Rebel Ridge is a strong portrayal of desperation and strife, as well as the film’s ethical dilemmas in an effectively grim portrayal of a corrupt America in one small town. This is a story of the ex-Marine, played by James Badge Dale, who attempts to bring his cousin down and then fights the cop involved in the scandal. These fights between them and this conflict is presenting the audience with matters to do with traitor, betrayal and justice.
Overall there are some fine visuals and uses of cinematography by P.J. Letofsky and a deservedly grim tone where at heart landscapes are sinful. There is some nice eerie music by John Farrer which doesn’t matter whether the characters are doing things or not. Nevertheless, owing to this pacing of the film, the film is quite provocative at the same time as it remains quite suspenseful even if spectacular characters are underdeveloped in the film.
Thus, the questions concerning such values as loyalty and justice are to be raised by “Rebel Ridge,” and the spectators are to think over the material which has been made by the director, for a long time. It narrates action and simultaneously offers an opinion, which is why this film should ideally be for the viewer looking for some sort of gray area.