Netflix has released the official trailer for Rebel Ridge, an upcoming action-thriller led by Aaron Pierre (The Underground Railroad, Old, Genuis). The film is both written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier, known for his work on Blue Ruin, Green Room, and Hold the Dark. Take a look above.
The story centres on Terry Richmond, portrayed by Aaron Pierre, who arrives in the town of Shelby Springs with a critical mission: to bail out his cousin and shield him from impending peril. However, Terry’s life savings are unjustly confiscated by law enforcement, forcing him into a confrontation with the local police chief, Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson) and his combative officers. Terry finds an unexpected ally in Summer McBride, a court clerk played by AnnaSophia Robb. Together, they become entangled in a deep-seated conspiracy within the isolated township. As the danger escalates, Terry must rely on his mysterious past to dismantle the police department’s grip on the community, seek justice for his family, and protect Summer.
The supporting cast includes AnnaSophia Robb (Soul Surfer, The Act), David Denman (The Office, Mare of Easttown), Emory Cohen (The Place Beyond the Pines, The OA), Steve Zissis (Cyrus, Her), Zsané Jhé (Watchmen, The Hate U Give), Dana Lee (Dr. Ken, Curb Your Enthusiasm), and James Cromwell (L.A. Confidential, Succession).
Jeremy Saulnier explained his inspiration for Rebel Ridge in an interview with Netflix site Tudum: “As a filmmaker, I dig grounded ’80s and ’90s action films that not only deliver on spectacle, but succeed in tying on-screen mayhem to a real and true emotional component. Smaller scale, bigger impact. Less veneer, less artificiality.” He added, “They’re rooted in a ‘kick up the dust’ level of craft and authenticity that I don’t see often in the current space, and I was interested in making a film more like that.”
Aaron Pierre shared his excitement about playing Terry Richmond: “Just to be gifted the opportunity to play a character so nuanced and layered and complex and deeply human as Terry Richmond is undeniable.” He further added, “These opportunities don’t come by your desk every day. So when they do, you grab it with both hands, you embrace it, and you pull yourself into the character and the creation of said project.”
Rebel Ridge is set to premiere on Netflix on September 6th.
