Directed by
Jeremy Saulnier
Made by
Bonneville Pictures
Terry Richmond, a determined Marine Corps veteran, arrives in the quaint town of Shelby Springs, Louisiana with a mission. His objective is straightforward: to post bail for his cousin, Mike Simmons, and acquire a pickup truck to help them start anew in their lives. However, Terry’s endeavor takes a swift turn when he finds himself intercepted by the police, specifically officers Evan Marston and Steve Lann. They illegally seize his hard-earned $36,000 cash through civil forfeiture, despite the funds being completely legitimate.
Struggling for support, Terry approaches the courthouse, only to be turned away by the clerk, Elliot, who offers no assistance in his troubling situation. Fortunately, another courthouse employee, Summer McBride, promises to assist by preparing the necessary paperwork, provided Terry can muster the $10,000 required for Mike’s bail before his impending transfer to state prison, where danger looms due to his knowledge of a gangster’s activities. In a pursuit to secure his cousin’s safety, Terry heads to the police station to file a report regarding his stolen cash. Unfortunately, he faces hostility from both Jessica Sims and Chief Sandy Burnne, who refuse to help and dismiss his claims, advising him to return on Monday to resolve the issue.
Determined, Terry returns to the station that Monday, only to be met with devastating news: the bus transporting Mike has already departed. Racing against time, Terry catches up to Mike on his bike, urgently advising him to stay safe until he can arrange bail. In a desperate attempt to reach out for help, he contacts his former business partner, Mr. Liu, but learns that police have shut down his restaurant and he is unable to send money. Heartbroken and frustrated, Terry returns to the station to reiterate his offer for bail. However, Chief Burnne, despite acknowledging the reasonableness of his request, flatly refuses to cooperate.
In a daring act of defiance, Terry, trained in close-quarters combat, subdues Lann and Burnne, compelling Sims to hand over the bail funds, which he ultimately manages to use, with Summer’s steadfast assistance, to secure his cousin’s release. However, his efforts are not enough to ensure his own freedom, as he finds himself detained once more.
Taken to a hospital by officers Marston and Burnne, Terry learns the heartbreaking news that Mike has been fatally stabbed after being processed in the prison system. In a moment of despair, Burine offers Terry a deal: the remaining balance of $26,000, the truck he had hoped to buy, and a promise of no charges if he simply leaves town. Torn by grief, Terry accepts but soon learns from hospital staff of Mike’s death. As he prepares to depart in the evening, he receives a call from Summer, who, having been drugged by the police, is in trouble and needs his help.
In a turn of events the following day, Summer is at risk of losing custody of her child due to a mandated urine test after being informed of her drug use. Terry, amidst his own struggles, finds himself flagged down by Lann, who unexpectedly shoots him after throwing a gun into his car. Managing to escape, Terry regroups with Summer at Liu’s restaurant, where Liu, a skilled medic from his days as a Chinese soldier in the Korean War, attends to Terry’s wounds.
As the night unfolds, Terry and Summer confront Elliot and the judge, who reveal a shocking cover-up that aims to circumvent transparency laws brought about by a legal settlement that nearly bankrupted their town. They discover that individuals can be held for 90 days due to minor misdemeanors, with no access to public defenders to fight for the retrieval of crucial police dashcam footage before it is erased. In a bold move, Terry and Summer infiltrate the courthouse basement, successfully retrieving the vital SD cards just as law enforcement arrives and sets a fire in the building. While Terry escapes, Summer is captured while trying to destroy her urine sample.
In a tense standoff, Terry and Lann orchestrate a plan for a swap: Summer for the SD cards at Rebel Ridge the next morning. As armed police await the exchange, Terry crashes the truck into the police station, taking Burnne by surprise. Trusting Sims, whom he believes to embody the spirit of “Serpico,” he hands her a loaded gun. However, Sims turns the tables and detains Terry just as law enforcement returns to the scene. In a turn of events, Lann destroys the SD cards and reveals that Summer is in critical danger of overdosing. In a shootout, Marston is injured, prompting a frantic realization for Terry as Marston urges him to activate the police cruiser siren to preserve the dashcam footage.
In an adrenaline-fueled escape, Terry flees with Marston and Summer as the police give chase. Just as chaos ensues, Sims takes decisive action by thwarting Burnne’s vehicle, leading to her detaining him as covering officers escort them to the hospital. While Marston and Summer receive treatment, Terry remains to secure the incriminating dashcam footage and find a means to bring their harrowing ordeal to justice, sitting quietly in the hallway as the dust begins to settle on this tumultuous chapter.
Terry Arrives in Shelby Springs
Terry Richmond, a Marine Corps veteran, arrives in Shelby Springs, Louisiana, with the intention to post bail for his cousin Mike Simmons. He is also looking to buy a pickup truck to help start a new life for both of them, away from their troubled past.
Civil Forfeiture by Police
Terry's plans quickly go awry when he is rammed by police officers Evan Marston and Steve Lann. They seize his legitimate $36,000 under civil forfeiture, despite Terry's attempts to explain the situation.
