'The Rip' Review
- Connor Petrey
- 57 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Release Date: 01/16/26 [Netflix]
Genre: Action. Crime. Drama. Mystery. Thriller.
MPAA: Rated R.
Distributor: Netflix.
The Verdict: A Must-See
The man behind one of the greatest (and forgotten) cinematic accomplishments, Smokin’ Aces is back - Joe Carnahan. For those unfamiliar, most will remember Liam Neeson stranded in the frozen tundra against a pack of wolves AKA 2011’s The Grey, Carnahan’s also behind that.
Beyond the man behind the lens, The Rip has another major selling point, that being its leading men. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are just as synonymous together as Brad Pitt and George Clooney - they’re an iconic duo. If anything can be confirmed just by hearing that they’ll be sharing the screen, it’s that their natural chemistry will be off the charts. That remains positively the case here.
Based on a true story (in some form), the film follows a TNT (Tactical Narcotics Team) after the sudden murder of their Captain, as they arrive at a suburban home to seize criminally obtained money by the cartels. As the money is discovered to be in the millions and loyalty becomes a liability, it’s difficult to know who's still the “good guy”.
There’s quite a few different perspectives at play: the TNT, the cartel, the DEA, the local law enforcement, and the homeowner inside the house. This part most resembles the style of Smokin’ Aces with its many participants, but The Rip never quite goes into the level of chaos that that film brings (probably because of the “true” aspect of it all).
Carnahan’s direction can make the action a little discombobulating and purposefully chaotic. This is showcased in such a fashion that it can become difficult to fully encompass the level of danger one person may be in. While the unfocused camerawork works well to assist in an important plot point here and there, other scenes lose their sense of tension; luckily the action is minimal.
The cast is just as stacked as the bills being collected: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, Sasha Calle, Teyana Taylor, Scott Adkins, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Kyle Chandler. Once the story gets going, there’s a clear line of thinking based on this cast of who is on the outs and who is corrupt. Just know that while some things may seem obvious from the jump, within those are revelations waiting to be revealed. It can get tense, it can get twisted, but in the end it’s a lot of fun figuring out who is really in the wrong.
The definition of a “RIP” can mean a few different things as far as law enforcement proceedings: Robbery Investigation Program or Robbery in Progress. The latter is more appropriate with money clearly ready to be taken at any moment - it’s just the matter of who is on the right side of history when the theft occurs. When everyone has the potential to be a suspect - things can go haywire real quick and the outcome may not go exactly as envisioned.
The Rip is a captivating, high-octane thriller that keeps the viewer on their toes, always making the audience feel as though they’re one step ahead for that rug to be pulled out so quickly from under them.
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