Netflix recently released the trailer for The Rip, a gritty crime drama starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck as Miami policemen whose lives spiral after uncovering a large sum of money in a stash house. As viewers eagerly await the film’s premiere, fans would do well to revisit one of Affleck’s lesser-known thrillers available on the same streaming platform, showcasing his strong performances in a tense, character-driven story.
Exploring the Complex Themes in ‘Triple Frontier’
Triple Frontier is a 2019 action film that dives deep into themes of morality and greed through the story of former Special Forces operatives reuniting for a high-stakes mission. Set in a volatile multi-border area of South America, the team plans to steal millions, but their scheme quickly goes awry, forcing them to fight for survival while loyalty between friends is strained.
Critics praised the film for its ambitious plot and strong performances, with Rotten Tomatoes awarding it a 71% approval rating. The cast includes Ben Affleck alongside Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Pedro Pascal, Adria Arjona, and Garrett Hedlund. Though the movie has flaws, it delivers an emotional impact by portraying how fear and greed can fracture bonds even among trusted allies.
The Enduring Partnership of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon
Just like Triple Frontier, The Rip brings together a talented ensemble cast featuring diverse performers such as Oscar nominee Steven Yeun and singer-songwriter Teyana Taylor. Longtime collaborators Affleck and Damon reunite on screen alongside actors Nestor Carbonell, Kyle Chandler, Scott Adkins, Sasha Calle, and Catalina Sandino Moreno, reinforcing their well-known professional chemistry.
Director Joe Carnahan revealed in an interview with Tudum that The Rip is inspired by a deeply personal story from a Miami-Dade Police Department officer he knows. Carnahan shared,
“It’s inspired in part by his life, and then, by my enduring love for those classic ‘70’s cop thrillers that really valued the character and interpersonal relationships and became touchstones of that era — films like Serpico and Prince of The City and more recently, Michael Mann’s Heat.”
He praised Affleck and Damon as exceptionally talented filmmakers and creative partners who supported his vision continuously, calling the shooting experience one of the easiest in his career.
The film is also produced by Artists Equity, the production company founded by Affleck and Damon in 2022 after decades of collaboration. Damon reflected on their partnership saying,
“I was like, what are we doing, man? Both of us, this is what we love to do more than anything,”
and added,
“The only thing better is doing it together, in any capacity, whether he’s directing or whether we’re acting together or whether we’re producing together, or whether we’re just facilitating for other filmmakers.”
What Fans Can Expect From Ben Affleck’s Underrated Thriller
For viewers interested in seeing Affleck’s range beyond his most famous roles, Triple Frontier is a compelling choice that combines intense action with nuanced character exploration. Its tense narrative about trust and betrayal within a tightly knit team resonates with themes of loyalty and human weakness, making it an engaging watch before The Rip debuts.
As both films capture elements of crime, friendship, and moral complexity, they highlight the enduring talents of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, not only as actors but also as creative collaborators shaping meaningful stories in modern cinema. Their commitment to personal and professional partnership continues to bring diverse and impactful projects to audiences.
