Actress Lina Esco has opened up about the surprisingly playful and relaxed atmosphere on the set of Netflix's new crime thriller The Rip, particularly when filming romantic scenes with co-star Ben Affleck.
‘Two Dorks Dorking Around’
Speaking to People at the film's New York premiere on Tuesday, the 40-year-old former S.W.A.T. star recounted her experience filming intimate bedroom scenes with Affleck, who plays JD Byrne, her character's love interest. Esco described a scene far removed from any Hollywood pretension, filled instead with laughter and camaraderie.
"We were giggling," Esco revealed. "We were just two dorks, dorking around." She went on to praise Affleck, 53, as "such a sweet man" and emphasised how rare it is to find such an easygoing dynamic on a film set.
A Deliberately Collaborative Set
The light-hearted environment was no happy accident but a core principle for the production. The Rip reunites Affleck with his longtime friend Matt Damon, who co-lead the film as a pair of Miami cops who discover a multi-million-pound cash haul. The duo also served as co-producers through their Artists Equity company.
Esco highlighted the intentional efforts to foster a positive workspace, crediting director Joe Carnahan for ensuring comfort and maintaining a specific mood with soundtrack music. "It felt like you were in the movie — and again, [a] very cozy, loving set," she said.
This ethos was echoed by Affleck and Damon themselves during a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Affleck explained their belief that a movie's quality is directly tied to the commitment of every single person involved, from the stars to the crew. "It’s really a collaborative art form," he stated.
A New Model for Streaming Success
To put this philosophy into practice, the producers implemented an innovative financial model adapted for the streaming age. Acknowledging the industry's shift away from traditional box office bonuses, Affleck detailed their plan to share the film's success with the entire team.
"What we wanted to do was try to adapt that model to what’s happening on streaming," he said, aiming to include the film's roughly 1,200 crew members—from camera operators to standby painters—in any financial rewards.
Now available for streaming globally on Netflix, The Rip also features a strong supporting cast including recent Golden Globe-winner Teyana Taylor, Steven Yeun, and Sasha Calle. The film follows the Miami police unit as they grapple with distrust after their massive cash seizure becomes public knowledge.
For viewers and industry insiders alike, the project stands not just as a gritty crime thriller but as a testament to a modern, more equitable approach to filmmaking in the streaming era.
