Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, the iconic duo from Massachusetts who have delivered unforgettable performances together over decades, are back on screen. But this time, things are far from friendly. Their upcoming Netflix thriller The Rip promises a high-stakes story filled with betrayal, corruption, and danger at every corner.
The newly released intense trailer sets the tone perfectly: Damon and Affleck play Miami cops caught in a situation where trust is scarce, and survival depends on second-guessing everyone—including each other. The discovery of $20 million hidden in a rundown house should have been a career-making moment, but instead, it sparks a dangerous spiral where loyalty fractures, greed rises, and no one knows who will make it out alive.
Set to release on January 16, 2026, The Rip is already being described as one of Netflix’s most ambitious crime thrillers to date.
The Premise – When Money Becomes a Curse
The core of The Rip revolves around a failed police raid in Miami. Instead of seizing drugs or weapons, the officers stumble upon a shocking discovery—$20 million in cash hidden within the walls of a decrepit stash house.
What seems like an incredible find quickly becomes a nightmare. With so much money on the line, loyalties start to crumble. Distrust seeps into the team as outside forces get wind of the stash. Every officer begins questioning the motives of those around them, and even the strongest friendships begin to splinter.
The trailer makes it clear—this isn’t a story about good cops versus bad guys. It’s about how greed, temptation, and betrayal can consume even those sworn to uphold the law.
Matt Damon & Ben Affleck – Brothers in Arms or Enemies in Disguise?
Damon and Affleck’s real-life friendship has been one of Hollywood’s most enduring stories. From co-writing Good Will Hunting to co-starring in projects over the decades, their chemistry is undeniable. But in The Rip, their bond is tested in the most brutal way.
The film teases the possibility that one might betray the other—or that both could betray each other. The suspense lies not just in what happens with the $20 million, but in watching two lifelong friends unravel under pressure.
Audiences are left asking: Will Damon turn on Affleck? Will Affleck double-cross Damon? