupt cops through a perp walk, hearing, or media backlash, would have added weight to their downfall. Additionally, rounding out Terry’s story with more insight into his military background and a glimpse into his future would have provided a stronger narrative closure.
Another critical aspect of the film was its casting. While Terry Richmond wasn’t written with any race in mind, the casting of a Black actor like Aaron Pierre is likely to add layers for the audience, particularly for a U.S. audience that is painfully aware of the history of tension between Black people and law enforcement. This is why I so strongly believe that writers should consider not only how they write storylines for characters particularly those of color, but also how audiences will experience actors of color when cast in certain roles. As a Black woman watching, the experience was heightened for me in a manner that is noteworthy and positive for the film.
Even though Terry’s race wasn’t the explicit focus of the narrative, it didn’t need to be for me to fully grasp his plight. As a Black man going up against a majority white police force to save his Black cousin, the unspoken racial dynamics added significant weight to his story. I could also sense his disappointment, but not surprise, when he incorrectly assumed that the only other Black person in the town wasn’t an ally. These moments, subtle yet impactful, are a reminder that race need not always be the central topic of conversation to influence how a story is received. In Rebel Ridge, the casting of a Black actor made the film resonate more deeply with me as a viewer and undoubtedly enhanced the film’s impact for others as well.
In Rebel Ridge, the inclusion of emotional complexity was a powerful step forward in redefining the "stoic hero" trope. It’s a reminder of the impact that nuanced, authentic storytelling can have on how we connect with characters and their journeys. However, balancing that emotional depth with tight pacing and narrative resolution is key to crafting a truly satisfying story.
If you're as passionate as I am about storytelling that brings depth, nuance, and authenticity to the screen, let's connect! Whether you're a filmmaker, writer, or simply someone who loves analyzing films through a psychological lens, I invite you to follow me on this journey of blending storytelling and mental health.
Join my mailing list to stay updated on upcoming reviews, insights into the entertainment industry, and resources on how to tell more impactful stories. Plus, if you're working on a project that explores mental health or marginalized groups, let's collaborate to ensure your narrative is both accurate and compelling.
Together, we can elevate how stories are told, making them not just entertainment but powerful tools for transformation.
Sign up for the mailing list and follow me on social media for more!
Be well Storytellers,
Dr. Jasmine Ross