Help from Summer McBride
At the courthouse, clerk Elliot refuses to help Terry with the necessary paperwork for Mike's bail. However, another employee, Summer McBride, agrees to prepare the forms if Terry can gather the required $10,000.
Desperate Plea at the Police Station
Terry goes to the police station to report the cash as stolen. However, he is met with hostility from Officer Jessica Sims and police chief Sandy Burnne, who dismiss his concerns and advise him to return later.
Race Against Time
On Monday, Terry learns that the bus transferring Mike to state prison has already left. In a frantic race, he catches up to Mike, warning him to stay safe until he can post bail.
Failed Attempts for Help
Terry tries to reach out to his former business partner, Liu, for financial assistance but learns that Liu's restaurant has been raided by the police. He returns to the station but is once again rebuffed by Chief Burnne.
Confrontation with the Police
In a tense confrontation, Terry, a close-quarters combat expert, subdues Lann and Burnne, forcing Sims to give back the bail money. He uses this opportunity to escape, aided by Summer.
Tragic News at the Hospital
After being captured again, Terry is taken to the hospital, where he learns that Mike has been stabbed after processing. In exchange for his freedom, he is offered the remaining money and the truck, which he reluctantly accepts.
Summer in Danger
Later that night, Terry receives a disturbing call from Summer, who has been drugged by the police. Despite his exhaustion, he decides to return to help her, understanding the dire situation she's in.
Uncovering the Cover-up
Terry and Summer confront clerks Elliot and the judge, uncovering a local cover-up involving detainees held for misdemeanors without legal representation. They discover that police dashcam footage is being withheld.
Escape with Evidence
In a daring move, Terry and Summer break into the courthouse basement to retrieve vital evidence before the police arrive. In the chaos, Summer is captured while trying to dispose of her drug test sample.
Terry's Daring Rescue Plan
To secure Summer's freedom, Terry arranges a swap for the evidence footage at Rebel Ridge. As they prepare for the exchange, tension rises and dangerous complications arise.
Betrayal and Escalation
During the swap, Lann destroys the evidence footage and reveals that Summer is in danger of an overdose. A desperate Terry is forced to confront the unethical actions of the police and fight for their survival.
The Fight for Justice
In a climactic confrontation, Terry engages the police to rescue Summer and save Marston, who is gravely injured. With bold actions and quick thinking, they navigate through chaos to secure their escape.
Secure the Incriminating Footage
Terry manages to recover the important dashcam footage, which holds the key to exposing the corruption. As he waits anxiously in the hospital, he hopes for justice for both himself and Summer.
Terry Richmond
Terry Richmond is a Marine Corps veteran driven by loyalty and the desire to protect his family, particularly his cousin Mike. His resourcefulness and combat skills come to the forefront as he confronts corrupt officials and navigates a perilous situation. Despite facing overwhelming odds, Terry's commitment to justice fuels his actions throughout the film.
Chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson)
Chief Sandy Burnne embodies the abuses of authority within the police force. His character represents the corruption and moral decay present in law enforcement, as he prioritizes power over justice. Burnne's violent tendencies and willingness to threaten others showcase the dangers of unchecked authority.
Summer McBride (AnnaSophia Robb)
Summer McBride is portrayed as a resourceful and compassionate ally to Terry. Her character's involvement in the quest for justice highlights her resilience and determination to confront the injustices faced by those around her, despite her own struggles. Summer serves as both a survivor and an advocate, willing to risk her safety for others.
Officer Evan Marston (David Denman)
Officer Evan Marston initially appears as part of the oppressive system but undergoes a change that repositions him as a key ally for Terry. His internal conflict and ultimate decision to assist reveal the complexities within law enforcement and the possibility of redemption through courage and empathy.
Time period
The events of the movie take place in contemporary times, reflecting current societal issues such as police misconduct, civil forfeiture, and the quest for justice. This time period serves as a critical lens to examine the failures within the law enforcement and judicial systems.
Location
Shelby Springs, Louisiana
Shelby Springs is a town in Louisiana, known for its small-town charm and complex social dynamics. The town is a backdrop for personal struggles and legal corruption, highlighting the challenges faced by its residents, especially those entangled in the justice system.
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Justice
Justice is a central theme in 'Rebel Ridge', as the protagonist, Terry Richmond, navigates a corrupt legal system to save his cousin and expose the injustices faced by the community. The film explores the lengths one must go to in order to reclaim what is rightfully theirs, and the sacrifices made for the pursuit of fairness.
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Corruption
Corruption permeates the film, showcasing the abuse of power by law enforcement and the consequences for those who dare to challenge it. As Terry uncovers the murky dealings behind the town's judicial practices, the narrative sheds light on the systemic issues that allow such corruption to flourish.
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Courage
Courage is depicted through Terry's determination to fight against a system that preys on the vulnerable. The film illustrates the bravery required to stand up against injustice, even in the face of personal danger and societal obstacles.
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