In the latest crime thriller “The Rip,” directed by Joe Carnahan, the lines between law enforcement and criminality become increasingly blurred. Starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, the film takes place over a foggy night in Miami, immersing the audience in a world rife with moral ambiguity.
Set against the backdrop of South Florida, the narrative follows Miami narcotics officers who stumble upon a drug cartel stash house. Initially expecting to find a hidden $150,000, their discovery of more than $20 million shifts the operation into chaos, presenting a scenario where trust dissipates rapidly among the characters.
“The Rip,” which premieres on Netflix, introduces a neo-noir atmosphere in which almost everyone is a police officer, yet it’s challenging to discern who can be considered a “good guy.” The film takes on a relevant theme, asking viewers to consider the nature of morality within law enforcement, exemplified by a significant moment where a character questions the meaning of a tattoo that reads “AWTGG”: “Are we the good guys?”
Despite its engaging premise, the film’s character development is noticeably thin. The swift pacing limits access to the characters beyond the unfolding drama, leaving potential plot twists feeling less impactful. Early on, the story presents a police department in disarray; following a detective’s fatal shooting, accusations and mistrust are rife among the officers.
Dane, one of the main characters, expresses disgust with his role, highlighting the disillusionment that permeates the force. As divisions like the DEA and FBI interact with corrupt elements, the police department itself appears to act as a “den of thieves.” An air of casual recklessness surrounds Dane’s crew, who prioritize drinking over their duties, casting doubt on their professionalism.
Once the money is discovered, a shift in tone occurs as Dane refuses to report the find. This prompts suspicion among his colleagues, culminating in a tense phone call with a threat: take a fraction of the money or face dire consequences. This mystery intensifies the film’s atmosphere but adds to the overall sense of disorientation regarding the characters’ motivations.
While inspired by real events shared by a Miami detective, the plausibility of the film’s plot may come into question for some viewers. Nonetheless, Carnahan successfully conveys a murky ambiance reminiscent of his previous works, presenting a tale where good and bad are inherently intertwined.
The longtime collaboration between Damon and Affleck continues in “The Rip,” reflecting their ability to reshape audience expectations. They craft interesting roles that often challenge traditional heroic archetypes, leaning toward more complex and flawed characters.
Ultimately, “The Rip” presents itself as a B-movie elevated by notable leads. While it may be a minor entry in the crime genre, the chemistry and sincerity of Damon and Affleck manage to resonate with audiences. The film carries an R rating for violence and strong language, with a runtime of 133 minutes.