Overview
Joe Carnahan, who co-developed the plot with Michael McGrale, is the director and writer of the 2026 American action-thriller film The Rip. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon lead the film’s well-known ensemble cast, which represents yet another significant partnership between the two actors under their Artists Equity company.
The Rip is a suspenseful story about police enforcement, loyalty, and avarice that blends crime, corruption, and moral uncertainty. On January 16, 2026, Netflix released the movie worldwide.
Plot
The story begins with the murder of Captain Jackie Velez, a respected officer of the Miami-Dade Police Department. Suspicion quickly surrounds her elite Tactical Narcotics Team amid rumors of corrupt officers involved in robbing drug stash houses. Lieutenant Dane Dumars, Velez’s second-in-command, receives an anonymous tip leading the unit to a residential property in Hialeah believed to contain cartel money.
Upon entering the house with fellow detectives JD Byrne, Mike Ro, Numa Baptiste, and Lolo Salazar, the team uncovers a massive cache of hidden cash. Dumars makes the controversial decision to keep the discovery off the books, confiscating phones and refusing to inform superiors. Tensions rise as conflicting stories, secret communications, and mistrust begin to fracture the group.
As outside forces close in and violence erupts, the detectives realize they are trapped in a dangerous web involving cartel operatives, federal agents, and betrayal from within their own ranks. The situation escalates into a deadly confrontation that reveals the truth behind Velez’s death and exposes the true motives of those involved.
In the aftermath, justice is restored, alliances are broken, and the surviving officers are forced to confront the cost of loyalty and corruption.
Cast
- Detective Sergeant JD Byrne, played by Ben Affleck
- Detective Mike Ro, played by Steven Yeun
- Detective Numa Baptiste, played by Teyana Taylor
- Desiree “Desi” Molina, played by Sasha Calle
- Detective Lolo Salazar, played by Catalina Sandino Moreno
- Agent Del Byrne, played by Scott Adkins
- DEA Agent Mateo “Matty” Nix, played by Kyle Chandler
- Major Thom Vallejo, played by Nõor Carbonell
- Captain Lina Esco Velez, Jackie
Production
Midway through 2024, Joe Carnahan and Artists Equity—the production business that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck founded—announced the movie as a collaborative effort. Together with Michael McGrale, Carnahan developed the story while acting as both director and writer.
Shortly after the project began development, Netflix obtained the global distribution rights. The contract attracted notice for its performance-based bonus structure, which gave crew workers extra pay if the movie reached certain viewership targets.
October 2024 saw the start of principal photography, mostly in Los Angeles, with some additional filming occurring in New Jersey. Kevin Hale was the editor, and Juan Miguel Azpiroz was the cinematographer.
Release
The Rip premiered globally on Netflix on January 16, 2026. The film received a simultaneous international release, making it available to audiences worldwide on the same day.
Marketing
In September 2025, Netflix debuted the first teaser trailer, which was followed by a preview clip throughout the Christmas season. The film’s violent action scenes and Damon and Affleck’s on-screen chemistry were highlighted in the official full-length trailer, which appeared in early January 2026.
Reception
The film received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences.
Box Office
As a Netflix original release, The Rip did not have a traditional theatrical box-office run. However, it ranked among the platform’s most-watched films during its debut week.
Critical Response
The main actors’ performances were commended by critics, especially the relationship between Damon and Affleck. While some reviews pointed out the film’s well-known genre clichés, others emphasized its gritty tone and quick-paced narrative.
Accolades
The film received nominations for ensemble performance and action choreography, along with recognition for its production model and cinematography.
Sequel
As of now, no official sequel has been announced. However, the film’s ending and strong audience response have sparked speculation about potential follow-up projects or expanded stories within the same universe.
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