Why did Netflix’s Rebel Ridge win an Emmy for Best TV Movie?
Rebel Ridge’s Glowing Victory
Netflix thriller Rebel Ridge stunned everyone by winning the Outstanding Television Movie award at the 2025 Creative Arts Emmys.
The film won over audiences as soon as it was released last September.
Now, by taking the top trophy at both Critics’ Choice and Emmys, Rebel Ridge proves that small-town crime dramas can be a force to be reckoned with.
Trophy Soaring
Rebel Ridge beat Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, The Gorge, Mountainhead and Nonnas at the ceremony held in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 6.
Top contenders from Peacock, Apple TV+, HBO and Netflix put up a strong competition, but Jeremy Saulnier’s story won an Emmy along with immense critical acclaim.
Powerful Story
Rebel Ridge’s screenplay brilliantly depicts the clash between corrupt police and a retired Marine in the small town of Shelby Springs, Louisiana.
Jeremy Saulnier wrote and directed the film himself, keeping the story’s raw energy and suspense alive.
This action-packed drama keeps viewers captivated until the very last scene.
Unrivalled Competition
In the Outstanding Television Movie category, Renée Zellweger’s return in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, the sci-fi thrills in The Gorge, the billionaire frat-bros of Mountainhead and the heartwarming Italian mamacons combo of Nonnas earned nominations.
Among all, Rebel Ridge stole the show with its gritty thriller.
Director’s Move
Jeremy Saulnier opted for raw realism over the glamour sometimes associated with criminal thrillers.
The unpaved streets, dusty winds and the characters of corrupt officers created an authentic atmosphere on set.
Saulnier’s vision was clear: “small town, big evil,” and he brought it to life on screen in an unparalleled way.
The magic of Aaron Pierre
Aaron Pierre, 31, portrays the untold pain of a Marine’s heart as Terry Richmond.
His chemistry with Don Johnson and AnnaSophia Robb brings the film closer to reality.
“Louisiana embraced us so openly, and I could feel that energy in my character,” Pierre said.
The flavor of the location
The entire team traveled to Louisiana to get the real look of Shelby Springs.
The culture of New Orleans and the scratch location filming in the quiet neighborhoods of Shelby Springs gave Rebel Ridge a very down-to-earth feel.
Shooting on the real streets here gave the film the raw texture that glitz and glamour films often lack.
What will the future say
Rebel Ridge is now counted among Netflix’s most memorable TV movies.
Could O’Reilly be filmed on a US tour next?
Or could a Shelby Springs spin-off series be in the works?
The question is what new explosion Jeremy Saulnier and Aaron Pierre will make after this Emmy win.