When Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reunite, expectations rise instantly. With “The Rip,” the longtime friends return in a tense crime thriller that feels sharper, darker, and more cinematic than most Netflix originals. Directed by Joe Carnahan, the film delivers a smart heist story filled with distrust, moral conflict, and powerful performances.
This The Rip review looks at why the movie stands out, how it compares to classic crime films, and why it proves that streaming releases can still feel like true cinema.
The Rip Review – A Crime Story Built on Trust and Betrayal
“The Rip” takes place in South Florida, where the Miami-Dade Police Department becomes the center of a dangerous internal game. The film opens with the shocking murder of a respected police captain, Jackie Velez. Her death sets off a chain reaction that exposes corruption hiding behind badges.
Lieutenant Dane Dumars, played by Matt Damon, leads a small team of officers to a quiet suburban house. Inside, they discover a hidden room filled with more than $20 million in cash linked to cartel activity. By law, the officers must count the money on-site. That simple rule traps them in a high-risk situation where no one fully trusts anyone else.
From this point on, the film turns into a closed-circle mystery. The danger does not come from outside criminals alone. It comes from the people standing in the same room.
The Rip Review – Matt Damon and Ben Affleck at Their Best
Matt Damon delivers a controlled and layered performance as Dumars. He plays a man torn between duty, loyalty, and temptation. Damon keeps his emotions restrained, which makes every small reaction feel important.
Ben Affleck plays Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne, a loud and aggressive presence who brings constant tension to the group. Affleck leans into the role with confidence, creating a character who feels unpredictable and dangerous.
Their chemistry feels natural, not forced. Instead of nostalgia, the film uses their shared history to add depth. Fans of “Good Will Hunting,” “The Departed,” and “The Town” will recognize the familiar intensity, but “The Rip” still feels fresh.
A Strong Supporting Cast Elevates the Story
The supporting cast deserves equal praise. Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Kyle Chandler, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Sasha Calle all bring strong energy to their roles. No character feels wasted.
What works especially well is that the film never makes it easy to guess who can be trusted. Every actor brings just enough ambiguity to keep viewers questioning motives until the final act.
The Rip Review – Direction, Cinematography, and Atmosphere
Joe Carnahan directs “The Rip” with confidence. He keeps the story tight and focused, even though much of the film takes place in a single house. Instead of feeling limited, the setting increases tension.
Cinematographer Juanmi Azpiroz gives the film a dark, muted look. Gray skies, low lighting, and heavy shadows create a constant feeling of pressure. The Florida sun is almost completely absent, which adds to the film’s cold tone.
Gunshots flash brightly in the darkness. Streetlights cut through misty air. Every visual choice supports the mood. This is one reason many viewers feel the movie belongs on the big screen.
The Rip Review – A Netflix Film That Feels Theatrical
One of the most surprising things about “The Rip” is how cinematic it feels. The film does not follow Netflix’s usual formula of repeating plot points for distracted viewers. Instead, it trusts the audience to pay attention.
The story includes several twists and double-crosses. Some moments may feel complex on first viewing, but that complexity adds value. On a second watch, character choices and reactions make even more sense.
Editor Kevin Hale deserves credit for keeping the pace sharp. His cuts between faces and silent reactions build tension without unnecessary dialogue.
The Rip Review – Themes That Hit Close to Home
At its core, “The Rip” explores temptation. The officers earn modest salaries while risking their lives daily. The film asks a simple but powerful question: what would you do if $20 million sat in front of you?
This question drives every decision and betrayal in the film. It also makes the story feel realistic. The characters are not heroes or villains. They are flawed people facing impossible choices.
Final Verdict – Is The Rip Worth Watching?
Yes. Absolutely.
“The Rip” stands out as one of Netflix’s strongest crime thrillers in recent years. It delivers strong performances, smart direction, and a gripping story that respects the audience.
While the ending may divide viewers, the journey remains intense and rewarding. For fans of serious crime dramas, this film is worth your full attention.