Matt Damon and Ben Affleck Ignite in Netflix’s The Rip
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reunite in The Rip, a tense Netflix thriller that pits a Miami police unit against temptation and danger. But does the film live up to its star power? Read on for a British take.
There’s a certain pleasure in watching Matt Damon and Ben Affleck share the screen, their chemistry honed over decades since Good Will Hunting. Whether they’re causing mischief in a comedy or navigating the murky waters of a historical drama, the pair have a knack for elevating whatever project they’re in. Their latest collaboration, The Rip, lands on Netflix with plenty of promise, though the end result is a bit of a mixed bag.
Plot and Premise
Set in Miami, the story follows a close-knit group of police officers led by Lieutenant Dane Dumars (Damon) and Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne (Affleck). The team stumbles upon a cache of illicit cash in a near-deserted safe house. As the lure of easy money grows, cracks begin to show within the group, all while a menacing drug cartel edges ever closer. The tension is palpable, but the narrative doesn’t always keep pace with the stakes.
Joe Carnahan, known for Smokin’ Aces and The Grey, pens and directs, assembling a cast that includes Steven Yeun, Kyle Chandler, and Teyana Taylor. The opening is brisk and engaging, but the momentum falters as the film progresses. The discovery of the money should set off a chain reaction, yet the urgency fizzles out. Characters wander, decisions seem questionable, and the supposed professionals act in ways that defy logic.
Performances and Pacing
Despite the script’s shortcomings, Damon and Affleck are in fine form. Affleck, in particular, delivers a performance that stands out even among his best. The supporting cast do their best with what they’re given, but the film’s pacing issues and occasional clunky exposition weigh things down. There are moments of genuine suspense, but they’re too often undercut by a lack of narrative drive.
The film leans heavily on atmosphere, aiming for the cool, simmering tension of something like Training Day. Unfortunately, it never quite achieves that level of intensity. Instead, it settles for mood over substance, with style sometimes taking precedence over storytelling.
Should You Watch?
For fans of Damon and Affleck, The Rip is worth a look, if only to see the duo sparring once again. The film may not linger in the memory, likely to be swept away in the endless tide of streaming releases, but as a bit of early-year action, it’s serviceable enough. Affleck’s turn alone might be reason to give it a go, even if the film itself doesn’t quite live up to its potential.