Netflix kicked off 2026 with a bang, dropping The Rip on January 16—a high-octane crime thriller that marks the long-awaited on-screen reunion of lifelong friends Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Directed by Joe Carnahan, known for his sharp, adrenaline-fueled style in films like Narc and Copshop, the movie has quickly captured audiences with its intense pacing, clever plot twists, and the undeniable chemistry between its two leads. Boasting an impressive 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from early reviews, viewers are hailing it as one of the most addictive streaming experiences in recent memory.
The story centers on a Miami Tactical Narcotics Team that stumbles upon a massive $24 million cash stash hidden in a derelict safehouse during a routine raid. By protocol, the officers—led by Lieutenant Dane Dumars (Matt Damon) and Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne (Ben Affleck)—are required to remain on-site and meticulously count every dollar before turning it over. What starts as a straightforward evidence procedure quickly spirals into a pressure-cooker situation. As word of the enormous seizure spreads, dangerous outside forces, likely tied to a powerful cartel, begin closing in. Trapped in the location with no immediate escape, the team members start questioning each other’s loyalties, motives, and moral boundaries. Greed, paranoia, and the thin line between duty and temptation erode trust, turning colleagues into potential threats.
Damon plays Lieutenant Dane Dumars, a recently promoted leader who embodies disciplined resolve but grapples with the moral weight of the discovery. Affleck portrays Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne, his longtime partner and close confidant, whose more pragmatic, street-smart approach creates friction amid rising stakes. Their real-life friendship, spanning decades since childhood, infuses the characters’ dynamic with authentic depth—banter feels lived-in, tensions feel earned, and moments of vulnerability carry genuine emotional weight. Critics have praised how this chemistry elevates the material, making the story feel less like a standard potboiler and more like a character-driven exploration of friendship under extreme pressure.
The supporting cast adds further layers to the ensemble. Steven Yeun brings intensity as Detective Mike Ro, a sharp-eyed team member whose suspicions add fuel to the paranoia. Teyana Taylor shines as Detective Numa Baptiste, delivering a strong, no-nonsense performance that grounds the action. Kyle Chandler appears as a higher-up whose involvement complicates matters, while Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Scott Adkins, and others round out the group, each contributing to the mounting sense of claustrophobia and danger. The film draws loose inspiration from real-life law enforcement incidents involving large cash seizures, where protocol forces officers to linger at risky scenes, heightening vulnerability.
Carnahan’s direction keeps the energy relentless, blending closed-quarters tension with bursts of action—car chases, shootouts, and tactical maneuvers that showcase his flair for visceral set pieces. The screenplay, co-developed by Carnahan and Michael McGrale, packs in enough twists to keep viewers guessing, though some reviewers note the ending veers bold and occasionally indulgent. Still, the consensus highlights how the leads’ credibility and the film’s compulsive watchability carry it through any formulaic moments.
Produced by Damon and Affleck’s Artists Equity banner, The Rip represents a smart evolution in their collaborations. The duo, who first gained fame co-writing and starring in Good Will Hunting, have teamed up on-screen sporadically over the years in projects like The Last Duel and Air. Here, they lean into their shared history to deliver something more action-oriented yet emotionally resonant. The film also benefits from Netflix’s high-profile push, including a bonus structure for cast and crew tied to viewership milestones—a departure from standard upfront deals that underscores confidence in its appeal.
Early viewer reactions echo the critical praise, with many calling it a perfect weekend binge: gripping from the opening raid, twisty enough to sustain suspense, and anchored by Damon and Affleck’s effortless rapport. Some describe it as a spiritual successor to classic buddy-cop thrillers but with a darker, greed-fueled edge. The runtime of around 113 minutes keeps the momentum tight, avoiding unnecessary padding while delivering satisfying payoffs.
For fans of smart crime thrillers like Heat or Triple Frontier (another Damon-Affleck outing), The Rip offers a compelling mix of high-stakes action, moral ambiguity, and character depth. Its strong Rotten Tomatoes score—nearing elite territory among Netflix originals—signals a winner in the streaming wars. As audiences devour it, the film reaffirms why Damon and Affleck remain Hollywood’s preeminent on-screen duo: their bond isn’t just nostalgia; it’s the secret weapon that makes even familiar tropes feel fresh and compelling.
Whether you’re in for the twists, the shootouts, or simply the joy of seeing two icons share the screen again, The Rip proves a must-watch that lives up to the hype. Streaming now on Netflix, it’s already climbing charts and sparking conversations—proving that sometimes, the best reunions come with a hefty dose of danger and distrust.
