Rebel Ridge is an exciting American action thriller set in the fictional town of Shelby Springs. The Netflix film, directed by Jeremy Saulnier, explores corruption, justice, and revenge themes. The movie showcases not only an intense storyline but also stunning visuals of small-town America. Here’s an in-depth look at the various filming locations that helped bring Rebel Ridge to life.
Where Was Rebel Ridge Filmed?
Louisiana was the primary filming location for Rebel Ridge. This state, known for its diverse landscapes, served as the perfect setting to capture the different moods of the film. From bustling towns to quiet rural scenes, Louisiana provided a mix of urban and natural backdrops.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans played a significant role in the movie’s production. The city’s old buildings and busy streets were used to depict the urban parts of Shelby Springs. Director Jeremy Saulnier picked New Orleans because of its unique culture and the variety of locations it offers. These features helped create the realistic feel of the fictional town.
Some of the film’s indoor scenes were shot on sound stages in New Orleans. These stages allowed the crew to build detailed sets that gave them complete control over lighting and environment for specific scenes.
Aaron Pierre, one of the main actors, mentioned that he trained and practiced his fight moves in a warehouse rented in New Orleans. This also made the city an important part of the film’s preparation phase.
Leesville, Louisiana
To get the authentic look of a small town, the filmmakers chose Leesville. Key scenes were shot here, including those featuring Vernon Parish Courthouse. The town’s “Senior Circle” building was transformed into Shelby Springs’ post office. Leesville’s simple, small-town appearance perfectly fits the theme of hiding deeper issues beneath the surface.
Lacombe, Louisiana
Another location used for Rebel Ridge was Lacombe, a small town north of New Orleans. Known for its natural beauty, Lacombe provided a peaceful, rural setting that contrasted with the film’s more intense and dark moments. The scenes filmed in forested areas and on empty roads added a sense of suspense and isolation, contributing to the overall mood of the film.
Special Effects and Set Construction
In addition to real locations, Rebel Ridge also featured many built sets. Production designers John Goldsmith and Ryan Smith were praised for making the sets look so realistic. From local police stations to small-town houses, the sets helped to create the perfect environment for the story.
Some of the most exciting scenes in the movie involved special effects, like fire, water, and even walls exploding. These were built from scratch on the sets. According to director Saulnier, even expert viewers would have trouble figuring out which scenes were filmed on location and which were shot on the constructed sets.
Additional Filming Locations
While most of the filming took place in Louisiana, some scenes were filmed in Los Angeles, California. These likely included more controlled shots where specific sets or special effects were needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where was Rebel Ridge filmed?
A: Rebel Ridge was primarily filmed in Louisiana, with locations like New Orleans, Leesville, and Lacombe being used. Some additional scenes were shot in Los Angeles, California.
Q: Why was Louisiana chosen for filming?
A: Louisiana’s range of landscapes made it the perfect choice for the film. It offered a mix of city and rural environments that matched the story’s needs. The state’s historical buildings, forests, and small towns added to the realistic portrayal of Shelby Springs.
Q: When did filming for Rebel Ridge take place?
A: Filming began on May 3, 2021, after a delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and some casting changes.
In conclusion, Rebel Ridge is not just an action-packed thriller but also a film that makes excellent use of its locations. Whether in the busy streets of New Orleans or the quiet corners of Leesville and Lacombe, the filming locations played an important role in creating the intense atmosphere of the movie.