Key Facts
- ✓ Netflix's The Rip premiered on January 16, 2026, bringing together Matt Damon and Ben Affleck for another cinematic collaboration.
- ✓ The film follows detectives investigating their captain's death while navigating a complex stand-off involving a drug cartel and corrupt law enforcement.
- ✓ Director Joe Carnahan, known for Narc and Smokin' Aces, creates an uneasy atmosphere through subtle lighting shifts and aggressive interrogation scenes.
- ✓ Despite an impractical script with predictable misdirection, the film is saved by strong performances from its ensemble cast.
- ✓ A last-minute twist effectively addresses the film's central mystery and recontextualizes the entire narrative for viewers.
- ✓ The action sequences follow a by-the-numbers approach that fails to compensate for the script's weaknesses, though the final moments deliver excitement.
Quick Summary
Netflix's latest thriller brings together one of Hollywood's most beloved partnerships. The Rip stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck as detectives navigating a complex web of corruption and violence.
The film centers on Lieutenant Dane Dumars and Detective Sergeant JD Byrne, who find themselves under investigation following their captain's violent death. As they face intense questioning about their potential involvement, an anonymous tip about a cartel stash house sets in motion a nerve-wracking stand-off that tests their loyalty and moral boundaries.
While the premise promises a tense exploration of corruption within law enforcement, the execution proves uneven. The film's strengths lie not in its action sequences or script, but in the magnetic performances of its lead actors and a final twist that recontextualizes the entire narrative.
A Promising Setup
The film opens with immediate tension. Hours after their captain's violent death, Lieutenant Dane Dumars and Detective Sergeant JD Byrne face aggressive interrogation about their whereabouts, personal relationships with the deceased, and rumors of stolen drug money.
Director Joe Carnahan establishes an uneasy atmosphere through subtle visual cues. The lighting shifts between scenes, with darker rooms hinting at dishonesty, while the detectives' body language—aggressive yet hesitant—suggests hidden truths. This early sequence effectively sows seeds of doubt about everyone involved.
The tension escalates when an anonymous tip reveals a stash house containing substantial cash. What begins as a routine investigation quickly spirals into a complex stand-off involving:
- Corrupt detectives with questionable loyalties
- A violent drug cartel
- Multiple parties with competing interests
- Long-standing friendships tested by greed
The film's initial strength lies in these morally ambiguous interactions. The idea that longtime friends and colleagues could be driven to murder over large sums of money creates compelling drama, especially when combined with secret text messages and ominous threats of violence.
"When a seemingly pragmatic person says something unreasonable, damning even, it's hard not to see their incriminating banter as anything other than a red herring."
— Film Review Analysis
Script Struggles
Despite its strong premise, The Rip suffers from an impractical script that undermines the carefully built tension. While some verbal exchanges work well, much of the dialogue fails to convey the gravity of the situations the characters face.
One of the film's most significant issues involves characters responding to serious confrontations with casual indifference. When a person is confronted over questionable actions and their response essentially shrugs off the consequences, it breaks the narrative's tension and makes the stakes feel unreal.
The film's attempts at misdirection prove particularly problematic. The script relies on transparent red herrings that only lead to predictable outcomes. When a character appears absurdly guilty, viewers can immediately identify them as a decoy. This approach removes the mystery from the narrative, making the real culprits readily apparent long before the reveal.
When a seemingly pragmatic person says something unreasonable, damning even, it's hard not to see their incriminating banter as anything other than a red herring.
This lack of subtlety sucks the tension from the film. Once the real villains become obvious, the suspense that had been carefully built throughout the narrative completely vanishes, leaving the middle section feeling flat and predictable.
Action & Performances
The film's action sequences follow a mostly by-the-numbers approach to gunfights that doesn't win it any favors. Even when the shootouts are exciting, they don't last long enough to be truly impactful, failing to compensate for the script's weaknesses.
Fortunately, the cast delivers exceptional performances that elevate the material. Steven Yeun is convincing as the apprehensive and seemingly straight-laced Detective Mike Ro. Catalina Moreno and Teyana Taylor provide strong support as Detectives Lolo Salazar and Numa Baptiste respectively.
The true standouts are, unsurprisingly, Damon and Affleck. Their on-screen chemistry remains undeniable:
- Damon portrays Dumars with calm, commanding authority
- Affleck's Byrne is aggressive and direct by nature
- Their clashing personalities create compelling friction
- Both actors excel in moments of conflict and camaraderie
Their performances work particularly well in the film's final act. The last-minute twist, which effectively addresses the film's central mystery, feels exhilarating because viewers become thoroughly invested in Dumars and Byrne's plight. By the time the smoke clears, the edge-of-your-seat tension returns, proving that strong acting can overcome narrative shortcomings.
Final Verdict
The Rip represents a mixed bag of thriller filmmaking. On one hand, it offers a compelling premise about cartel stash houses and corrupt law enforcement that promises intense drama. On the other, it's nearly undone by an impractical script that relies too heavily on predictable misdirection and unrealistic character behavior.
The film succeeds where it matters most: in creating memorable character dynamics. The partnership between Damon and Affleck provides the emotional core that keeps viewers engaged even when the plot mechanics falter. Their performances transform what could have been a forgettable action flick into something worth watching.
For audiences seeking a thriller with strong performances and a satisfying conclusion, The Rip delivers enough to justify its runtime. While the journey has its bumps, the destination proves rewarding, particularly for fans of the lead actors or those who appreciate character-driven narratives over plot perfection.
Ultimately, this film demonstrates that even with script issues, stellar performances and a well-executed finale can salvage a production and leave audiences satisfied with their viewing experience.
