‘The Rip’ Review: Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s movie looks at how money can ruin friendships

Thekabarnews.com—The movie with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon that everyone has been waiting for is now out. The two Hollywood actors will work together again in Netflix’s upcoming murder thriller, The Rip. This release has fans of their legendary connection on and off screen very excited.

The Rip is more than just a nostalgic reunion; it is a dark, character-driven Netflix crime thriller that looks at loyalty, treachery, and moral compromise when things get really tough. 

Affleck and Damon work together again in this movie, which is another high-profile project for the two of them. They are one of Hollywood’s longest-lasting creative pairs.

The Rip is a moral conflict

Joe Carnahan, who is known for making gritty action movies like The Grey and Smokin’ Aces, directed The Rip. The tone is honest and down-to-earth. Netflix released the official trailer on January 5, 2026.

The movie is set in Miami and follows a group of police detectives whose lives fall apart when they unearth a lot of stolen money during a routine investigation. At first, it is just a normal procedure, but it slowly turns into a hazardous cycle of hiding, giving in to temptation, and betraying people.

The story is difficult to follow, like a lot of fantastic Netflix criminal thrillers. Every choice has unchangeable consequences, testing loyalty and shattering friendships. People who don’t like it say it feels like classic neo-noir movies like Chinatown (1974) and L.A. Confidential (1997).

Greed tests the bonds of brotherhood

A single night can change everything. The money is a quiet but dangerous temptation that makes the team lose faith in each other over time. People lose faith in each other, and long-term relationships start to break down.

Things get worse when word of the seizure gets out of the department. The original owners of the money threaten the police, their supervisors watch them closely, and they betray each other. They have to choose between being loyal and doing their duty or giving in to greed.

This emotional stress puts The Rip as one of the most psychologically driven movies that Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have made thus far.

The Rip has a stellar cast, in addition to the lead reunion. Scott Adkins plays FBI Agent Del Byrne, which adds even more tension and strife to the story. The movie focuses more on character depth than on big events, which adds to its reputation as a serious, adult criminal thriller.

The movie shows inspiration from real-life police stories

Carnahan says that the novel is based on the real-life experiences of a close friend who used to be the director of the drugs unit of the Miami-Dade Police Department. This human connection makes The Rip feel real and emotional, which sets it apart from other Netflix crime thrillers that follow a formula.

The movie is also inspired by legendary police dramas from the 1970s, like Serpico, Prince of the City, and Michael Mann’s Heat. It focuses on imperfect characters and their interactions with each other.

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon started Artists Equity, the firm that made The Rip. The movie includes some of the same themes as Triple Frontier, another Ben Affleck and Matt Damon movie that looked at how money can test their loyalty.

This movie is one of the most anticipated Netflix crime thrillers of the year since it includes many famous actors, a morally complex story, and a strong vision from the director.