It has taken a while, but the long-awaited new feature from filmmaker Jeremy Saulnier has finally arrived following some lengthy delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the departure of lead actor John Boyega. Relative newcomer Aaron Pierce signed on to replace Boyega and filming picked back up in 2022. Now “Rebel Ridge” is set to premiere on Netflix and it offers up yet another compelling rural-flavored thriller from Saulnier.

“Rebel Ridge” marks Saulnier’s fifth feature film and his first since 2018’s “Hold the Dark”. His latest fits snugly with his earlier movies, all of which show off his numerous creative influences. The Coen brothers, Sam Peckinpah, John Carpenter – those are just some of the names that come to mind when watching a Jeremy Saulnier film. At the same time, he brings a gritty aesthetic that make his movies distinctly his own. “Rebel Ridge” is much the same although to a notably lesser degree.

Saulnier has always liked messy characters and we get plenty of them in “Rebel Ridge”. Pierce plays Terry Richmond, an ex-soldier who finds more than he bargained for in the one-horse rural town of Shelby Springs. Terry has come to town with $36,000 in cash to bail out his cousin Michael (C.J. LeBlanc) who was arrested for a misdemeanor possession charge. Terry hopes to get to town and post bail before Michael is transported to a neighboring prison.

But his plans are turned upside down when he has a run-in with two local cops, Evan Marston (David Denman) and Steve Lann (Emory Cohen). After roughing him up, the officers unlawfully confiscate Terry’s $36,000 under “suspicion” that it’s drug money. Desperate, Terry rides to the Shelby Springs police station seeking help from Chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson). But he quickly discovers he and his cousin are victims of a long-running racket extending from the police department to the county court system.

As his story unfolds, Saulnier peels back layer after layer of small town corruption – so much that over time it can be a challenge to follow. There are numerous revelations, misdirections, and plot maneuvers, most coming in the second half. It all works to create a palpable tension that steadily builds towards an inevitable violent showdown. But neither the tension nor the violence is as gritty and raw as in Saulnier’s other films. It’s a tamer movie, yet one that still features his signature style and focus.

As for the performances, Pierce has the physical presence and necessary intensity, but he’s nearly stoic to a fault. Still, he has the sturdiness his character needs. AnnaSophia Robb is equally solid playing Summer, a Shelby Springs court clerk who agrees to help Terry uncover the truth. Robb ends up having a significant role, and while her thick Southern accent is wobbly in places, she’s still convincing and earns our empathy. Then there’s Don Johnson who’s fun to watch in any movie he pops up in.

“Rebel Ridge” is undeniably Jeremy Saulnier’s movie. He directs, writes, co-produces, and edits a film that may surprise you with how deep in goes into developing its story. Those accustomed to Saulnier’s edgier work in films like “Blue Ruin” and “Green Room” may be surprised by how tame this one is by comparison. Yet it doesn’t take a keen eye to recognize and enjoy his signature techniques and thematic interests. And that’s what will always put me in a seat whenever a Jeremy Saulnier movie hits the screen. “Rebel Ridge” premieres on Netflix September 6th.

VERDICT – 3.5 STARS