Premiering exclusively on Netflix on January 16, 2026, “The Rip” thrusts audiences into a gripping tale of corruption, betrayal, and moral collapse among a tight-knit team of Miami narcotics officers. Directed by action maestro Joe Carnahan, known for high-octane films like “The Grey” and “Smokin’ Aces,” this crime thriller stars lifelong friends and Oscar winners Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in lead roles that echo their real-world camaraderie while delving into darker territories. With a stellar ensemble including Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Scott Adkins, and Kyle Chandler, the movie runs for 1 hour and 52 minutes, blending intense drama with pulse-pounding action sequences.
The story centers on newly promoted Lieutenant Dane Dumars, played by Damon, who leads his squad on a routine tip-off following the murder of their captain. What starts as a promising bust turns catastrophic when they stumble upon a derelict stash house hiding over 24 million dollars in cash. As word leaks to outsiders—rival gangs, corrupt insiders, and opportunistic allies—the once-unbreakable bond among the officers frays under the weight of temptation. Dumars, grappling with personal demons including the recent loss of his young son to cancer and mounting medical debts, faces impossible choices that test his integrity. Affleck’s Detective Sergeant JD Byrne, his loyal partner, brings a layer of complexity with his own hidden motivations, creating a dynamic that mirrors the duo’s off-screen history but twists it into heartbreaking conflict.
Supporting characters add depth to the narrative’s exploration of trust and survival. Yeun portrays a sharp-witted detective haunted by past traumas, while Taylor shines as a fierce team member navigating gender dynamics in a male-dominated force. Calle and Moreno contribute emotional intensity as officers caught in the crossfire, with Adkins delivering brutal physicality in high-stakes confrontations. Chandler rounds out the cast as a shadowy figure amplifying the paranoia. Filmed in Los Angeles starting October 2024 and wrapping by December, the production boasts a 100-million-dollar budget, evident in its slick cinematography capturing Miami’s vibrant yet treacherous underbelly—though shot elsewhere for logistical reasons.
Carnahan’s direction emphasizes raw human emotions amid chaos, with themes of disillusionment in law enforcement resonating in today’s climate of police scrutiny. The film’s pacing builds from tense stakeouts to explosive chases, culminating in revelations that shatter alliances and force characters to confront their worst selves. Early buzz highlights Damon and Affleck’s chemistry as a highlight, their banter laced with underlying tension that tugs at the heartstrings. Yet, the story’s unflinching portrayal of greed’s corrosive power leaves viewers pondering the fragility of loyalty.
As “The Rip” drops amid a wave of star-driven Netflix originals, it promises to captivate with its mix of heist thrills and poignant drama. For fans of “The Departed” or “Training Day,” this could be a must-watch, but prepare for the emotional gut-punch as heroes turn villains in the blink of an eye. Will trust prevail, or will the rip tear everything apart? The answers await in this devastating cinematic ride.
