The Rip: Damon and Affleck Return in High-Stakes Crime Thriller
A Star-Studded Return to Crime Drama
Released on 16 January 2026 on Netflix, The Rip marks a significant reunion for Hollywood heavyweights Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. This American action thriller, written and directed by Joe Carnahan, features an ensemble cast including Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Kyle Chandler, and Scott Adkins. The film represents the second project from Artists Equity, the artist-led studio founded by Affleck and Damon in 2022.
What makes this release particularly noteworthy is Netflix’s agreement to pay a one-time bonus to the 1,200 crew members if the film meets certain performance benchmarks within its first 90 days, representing a departure from the streaming giant’s typical compensation model.
A Tense Story of Corruption and Survival
The plot follows a team of Miami cops who discover millions in cash in a derelict stash house, causing trust to fray. More specifically, when the team finds $24 million stashed away in a safehouse, they are required by law to count the money before leaving the scene, forcing the cops to survive the night — and each other.
Director Carnahan revealed the film came from a deeply personal experience his friend went through as head of tactical narcotics for the Miami-Dade police department, drawing inspiration from classic 1970s cop thrillers like Serpico and Prince of the City, as well as Michael Mann’s Heat.
Critical Reception and Audience Impact
The film has achieved an 84% Tomatometer score based on 67 reviews and a 69% Popcornmeter rating from over 100 viewer ratings. Critics noted the film is based on a true story and features enjoyable genre-appropriate flourishes such as Clinton Shorter’s synth-pulse score.
The Rip demonstrates Netflix’s continued investment in star-driven crime thrillers whilst offering audiences a gritty exploration of moral compromise under pressure. For fans of Damon and Affleck’s on-screen chemistry and anyone who appreciates tense, character-driven action, this latest collaboration delivers a compelling examination of loyalty, greed, and survival in the criminal underworld.