The Netflix film "The Rip," directed by Joe Carnahan and starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, premiered on January 16, 2026. Inspired by true events, the film is set in Miami and details the investigation into a police captain's murder, leading to the discovery of $20 million in a cartel stash house and subsequent ethical dilemmas for law enforcement officers. Critical reception has been largely positive.
Film Overview
"The Rip" was released on Netflix on January 16, 2026. Joe Carnahan directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay. Ben Affleck served as a producer in addition to his acting role. The film features a synth score composed by Clinton Shorter and is set in Miami.
Production and Cast
The primary cast includes:
- Matt Damon as Lt. Dane Dumars
- Ben Affleck as Det. Sgt. J.D. Byrne
- Lina Esco as Capt. Jackie Velez
- Nestor Carbonell as Major Thom Vallejo
- Steven Yeun as Det. Mike Ro
- Teyana Taylor as Det. Numa Baptiste
- Catalina Sandino Moreno as Det. Lolo Salazar
- Scott Adkins as FBI agent Del
- Sasha Calle as Desi
- Kyle Chandler as Matty Nix
Synopsis
The narrative is inspired by true events, beginning with the shooting death of Miami-Dade narcotics division captain Jackie Velez by two masked individuals. Velez had been attempting to protect a woman and sent a text message prior to her death.
Following Velez's death, Lt. Dane Dumars is promoted to her position. Dumars requests that his team investigate the case, but Major Thom Vallejo assigns the investigation to federal authorities, citing departmental budget cuts and allegations of corruption. Dumars expresses suspicion regarding the internal investigation's handling, noting the recent shutdown of the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team and impending job cuts. Det. Sgt. J.D. Byrne, Dumars' second-in-command, shares these suspicions. Byrne's involvement is complicated by a past relationship with Velez and by tension with FBI agent Del, who is his brother. The film features interrogations conducted by federal agents, involving Tactical Narcotics Team members including detectives Mike Ro, Numa Baptiste, and Lolo Salazar.
Later, Dumars informs his team of a tip concerning a cartel stash house located in Hialeah. During the subsequent investigation, a sniffer dog indicates a presence in an attic, where Desi is encountered. Officers discover $20 million in cash concealed behind a false wall within the attic.
Miami-Dade police procedure mandates a full count of seized cash at the scene. The film depicts growing suspicions among the officers as the reported tip amount changes, and Dumars delays reporting the discovery to his superior. Anonymous threats are received, instructing the team to take a portion of the cash within a limited timeframe. Desi provides information about other individuals associated with the house.
The situation escalates with the arrival of Hialeah patrol officers and increasing tension between Dumars and Byrne. The team comes under gunfire, resulting in Lolo's injury. A cartel member is observed signaling from a nearby residence, and former officer-turned-DEA agent Matty Nix arrives on the scene. The narrative explores the destination of the $20 million and its connection to Jackie Velez's murder.
Themes and Genre
The film explores themes of complicity between law enforcement and drug traffickers, examining definitions of corruption and ethical conduct within the police force. It is categorized within the 'cops-in-a-pressure-cooker' genre and incorporates elements of tension, car chases, and gunfire.
Critical Reception
"The Rip" has received largely positive critical reception, holding an 84% rating on the Tomatometer. Reviewers have offered the following assessments:
- Jake Cole of Slant rated the film 3 out of 4 stars, describing it as an action thriller that provides an enjoyable retro experience and builds a sense of dread. The setting, characterized by thick fog and metallic coloring, was noted for contributing to the film's tense atmosphere.
- Eric Francisco of Esquire praised the movie as a valuable example of mid-range films. Francisco indicated a preference for the film to have received a wider theatrical release.
- Brian Truitt of USA TODAY gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, noting that the established relationship between lead actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck enhances the portrayal of friendship and conflict within the narrative.
- Jerrod Jones of AV Club assigned the movie a B grade, categorizing it as a competent mid-tier action film. Jones highlighted the chemistry between Affleck and Damon, particularly their on-screen bickering, as a key element.
- Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert rated "The Rip" 3 out of 4 stars. Tallerico commended director Joe Carnahan for creating a Netflix original that resembles a big-screen production, noting it was superior to many streaming original action titles despite minor length issues in the final scenes and the handling of some supporting characters.
The overall consensus from critics indicates satisfaction with the action film.