The Rip

The Rip opens with the killing of a Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT) captain, and the question of who pulled the trigger hangs over everything that follows. Was she dirty? Was the unit compromised? Internal Affairs and the FBI think the TNT is corrupt so, they are doing interviews to shut them down. Into this pressure cooker steps Matt Damon, now leading TNT with his longtime partner‑in‑crimefighting Ben Affleck at his side. Their dynamic is instantly familiar—two fifty‑year‑olds working overtime to prove they’re still the coolest guys in the room, and the movie leans into that with real commitment.

Buddies trying to be cool. © 2026 Artists Equity − All right reserved.

Their latest “rip,” a mission to recover stolen drug money, quickly spirals into chaos. Damon’s character refuses to play by the book, and the film intentionally keeps the audience disoriented, layering confusion, double‑crosses, and frantic movement. It’s effective, though the near‑constant darkness—every conversation, every chase, every reveal happening in deep shadow or nighttime—can feel like a stylistic crutch. At least it’s not raining, which would have pushed the stylized mood into parody.

The Rip’s supporting cast adds texture, especially Steven Yeun (The Humans), who brings a grounded intensity, and Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another), who injects sharp energy into her scenes. But the heart of the film is Damon and Affleck, whose chemistry hasn’t dimmed since Good Will Hunting in 1997. The Rip works hard—sometimes too hard—to make middle‑aged action heroes look effortlessly cool, but there’s an undeniable charm in watching two veterans swagger through a morally murky world.

The ending ties the threads together cleanly, leaving room for more Damon‑Affleck buddy‑cop mayhem.

Steven Yeun and Teyana Taylor © 2026 Artists Equity − All right reserved.

The Rip | Official Teaser | Netflix

March 3, 2026