Jeremy Saulnier has been a filmmaker to watch for years, but with Rebel Ridge, he's finally found the kind of mainstream success that's long been overdue. For two weeks now, the Netflix original has held the #1 spot on the streaming giant's charts, racking up an impressive 38.6 million views in just its second week. This feat is even more notable given Rebel Ridge's tumultuous production, including the sudden departure of its original star, John Boyega, back in 2021.
Luckily for Saulnier, Aaron Pierre more than filled the gap. Pierre, who plays an ex-Marine entangled in a small-town web of corruption, is nothing short of magnetic. His cool, lethal presence lights up the screen, and it's no surprise that critics are calling this his breakout role. Pierre's performance is layered with a charisma that feels both effortless and dangerous, giving the film a pulse that's rare in many action films today.
Saulnier, known for Green Room and Blue Ruin, brings his signature style to Rebel Ridge—with sound design being a standout element. The director plays with sound in ways that elevate tension, transforming simple scenes into something more atmospheric and intense. This is where Saulnier's craftsmanship shines, proving that action films can be artistic without losing their edge.
While Rebel Ridge is a triumph, it also marks the end of a long, rocky road for Saulnier, who's already moved on to his next project. Rumors hint that it might return to the gritty, oppressive world of Green Room, with the director recently teasing that he's working on something centered around music, Halloween, and “fun shit.”
With Rebel Ridge earning both critical and commercial success, it's hard not to feel that Saulnier has fully redeemed himself. And with Netflix surely eyeing him for more, we can only hope his next film gets the theater release it deserves.
