Ben Affleck And Matt Damon Lead Netflix Thriller The Rip

Joe Carnahan’s latest film, The Rip, has landed on Netflix with a bang — and, some might argue, not nearly enough fanfare for the high-octane, star-studded thriller it is. Released on January 16, 2026, the film marks a return to form for Carnahan, who’s renowned for his gritty, kinetic storytelling and sharp eye for morally ambiguous characters. This time, he’s assembled a powerhouse cast led by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, plunging viewers into a Miami narcotics squad’s most perilous night on the job.

At its core, The Rip is about a specialized Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT) tasked with securing a staggering $20 million in drug money discovered in a rundown house. The stakes? Sky-high. The money almost certainly belongs to a cartel, and the law requires the officers to count every last bill before they can leave. As Matt Damon, who plays the newly promoted Lieutenant Dane Dumars, told Netflix, “They know it’s almost certainly cartel money that belongs to very dangerous people who are probably going to come get it. They’re on the clock, and they have to start thinking of defending where they are because they can’t just leave.”

The film wastes no time ramping up the tension. The TNT, already reeling from the recent, mysterious murder of their beloved Captain Jackie (played by Lisa Vidal), are forced to hunker down and count the loot, all while dangerous forces close in. But the threats aren’t just external. As the night drags on, old loyalties fray and suspicions mount. Writer-director Carnahan told Netflix, “They have to count the money not knowing necessarily who to trust, including one another.”

Damon’s Dumars is a man on the edge, grappling with the recent death of his son and mounting medical bills. His partner, Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne (Ben Affleck), is a veteran cop and Dumars’ right-hand man — but the new leadership structure unsettles the group dynamic. “We’ve been peers for our entire careers and now he’s been made the boss of the group,” Affleck explained to Netflix. “And sometimes when you have people who have worked on a peer basis, it doesn’t always work that well to then have one reporting to the other.”

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Steven Yeun plays Ro, a dedicated officer caught between Dumars and Byrne. Yeun described his character’s disillusionment, telling Netflix, “The department’s getting gutted, money’s running out. And I think as he’s playing out this role as an officer, he’s also becoming disillusioned.” Teyana Taylor’s Baptiste is “definitely the coolest one of the bunch,” she said, adding, “Everybody in this movie just wants to have a better life. Everybody’s got their own things that they’re dealing with, and we’re all coping with our things differently.”

Catalina Sandino Moreno portrays Salazar, another TNT officer whose adrenaline-fueled approach adds further unpredictability to the team’s dynamic. “She’s crazy, she’s adrenaline,” Moreno told Netflix, emphasizing the chaotic environment the officers must navigate. Sasha Calle is Desi, the caretaker of the house where the cash is found. Calle described Desi as “a young woman in Hialeah, and she had been taking care of her grandmother up until she passed away. Now she’s stuck in this house cleaning it, fighting her sister for it, and just trying to survive all of these responsibilities.”

Rounding out the cast are Kyle Chandler as DEA agent Matty Nix, who warns the team against trusting anyone as internal and external threats mount, and Scott Adkins as Del Byrne, J.D.’s brother and a federal agent investigating Miami-Dade corruption. Notably, Adkins, a celebrated martial artist, takes on a rare non-martial arts role here — a detail that’s delighted fans and critics alike. As one reviewer noted, “It’s great that Scott Adkins is in this thing and doesn’t do any martial arts. But have you seen him throw hands before? One 360-degree roundhouse kick would have been fine!”

Produced by Artists Equity — the company co-founded by Damon and Affleck — The Rip is a throwback to the kind of mid-budget, adult-oriented thrillers that once filled multiplexes. According to critics, it’s “a gritty heist thriller and a crowd-pleaser that would have performed well theatrically.” The film’s release on Netflix, especially in the traditionally quiet month of January, has prompted some to lament the streaming era’s tendency to bury such films in crowded digital libraries. As one reviewer put it, “In a proper world The Rip would get a theatrical release — and in a proper month, like March or May or August — because it’s got the right star power to make you go, ‘Sure, why not?’ and deliver the appropriate excitement and intrigue to justify the price.”

Yet, for all its old-school sensibilities, The Rip is very much a product of its time. The film doesn’t shy away from exploring the moral ambiguity and disillusionment that can fester within law enforcement. The team’s struggle isn’t just with cartel hitmen lurking outside; it’s with the corrosive effect of greed, fatigue, and loss inside their own ranks. As the pile of cash grows ever more tempting, alliances are tested and the line between right and wrong blurs.

Action fans will find plenty to love: car chases, hand-to-hand brawls, and gunfights, all shot with Carnahan’s trademark energy. The film’s psychological tension, however, is what really sets it apart. The anxiety ratchets up as the night wears on, with each character forced to confront their own demons and the possibility that one of their own might be plotting a betrayal. Sasha Calle’s Desi, the suspicious caretaker, adds yet another layer of unpredictability — you’re never quite sure where her loyalties lie.

For Damon and Affleck, The Rip is another chance to showcase their enduring chemistry and range. Both actors, now well into their careers, bring a world-weariness to their roles that deepens the film’s emotional impact. Watching them navigate the shifting sands of trust, friendship, and ambition is one of the film’s great pleasures.

It’s little wonder, then, that the cast and crew look back on the project fondly. “Everybody in this film loved it,” Carnahan told Netflix. “The process of making this film and going through that journey with those guys was unforgettable.”

While some may bemoan its streaming-only release, The Rip stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of smart, character-driven action thrillers. With its star power, sharp writing, and relentless suspense, it’s the kind of film that makes you wish for the days when a spontaneous trip to the movies could deliver such a punch. For now, though, you’ll have to settle for catching it on your couch — but rest assured, The Rip is more than worth seeking out.