Abheet Gupta 
Hollywood’s most iconic duo, who stunned the world nearly three decades ago with the instant classic Good Will Hunting, are back again with another collaboration. While Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have often crossed paths as producers and directors, their on‑screen chemistry has been a recurring gift, from School Ties and Field of Dreams to more recent collaborations like The Last Duel and Air. Joe Carnahan’s The Rip continues that legacy. While it may not rank among their greatest achievements, it firmly maintains the duo’s reputation for consistently compelling cinema. Inspired by true events, the film follows a Tactical Narcotics Team that stumbles upon a $20 million RIP and is forced to confront the moral, professional, and personal fallout of that discovery. Read on unafraid, we have taken exceptional care to keep it spoiler free!
A Rare Breed of Grounded Action Thriller
The market for serious, grounded action thrillers is shrinking rapidly. Our screens are now dominated by action‑comedies or reality‑defying stunt spectacles (yes, John Wick and Mission: Impossible included). Films that prioritise tension, realism, and character‑driven stakes are becoming increasingly rare and that’s exactly where The Rip distinguishes itself. With Carnahan serving as both writer and director, the film’s intent is crystal clear from the outset. This is a no‑nonsense thriller that takes itself unapologetically seriously. It doesn’t chase crowd‑pleasing highs or mass appeal, which perhaps explains its strong critical reception paired with comparatively lukewarm audience scores.
That seriousness is its greatest strength — and, for some viewers, its biggest barrier. It’s important to manage expectations going in. The Rip is not a masterpiece, nor does it attempt to be one. If you’re expecting relentless action or god‑tier plot twists, you’re likely to be disappointed. Likewise, it isn’t a deep psychological study of cops under pressure. Instead, the film offers something more restrained: strong performances, carefully constructed build‑ups, realistic action, and an emotional core that makes up for a well‑earned, satisfying conclusion. Carnahan neither overcomplicates the narrative nor oversimplifies it, opting instead for a grounded approach that keeps events feeling authentic.
The familiar action thriller genre beats are present (misdirection, the hunt for a mole, high‑speed chases, tense stand‑offs, and shootouts) but they’re handled with discipline. The film demands attention, particularly because the dialogue is fast‑paced and heavy with procedural jargon, which may challenge some viewers, especially those less familiar with the genre or those not from the US.
Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and the Power of Chemistry
Where The Rip truly excels is in its execution and character dynamics. And unsurprisingly, this is where Matt Damon and Ben Affleck shine. Damon, as Lieutenant Dane Dumars, and Affleck, as Detective Mike Ro, once again prove why they remain one of Hollywood’s most compelling duos. Avoiding spoilers, the film keeps you constantly guessing about the nature of their relationship. Are they allies, rivals, or something in between? That ambiguity fuels a dynamic that shifts from moments of quiet compassion to outright physical confrontation, keeping the tension alive throughout.
Steven Yeun delivers a standout supporting performance as a detective wrestling with the moral implications of decisions made by those above him. Sasha Calle and Catalina Sandino Moreno do commendable work with the material they’re given, while Teyana Taylor’s character ensures she is as annoying and un-root-worthy as she was in One Battle After Another. On the other hand, Scott Adkins and Kyle Chandler make the most of their limited screen time, leaving a lasting impression through sheer presence and intensity.
Craft, Atmosphere, and Controlled Precision
The film opens and closes with two of its most strikingly scenic shots that cinematography enthusiasts will immediately appreciate. While much of the film’s visual language is constrained by its grounded scope, select noir‑tinged compositions help sustain atmosphere and tension. The action is well executed: shootouts feel visceral and impactful (cameras shaking and all), while chase sequences remain stable, immersive, and easy to follow. Transitions between past and present are handled with care, and several editing choices stand out for their clarity and rhythm.
In fact, the editing may be one of The Rip’s strongest technical achievements. The film never feels bloated or messy, maintaining a tight pace while still allowing moments to breathe. Notably, it resists the modern action movie tendency to end abruptly once the action concludes. Instead, it lingers just long enough to explore the aftermath, offering a quiet epilogue that feels earned and emotionally grounded. Sound design and score are effectively deployed, enhancing tension and immersion without drawing attention to themselves. While the film doesn’t break new ground technically, it remains solid and confident across the board.
Final Verdict
HOC Rating – ★★★★
The Rip is an ideal weekend action thriller that without any doubt deserved a big‑screen release. Since Netflix didn’t offer that privilege, it’s best experienced on the largest screen and best sound system available. It may not dominate year‑end lists or redefine the genre, but it delivers a tense, engaging ride that makes for a strong start to the cinematic year. And if you’re a fan of the Matt‑Fleck duo, this one is simply unskippable.
If you have any questions regarding The RIP, feel free to ask in the comments below. For more content, stay tuned. As usual, like, subscribe, and share as we here are trying to build a community of people High on Cinema!
