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Driven by the palpable chemistry between Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, "The Rip" is a gritty, high-tension crime thriller that overcomes its standard plot and underwritten side characters through masterful "pressure-cooker" suspense and unexpected twists.
Netflix’s latest movie, “The Rip” is arguably the biggest original of the month, and even from the first look images released almost a year ago, it was clear it had major No. 1 energy. With it being a thriller, featuring a talented cast, and dropping right when most of us are feeling the January blues, this mix of ingredients gives the movie real buzz. Plus, you really can’t go wrong with some pressure-cooker action.
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reunite under the direction of Joe Carnahan. Following their Oscar-winning collaboration on “Good Will Hunting” and a long history of crossing paths on and off screen, seeing the pair share the spotlight again feels like a natural fit. “The Rip” is a tension-filled crime thriller that mostly unfolds in a single, claustrophobic location, with the story hinging on exactly who can be trusted.
To make it even more compelling, the movie is actually inspired by true events, drawing on real experiences from a Miami-Dade tactical narcotics officer that shaped both the plot and tone. If you’re looking for a movie to watch this weekend, here’s everything to know about “The Rip” now that it’s streaming on Netflix.
What is ‘The Rip’ about?
“The Rip” follows Lieutenant Dane (Matt Damon), a Miami police officer on the city’s Tactical Narcotics Team, six weeks after their captain’s murder remains unsolved.
Frustrated and desperate for movement, Dane receives a tip about a possible cartel stash house and brings his team — JD (Ben Affleck), Mike (Steven Yeun), Lolo (Catalina Sandino Moreno), and Numa (Teyana Taylor) — to investigate. Expecting a routine bust, they’re caught off guard when the property is occupied by only a young woman claiming she has no ties to the operation.
Inside the derelict house, the officers uncover millions of dollars in hidden cash, far more than anticipated. As they attempt to secure the scene and decide their next steps, word of the discovery begins to spread beyond their control. Outside players close in, pressure mounts from multiple directions, and fractures start to appear within the unit.
‘The Rip’ is a pressure cooker primed to explode
“Pressure cooker” is a term I love to use when describing movies that thrive on tension, and “The Rip” is a prime example. Putting a group of characters together, each with their own motives and flaws, in a stressful situation creates a seriously anxious narrative. Before we get into the meat of the story, we’re first given an appetizer: the captain of the Tactical Narcotics Team has been murdered, and the team members themselves are being questioned because her death seems suspicious and hints at “corrupt cop behavior.”
Immediately, we’re introduced to a group of characters carrying their own frustrations. Put them in a cage with a ticking time bomb, and you have an unstoppable chain reaction of conflict. Damon and Affleck carry much of the weight as “brothers” who even start questioning one another, all while the story hinges on what people are willing to do when faced with an extortionate amount of money. As someone who usually spots plot twists a mile away, I found myself caught off guard several times…
Carnahan said the story was inspired by the real experiences of a close friend who served as head of the tactical narcotics division for the Miami‑Dade Police Department. He explained that the idea for the movie grew out of something his friend went through in that role, and he fused those real‑world insights with his love of classic 1970s cop thrillers like “Serpico” and “Prince of the City.” These influences show clearly in the visuals, and even if not perfectly executed, “The Rip” still manages to keep you on edge.
“The Rip” is an entertaining movie, moving from a murder mystery to a claustrophobic thriller and finally to an action-packed climax. I have to say the middle section is perhaps the strongest, because instead of gunfights or flashbacks to the captain’s murder, we focus on a team of trusted cops deciding whether to follow the system or handle the cash their own way. You’re essentially waiting for someone to break the whole time.
You can stream ‘The Rip’ on Netflix now
“The Rip” is an entertaining watch because of the tension that keeps on building. If it weren’t for that, you’d be left with a pretty standard plot for a crime thriller. While it keeps the tension high among the main players, some characters within the team don’t get as much screen time as they arguably deserve. Their motivations and backstories are hinted at rather than fully explored, which leaves you curious about what makes them tick.
That said, this is understandable given that the story has to prioritize the central conflict and the moral pressure surrounding the cash. Most of all, “The Rip” does exactly what a good crime thriller should: stay gritty and tense. I’m sure its plot twists and impressive character work from Damon and Affleck will be enough to launch it to the top of the streamer’s trending list.
Stream "The Rip" on Netflix now.
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