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.
Full review at Common Sense Media
Images courtesy of Netflix
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