Rebel Ridge is an exhilarating new action film on Netflix that brings big drama to a small town. Directed by Jeremy Saulnier, the movie stars Aaron Pierre as Terry, an ex-marine who finds himself in a battle against corrupt cops after they unjustly seize his cash through civil asset forfeiture. Despite no crime being committed, Terry’s bail money, intended to free his cousin, is taken away. Little does the dirty sheriff, portrayed by Don Johnson, know that Terry is a skilled martial artist and a force to be reckoned with.
The film is set entirely in a fictional Louisiana town called Shelby Springs. While there may be a real town named Shelby Springs somewhere, the town depicted in Rebel Ridge is entirely invented for the movie. This small town serves as the backdrop for the intense action and gripping storyline.
As for the filming locations, Rebel Ridge was shot both on location and on sound stages in Louisiana. The production made use of the vibrant city of New Orleans and its surrounding areas, which were transformed into the fictional town of Shelby Springs. Aaron Pierre, who plays Terry, expressed his love for New Orleans in a recent interview, praising its weather, food, culture, and community. The production even rented out a warehouse in New Orleans, where Pierre underwent training for his fight choreography.
Certain scenes, such as the courthouse scenes, were filmed in the town of Leesville, Louisiana. The local news station reported that Leesville’s “Senior Circle” was transformed into the Shelby Springs Post Office. Additionally, scenic shots of forests and empty roads were captured in Lacombe, a town north of New Orleans.
In addition to the on-location spots, Rebel Ridge also utilized realistic sets that were built specifically for the film. Director Jeremy Saulnier credited production designers John Goldsmith and Ryan Smith for their exceptional work in creating sets that seamlessly blended with the script’s requirements. These sets accommodated pre-choreographed scenes, including intense action sequences involving mud, fire, water, and exploding walls. Saulnier even challenges the keenest film-goer to discern which sets were existing locations and which ones were built from scratch.
Interestingly, according to information on IMDB, some parts of Rebel Ridge were also filmed in Los Angeles. It is possible that certain sets mentioned by Saulnier were constructed in Los Angeles for the convenience and resources available there.
In conclusion, while Shelby Springs may not be a real town, the magic of Hollywood brought it to life on screen in Rebel Ridge. The combination of authentic Louisiana locations, impressive set designs, and the talent of the cast and crew helped create a captivating and immersive cinematic experience for viewers. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the thrill of Rebel Ridge as it unfolds in the fictional town of Shelby Springs.
