Matt Damon and Ben Affleck return to the screen together in The Rip, a new Matt Damon Ben Affleck thriller directed by Joe Carnahan. This collaboration follows their 2023 project Air, directed by Affleck, which chronicled the creation of the Air Jordan sneaker by Nike. In this latest work, Damon and Affleck step into roles as Miami vice cops embroiled in a complex and suspenseful investigation.
The Rip unfolds in Miami, where the two actors portray detectives who regularly conduct raids on local stash houses. After their lieutenant is mysteriously assassinated, Dane Dumars, played by Damon, is promoted to lead the team. With suspicions of police corruption looming and the lieutenant’s murder weighing heavily on everyone, Dane receives a tip about a money stash and leads his crew to the location, where they find far more cash than expected. To keep the situation under wraps, Dane confiscates the crew’s phones and has them stay put while they assess the consequences of the bust.
Plot Dynamics and Themes of Suspicion
The movie builds tension through its portrayal of distrust within the team, evoking a mood reminiscent of John Carpenter’s The Thing. The close bond between Damon’s character Dane and Affleck’s Detective Sergeant JD Byrne forms the emotional core of the story, especially as the professional promotion unsettles their friendship. JD’s past relationship with the slain lieutenant Jackie intensifies suspicions, especially since JD openly resists authority figures. This creates a charged atmosphere, particularly as Dane’s behavior during the bust grows increasingly unpredictable.
The film carefully avoids revealing its many twists, maintaining surprise through clever narrative turns. Its aesthetic deliberately embraces the over-the-top elements typical of action cop movies — from bulletproof vests to SWAT-style raids and macho dialogue — delivering exactly the kind of intense, bravado-driven energy fans expect from the genre. The Rip’s direct-to-video style release on Netflix matches this unfiltered and rugged approach perfectly.
A Talented Cast Elevates the Experience
Alongside Damon and Affleck, The Rip’s cast includes notable actors such as Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Kyle Chandler, and Néstor Carbonell. The film benefits from a Dark Knight-inspired musical score and writing that surpasses the usual expectations for this type of thriller. Though the dialogue often leans into corny clichés, it remains lively and embraces the genre’s spirit, intertwined with a well-structured plot that offers satisfying revelations without overstaying their welcome.
One distinctive characteristic of The Rip is its limited action sequences. The story largely takes place within a single house, an economical choice that could have limited engagement. However, the strong performances from the cast and the witty, layered conversation between characters keep the momentum going. These moments are integral, as they reveal evolving dynamics and shifting loyalties, supported by skilled actors who bring depth to otherwise straightforward lines.
The Unique Chemistry Between Damon and Affleck
The enduring friendship between Matt Damon and Ben Affleck adds a unique layer to the film. Both are accomplished stars individually, but their shared history, dating back to Good Will Hunting’s Oscar-winning era, fuels their on-screen chemistry. Though their roles as Marine-like Miami cops might at first seem out of place, they convincingly embody their parts. Their interaction carries palpable weight, and the trust that underpins their characters’ relationship is evident through subtle gestures and body language, enhancing the emotional stakes when that trust is tested.
The Rip as Captivating and Accessible Entertainment
Director Joe Carnahan has crafted The Rip as an engaging piece of entertainment that strikes a balance between simplicity and respect for the audience’s intelligence. It delivers steady suspense and humor in equal measure, targeting viewers who appreciate a straightforward yet thoughtful thriller experience. The remarkable pairing of Damon and Affleck, alongside a competent supporting cast and tight direction, results in a movie that grips its audience from start to finish. After watching, one is left hoping for similar projects in the future.
“I hope they make more of these.”
— Reviewer
