After initially assuming that a new Netflix film could be Jack Reacher's perfect movie replacement, I have come to realize that I was wrong. A few weeks ago, I came across a trailer for an Netflix movie, which caught my attention because of how familiar it seemed. Once I was done watching the trailer, I was almost convinced that the Netflix film would riff on the tropes and storytelling devices that have made action franchises like Rambo and Jack Reacher successful.

Since I have an undying appetite for shows and movies that revolve around overpowered protagonists like Jack Reacher and Rambo who single-handedly take down formidable adversaries, I was excited by the prospect of a new entry into this brand of action movies. However, when I finally watched the Netflix action movie, Rebel Ridge, I was surprised by how well it stood on its own despite adopting some familiar genre archetypes. While it does share some similarities with Jack Reacher and Rambo, my initial impression of it was undoubtedly flawed.

Jeremy Saulnier Drew Inspiration From Rambo, But Rebel Ridge Stands On Its Own

Rebel Ridge Is More Than A Typical Action Thriller

In an interview (via Rebel Ridge's main character against a small town's law enforcement, he knew "First Blood was the primary reference" he could use to pitch his finished script. However, as Saulnier revealed, even though First Blood and Rebel Ridge's initial story setup is similar, the two films are not the same.

Instead of merely selling itself as an action thriller, Rebel Ridge unfolds its story as a socio-political drama that offers a lot more than beatdowns and gun fights.

After watching Rebel Ridge's trailer, I could not help but assume that it would be an over-the-top but fun action flick that features an all-out battle between the protagonist and the police. While Rebel Ridge's protagonist, Terry Richmond, has a military background like Rambo and even Jack Reacher, his reasons for fighting against law enforcement are unique. Instead of merely selling itself as an emulation of other action thrillers, Rebel Ridge unfolds its story as a socio-political drama that offers a lot more than beatdowns and gun fights. This allows it to stand on its own.

Richmond's Battle In Rebel Ridge Is Far More Mental Than Physical

Rebel Ridge Is More Cerebral With Its Approach

Although Rebel Ridge maintains an air of ambiguity surrounding its main character's past, its opening arc hints that the central town's police force is making a mistake by messing with him. However, despite teasing that Terry Richmond can be as ruthless towards wrongdoers as Rambo and Reacher, Rebel Ridge portrays him as a disciplined man who avoids confrontation at all costs. He does not favor injustice but attempts to navigate the corrupt landscape around him with restraint and strategic thinking.

For Richmond...physical confrontation is reserved as a last resort.

While Jack Reacher is also cerebral with his approach in the movies and the Amazon TV show, he is far less restrained in his use of force. His physical prowess is often portrayed as a tool he uses without hesitation. For Richmond, in contrast, physical confrontation is reserved as a last resort. Even when all hell breaks loose toward Rebel Ridge's ending arc and several police officers corner him with guns, he uses his fists and non-lethal weaponry to ensure he does not kill anyone.

Rebel Ridge's Approach Makes It More Realistic Than Jack Reacher & Rambo

Rebel Ridge Dabbles With Relatable Themes

Apart from not stretching the suspension of disbelief too far with its action, Rebel Ridge also dabbles with relatable themes surrounding racism, police brutality, and often-misused loopholes in laws. By portraying how police officers seize Terry Richmond's money in the name of civil asset forfeiture, the film highlights the real-world concerns surrounding the abuse of legal mechanisms. These real-world parallels in the movie make it all the more realistic.

The story Rambo tells Col. Trautman about his friend and teammate Danforth during his breakdown in First Blood's closing moments was a true story Sylvester Stallone heard from a war veteran who had experienced the traumas of the Vietnam War.

First Blood, too, stands the test of time because of its groundbreaking and realistic portrayal of PTSD and the harsh realities of the lives of veterans after the Vietnam War. However, its thematic explorations are significantly different from Rebel Ridge's. Rebel Ridge also introduces other civilian characters, like Summer, who have been deeply affected by systemic issues and can do nothing about them. Even when they try to take a stand, the police officers do not think twice before framing them for crimes they did not commit. This adds another layer of relatability to its political themes.

I would have enjoyed watching Rebel Ridge even if it was a regular actioner like the Jack Reacher movies. However, I found it even more compelling because of its ability to bring something new to the tried and tested tropes of the genre, like First Blood. Its thoughtful exploration of systemic issues merged with a gripping portrayal of an overpowered ex-military protagonist made me appreciate it more than I would have if it had merely fulfilled my early expectations.