The much-anticipated reunion of Hollywood stars Ben Affleck and Matt Damon in a new Netflix film has resulted in a critical disappointment. Their latest project, the thriller 'The Rip', directed by Joe Carnahan, has been sharply criticised for its lack of substance and character depth, with some suggesting it is tailored for an audience perpetually distracted by their smartphones.
A High-Concept Premise Falls Flat
Premiering on the streaming platform, the film casts the duo as Miami police officers working on a tactical narcotics team. Damon plays Lieutenant Dane Dumars, while Affleck takes on the role of Detective Sergeant JD Byrne. The central plot kicks into gear when the pair discover a staggering sum of over $20 million during a police operation known as a 'rip'. This windfall immediately sows seeds of potential betrayal and conflict between the long-time partners.
Despite this promising, high-stakes setup, critics have found the execution severely lacking. The screenplay has been singled out for its weak dialogue and a failure to develop the central characters beyond their basic archetypes. The narrative is seen as a series of action beats without the emotional or psychological groundwork to make audiences care about the outcome.
Wasted Talent and a Troubling Narrative Trend
The film features a notably strong supporting cast, including actors of the calibre of Steven Yeun, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Teyana Taylor. However, reviews consistently point out that their considerable talents are sorely underutilised, leaving them with little to do in thinly written roles.
Furthermore, 'The Rip' has been noted as part of a recurring and concerning theme in recent Netflix productions. The film is said to portray its police characters with unquestionable authority and a distinct lack of consequences for their actions, a narrative choice that has drawn scrutiny in the context of wider cultural conversations about law enforcement.
A Charmless Misfire for the Streaming Age
Ultimately, the project has been labelled a missed opportunity. The combined star power of Affleck and Damon, who have previously delivered acclaimed collaborations, was not enough to elevate the material. The overarching critique is that 'The Rip' feels manufactured for passive viewing, prioritising superficial style and a fast-paced plot over meaningful storytelling or character exploration.
For fans hoping for a return to form for the iconic acting pair, this Netflix offering, released in January 2026, appears to be a significant letdown. The consensus suggests the film is a forgettable addition to the streaming giant's catalogue, more likely to be scrolled past than to leave a lasting impression.
