Summer McBride helps Terry when no one else would and ends up uncovering the police department’s corruption. In Rebel Ridge, AnnaSophia Robb plays Summer.
Summer used to be a drug addict. One day, she pawned her father-in-law’s lawn mower, and as it had a snowblower attached, she was charged with grand theft instead of petty theft.
Her husband, who had been waiting for an opportunity to divorce her, seized his chance. He filed for divorce and took full custody of their daughter.
Since Summer, who was emotionally wrecked and unable to afford a lawyer, was in no position to contest, she accepted all his terms.
While her husband tried to portray her as a bad mother, the judge gave Summer a second chance, sealing her records on the condition that she stop using drugs.
Since then, Summer has stayed clean. She now works for the Town Court and dreams of becoming a lawyer, not only to regain custody of her daughter but also to defend herself when needed.
Risking everything to help a stranger
When Terry’s money is seized by the police and he is unable to post Mike’s bail, Summer is the only one who steps up to help him, explaining everything to him.
She does not stop there. Noticing that Mike’s bail was unusually high, she begins investigating records of other defendants arrested on similar charges.
Summer realizes just how similar the records are and comes to the conclusion that something suspicious is happening, and it seems that the police are trying to keep it hidden.
Despite the risk of losing her job if Police Chief Burnne finds out about her investigation, Summer continues digging deeper and helping Terry.
Thanks to her help, Terry manages to post Mike’s bail, but unfortunately, Mike is killed in prison. Terry then leaves town, refusing to help Summer expose the police department’s corruption.
Summer becomes Burnne’s target
Summer has earned Terry’s trust and friendship, so when Burnne’s men break into her house late at night and drug her, she turns to Terry.
Summer cannot go to the hospital, as it would lead to her records getting unsealed, which would destroy her chances of regaining custody of her daughter and becoming a lawyer.
The next day, the Town Court judge receives word of her alleged violation of employment terms and makes her take a drug test.
Summer is now certain that she will lose her job. She is also warned by Officer Marston, a friend, to leave town before Burnne’s men do further harm.
Summer leaves town but refuses to back down. She teams up with Terry and uncovers Burnne’s secret. Together, they steal dashcam footage that proves police misconduct.
While Terry escapes with the footage, Summer is captured by Burnne’s men, who ask Terry for the footage in exchange for her life.
Terry then takes drastic measures, including breaking the law, to save Summer, who has been drugged again. Eventually, he rescues her.
Summer is taken to the hospital, and while her actions have helped expose Burnne’s corruption, it remains uncertain whether she will get to keep her job.
