The Rip (expected 2026) is a crime-thriller from director and screenwriter Joe Carnahan, with a story co-developed by Michael McGrale. Starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and a strong supporting ensemble, it promises to be high-stakes and morally murky. Netflix+3Wikipedia+3EW.com+3
Here’s the setup, spoiler-free: a team of Miami cops uncover millions of dollars in a derelict stash house, and the discovery starts to unravel everything—trust among them, their sense of right and wrong, and their loyalties. As outside forces get wind of the find, the tension ratchets up.
If you’ve ever felt the weight of a moral dilemma, or wondered what you’d do if you found yourself in a situation where every partner, every ally, even your own ethics were in question—you and I might both lean into this. It looks like The Rip wants us to squirm a little.
Storyline & Plot
Though I haven’t seen the final cut (as of this writing), what’s been revealed suggests The Rip will lean into a tension-driven, character-heavy plot. The central conflict is born not from external action sequences (though those will surely be there) but from internal cracks—who believes what, who’s willing to cross the line, what motivates greed vs. loyalty. Netflix+2EW.com+2
Joe Carnahan has said the movie draws inspiration from a true experience of a Miami-Dade narcotics officer, especially regarding loyalty and personal sacrifices. Netflix+2TechRadar+2
The tone seems gritty, dark, suspenseful, with moments of betrayal and paranoia. From the previews and descriptions (trailers, articles) we expect a mixture of dialogue-heavy scenes exploring character motives and intense action sequences once the conflicts manifest. The narrative style (based on what we have) feels linear but layered: the main timeline is straightforward, but moral backstories or relationships may complicate how we judge characters.
Personally, I think this is the kind of movie that feels immersive but uneasy—you’re with the characters, you root for them, but you almost always know something could snap. In following what’s been released so far, it seems likely that the movie will sustain tension well, though the risk is falling into predictable arcs: betrayal, greed, “which side are you really on?” tropes. If it leans too much on those without surprise, the impact could lessen.
Characters & Cast
Here’s what we know about key players in The Rip:
From what we’ve heard so far, none of the casting seems in doubt; all are capable, and there’s potential for some standout performances—especially Damon and Affleck simply because of their history and screen chemistry. But supporting cast may steal scenes if the script gives them room.
Direction & Style
Joe Carnahan has a reputation for gritty, high-tension, action-leaning crime stories. Films like Narc and Smokin’ Aces show he doesn’t shy from moral complexity, violence, or messy characters. From what’s been released, The Rip seems inspired by 1970s cop thrillers like Serpico and Prince of the City, and more modern ones like Heat. Netflix+2EW.com+2
In terms of pacing, expectations are that the film won’t drag—though the first act may spend time establishing relationships, trust, and tension. Probably a slow burn with moments of burst: action, confrontation, betrayal. Visual tone seems to be tough, atmospheric, possibly humid and gritty, fitting Miami but maybe leaning into noir lighting in certain scenes. From interviews, Carnahan was backed strongly by the producers (including Affleck and Damon) in his decisions, which makes me think the style will feel unified, confident. Netflix
What I personally like about this style is that when it works, it invests you in characters so that the action matters—not just shootouts or moral dilemmas as spectacle, but as veins through which the heart of the story pulses. What I’m wary of is predictable beats or clichés: cops discovering dirty secrets, betrayal within the team, external threats forcing tough choices. If Carnahan can bring surprises or at least unexpected emotional stakes, this could rise above standard cop thriller fare.
Cinematography, Music & Technical Aspects
Based on what’s out there:
Cinematography: the images and trailers suggest strong visual framing, possibly contrasting the heat and grit of Miami (urban decay, neon, shadows) with tense interior shots (stash houses, interrogation rooms). Think of color grading that emphasizes sweat, grime, flickering lights—something that leans into claustrophobia when tension peaks. While we don’t have the full cinematographer credited here in some sources, Joe Carnahan’s past works suggest he’ll lean on visuals that serve mood. Movie Insider+1
Editing: likely sharp, especially during action or confrontation. Cross-cutting between external pressure (outsiders learning about the seizure) and internal conflict (cop pairs arguing, alliances shifting) could be a key tool.
Soundtrack / Score: So far, not much detail on the composer, except that the film lists Clinton Shorter among its crew on Wikipedia. Wikipedia The kind of music that suits this film, I think, would mix moody tension (minimalist, low tones) with moments of burst (percussion, maybe some synth / dissonant riffs) when action or betrayal hits.
Altogether, these technical elements seem poised to deepen the atmosphere: you’ll feel on edge, constantly wondering when things snap. If the editing and score are done well, they’ll amplify tension rather than just supporting spectacle.
Audience Appeal
Who will The Rip speak to?
Fans of crime dramas full of moral complexity, where loyalties shift and what’s right isn’t always obvious.
People who enjoy ensemble cast movies, especially with big names who can deliver subtle interplay—not just action, but character drama.
Viewers who like gritty, somewhat realistic cops-on-the-edge stories, rather than clean, superhero-style cops.
Also those who appreciated older cop films (’70s and ’80s), plus modern noir / crime thrillers like Heat, Training Day, or Narc.
If you’re more into pure action without much internal tension, or you dislike watching characters turn on each other (or ambiguity about who the “good guy” is), this might frustrate you. But if you like being drawn into conflict, to feel uneasy, to be forced to think, this looks promising.
Overall Impression
Based on all I’ve seen and read, The Rip has many things going for it: an experienced director with a strong track record; a cast that includes heavyweights with chemistry and capacity for layered performances; a premise that’s topical (greed, policing, trust) and emotionally charged; and strong inspiration from classic crime cinema. It’s one of those movies that could easily feel both entertaining and meaningful.
Possible weaknesses—or probable risks: falling into familiar tropes (dirty cops, betrayal, outside forces), predictability in who’ll crack or stay steady; needing to balance between thriller-moment action and character arcs so neither feels hollow; could be heavy or dark enough to weigh on the viewer without enough relief. Also, ensemble films with many characters always risk some being underwritten.
As for me, I’m looking forward to it. If The Rip delivers on its promise, it could be one of the more memorable crime thrillers of the streaming era.
Verdict / Rating
Since I haven’t seen the finished film, this is a tentative rating based on the existing material:
Rating: 8/10
One-line verdict:
This is a must-watch if you enjoy morally charged crime thrillers where trust unravels, performances matter, and you want more than just shootouts—where you want tension, character, and betrayal.
