Life in a small town can be beautiful. The closeness you have with your neighbors and the friendliness from everyone you see every day is peaceful. Sometimes things are not always what they seem. When you start to think you are safe, you find out that the world might be out to get you, that is when things begin to fall apart. This tiny community is now something more than what you thought and your perspective changes so drastically. This tale brings you through the experience of one man and what he has to do to bring justice to his new domain. 
Riding cross country on his bicycle, Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre), former Marine, is on his way to pay bail for his cousin, Mike Simmons, in Shelby Springs, Alabama, when he is pulled over by local police patrol, Officer Evan Marston (David Denman) and Officer Steve Lann (Emory Cohen). Things begin to become uncomfortable for Terry, as the officers begin to go through his things and locate that he has 36,000 dollars in cash. Needing this money to save his cousin, Richmond is now in serious trouble as his property has now been seized and his chances of saving his cousin have truly been sabotaged.
When Mr. Richmond reaches out to the local police in hopes of getting his money back, he finds out his issue goes all the way to the top. Fearing the wrath of the police Chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson), Terry feels that his cousin’s life is now in danger. Now needing some help, Terry reaches out to Summer McBride (AnnaSophia Robb), studying to pass the bar and currently working at the clerk’s office of the circuit court of Shelby Springs, who is also looking for help to finally bring justice to the corruptness affecting her town.
Director and writer Jeremy Saulnier puts together a story that shows strong racial actions from the police force in a small local town. His premise is to present that they are finding a way to resolve the cost to keep the force running, so they can protect and serve their community. He does a good job driving the story through the narrative and does a great job building the intensity that develops into this action filled climax. He includes excellent fighting scenes that advances the main character’s journey through the rough road to recover his justice.
In today’s society discrimination is still present, this story displays how things can get out of hand quickly and the power one man could have with the special training from the Marines. This entertaining, action film goes a long way showing that violence can go wrong quickly.
Final Comment: I based my grade on the detailed storyline and the wonderful performance from the cast.
Stars 3.5 out of 5
Additional Film Information
Cast: Aaron Pierre, Don Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, and James Cromwell.
Directed and Written by: Jeremy Saulnier
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
MPAA Rating: No Rating.
Running Time: 2 hours and 11 minutes.
Release Date: September 6, 2024
Distributed By: Netflix
Release In: Currently Streaming on Netflix