Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have been cinematic partners since the late ’80s, and their chemistry is undeniable. In The Rip, they lean into that history to deliver a story rooted in trust, corruption, and the consequences of the grind.

The Premise: Trust Has a Price

The film follows a special unit known as the TNT, tasked with the dangerous job of seizing large sums of cash from criminal operations.

• The Conflict: After their captain dies under mysterious circumstances, the unit begins to fracture under the weight of suspected corruption.
• The Heist: During a routine call, the team discovers $24 million—a far larger sum than anticipated—and that’s when everything starts to go south.

Damon and Affleck: A Dynamic Still at Its Peak

The heart of The Rip lies in the relationship between the Lieutenant (Affleck) and his second-in-command, the Sergeant (Damon).

• The Tension: As the Lieutenant begins making questionable, non-SOP decisions, the Sergeant is forced to question his lifelong loyalty to his partner.
• The “Real Talk” Factor: Because these two actors know each other so well in real life, their on-screen arguments feel incredibly authentic. You aren’t just watching actors; you’re watching a brotherhood being tested in real-time.

Fact vs. Fiction: The “Based on True Events” Allure

One of the most compelling aspects of The Rip is its connection to reality. While the film takes Hollywood liberties—such as centering the cartel more than they were in real life—it is based on actual events.

• The Real Story: In reality, the informant was male, and the actual amount seized was $24 million.
• Divergent Paths: Interestingly, the real-life counterparts to Damon and Affleck’s characters served more in advisory roles rather than being front-and-center in the action.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Fans of the Duo

While it may not reach the heights of their previous collaborations like Good Will Hunting or Dogma, The Rip is a solid, intense addition to the Netflix catalog. It’s a reminder that when Damon and Affleck work together, they are a force that can’t be ignored.

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars