Damon and Affleck Light Up Netflix’s The Rip Despite Flaws

There’s something about seeing Matt Damon and Ben Affleck team up on screen that just works. Their chemistry, built over years of real-life friendship and past collaborations, brings a certain spark to any project. Whether they’re mucking about in a comedy or getting serious in a period drama, the pair have a knack for making their dynamic feel genuine. In Netflix’s latest crime flick, The Rip, they’re back together, and while the story doesn’t always hit the mark, their performances are hard to ignore.

The film centres on a close-knit group of Miami police, led by Lieutenant Dane Dumars (Damon) and Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne (Affleck). The crew stumbles across a massive stash of dodgy cash in a nearly deserted safe house. As the temptation to pocket the money grows, trust among the team starts to unravel, all while a dangerous cartel edges closer.

Plot and Characters

Joe Carnahan, known for Smokin’ Aces and The Grey, takes the reins as both writer and director. He’s assembled a strong cast, including Steven Yeun, Kyle Chandler, and Teyana Taylor. The film kicks off with plenty of energy, but after the initial discovery of the cash, things start to drag. The moment that should ramp up the tension instead sees the story lose momentum.

Despite the looming threat and a ticking clock, the sense of urgency fizzles out. Characters wander about, making questionable choices that don’t quite fit with their supposed expertise. It’s a bit odd watching seasoned officers act like rookies, and it takes the edge off what could have been a nail-biter.

Style and Pacing

While the pacing stumbles and some decisions don’t make much sense, The Rip still manages to deliver a few tense moments. The film leans heavily on atmosphere and mood, aiming for the cool factor of something like Training Day, but it doesn’t quite reach those heights. There are a few clunky exposition dumps that slow things down, but the psychological tension is there when it counts.

The focus is less on a tight narrative and more on creating a vibe. It’s stylish, but sometimes at the expense of substance. Still, the cast do their best with what they’re given, and there are flashes of brilliance, especially from Affleck, who turns in one of his stronger performances in recent years.

Should You Give It a Go?

If you’re keen to see Damon and Affleck back in action, The Rip is worth a look. Their on-screen partnership is as strong as ever, and Affleck in particular stands out. The film might not stick in your memory for long, and it could easily get lost among the endless stream of new releases, but as far as early-year action thrillers go, you could do worse. It’s not perfect, but there’s enough here to keep you watching, especially if you’re a fan of the leads.