Hollywood’s iconic duo, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, have teamed up again. Their latest project, “The Rip,” hit Netflix on January 16, 2026. This crime thriller tests their brotherly bond like never before.
Fans have waited eagerly for this reunion. Damon and Affleck, childhood friends from Boston, first exploded onto the scene with “Good Will Hunting” nearly 30 years ago. Now, they play Miami cops facing temptation and betrayal.
The story follows Lt. Dane Dumars (Damon) and Detective Sgt. J.D. Byrne (Affleck). They lead a tactical narcotics team after their captain’s assassination. A tip leads them to a rundown stash house.
Inside, they find $20 million in cartel cash, not the expected $150k “rip.” The granddaughter of the deceased owner, Desiree “Desi” Molina, lets them in. She claims no knowledge of the hidden fortune.
Temptation hits hard. The cops debate stealing the money. Trust crumbles as paranoia grows. Outside forces learn of the huge seizure. Loyalties shatter among the team.
In the trailer, Damon’s character says, “From the outside looking in, it seems simple. Seize the cash, count it, and turn it in.” He adds, “On the inside, it’s different.”
Affleck yells, “You want to steal this rip? Just say it out loud!” Damon later asks another cop, “Are you a snitch? while holding a gun.
Director Joe Carnahan wrote and helmed the film. It draws from a true story of a law enforcement raid shared by one of Carnahan’s cop friends. Real Miami officers appear as extras.
Carnahan, known for “Narc” and “Smokin’ Aces,” crafts raw tension. The movie echoes 1970s cop thrillers. Character choices drive the drama over big action scenes.
The ensemble shines—Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Kyle Chandler co-star. Chandler plays a DEA agent who fuels suspicions.
Damon and Affleck produce via Artists Equity; their real friendship mirrors the on-screen friction. Critics call their clashes “like watching your mom and dad fight.”
Early reviews rave. One says watching Affleck vs. Damon is captivating amid plot twists. It’s better than most Netflix thrillers, despite some inconsistencies.
In a USA Today interview, Affleck picks Damon’s most underrated film. They discuss their “life-changing” bond and Gen-Z trends they skip.
“The Rip” streams now. It reunites the duo in their darkest tale yet. Will the cops keep the cash or crack under pressure? Fans, hit play and find out.
This thriller proves that Damon and Affleck still reign supreme. Their chemistry sells the betrayal. Netflix scores big with this Miami showdown.
