Netflix’s much-hyped The Rip brings Hollywood best friends Matt Damon and Ben Affleck back together on screen, promising an intense crime drama from director Joe Carnahan. Known for gritty films like Narc and The Grey, Carnahan sets the stage for a moody, rain-soaked Miami thriller — but despite its powerhouse cast, The Rip struggles to deliver the excitement its premise suggests.
Story
In The Rip, the Miami police department’s elite TNT unit faces upheaval after the sudden murder of its leader Jackie Velez (Lina Esco). Lieutenant Dane Dumars (Matt Damon), a grief-stricken officer haunted by personal tragedy, steps in to lead the team. His crew includes longtime friend Detective Sergeant JD Byrne (Ben Affleck), Detective Mike Ro (Steven Yeun), Detective Numa Baptiste (Teyana Taylor), and Detective Lolo Salazar (Catalina Sandino Moreno).
A late-night tip sends them to a quiet cul-de-sac in Hialeah, where they meet Desi (Sasha Calle), a young woman entangled in probate battles over her grandmother’s house. What begins as a routine check turns sinister when a hidden stash of cash is discovered. With ominous warnings and tensions mounting, moral lines blur, and friendships strain under suspicion.
Performances
While the ensemble cast is packed with talent, the script offers limited depth. Damon’s portrayal of a weary, debt-ridden cop hints at emotional layers but rarely explores them. Affleck injects sardonic charm into JD, easily the most entertaining character in the film. Sasha Calle delivers a strong turn as Desi, while Kyle Chandler steals scenes as a charismatic DEA agent. Unfortunately, the rest of the team feels underdeveloped, leaving audiences craving more character dynamics.
Behind the Scenes
Carnahan’s signature gritty atmosphere is present, with The Rip bathed in shadow and persistent rain — though the overly dark cinematography often obscures the action. While the director’s track record shows he can balance bleakness with tension, here the pacing falters. The film teases high-stakes scenarios but spends long stretches on static conversations, diluting suspense.
Final Verdict
The Rip offers flashes of chemistry between Damon and Affleck, but these moments are fleeting. The film’s heavy tone, predictable twists, and visual murkiness prevent it from becoming the thrilling reunion fans hoped for. Ultimately, it feels more like a grim TV pilot than a fully realized feature.
For fans of hard-edged crime dramas, The Rip may be worth a watch — but with this cast, you can’t help but wish for something sharper, faster, and more memorable.
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Ben Affleck and Matt Damon Reunite in Netflix Thriller “The Rip”
