Damon and Affleck. Affleck and Damon. Few duos bring the kind of electric chemistry to the screen that these two do, and Netflix’s latest gritty crime thriller, The Rip, from writer-director Joe Carnahan, puts that chemistry on full display.
Inspired by real experiences of Miami-Dade police officers, Carnahan’s screenplay captures the authentic pressures of law enforcement — the ethical tightropes, the moral compromises, and the tension simmering just beneath the surface.
Damon and Affleck lead as a lieutenant and sergeant commanding a Tactical Narcotics Team under FBI investigation following the murder of one of their own. They are joined by a strong supporting cast, including Teyana Taylor, Steven Yeun, and Catalina Sandino Moreno, with additional turns from Sasha Calle, Kyle Chandler, and action veteran Scott Adkins.
The Rip doesn’t feel like your standard Netflix fare. Visually and tonally, it evokes the classic ’70s crime thrillers — think Serpico or Prince of the City. The cinematography is moody and meticulous, with lighting that underscores the central tension: trust eroding within a team under pressure. As temptation and fear mount following the discovery of a massive cash stash — the “RIP” of the title — alliances fracture, loyalties are questioned, and every glance carries suspicion.
Carnahan’s skill in building suspense is evident throughout. His past work on Smokin’ Aces and The A-Team showcased his ability to craft high-stakes tension, and here, Damon and Affleck thrive. Their real-life friendship translates into a seamless on-screen rapport; they play off each other with a natural rhythm that never feels forced.
While the narrative occasionally leans toward predictability, that seems intentional. The film’s draw lies not in plot twists but in the escalating tension, the moral ambiguity, and the commanding performances. It’s a slow burn that rewards patience and attention to character dynamics.
So fire up Netflix, cue the opening TA-DUM, and let The Rip pull you into its world of suspicion, loyalty, and the high-stakes morality of those who enforce the law.
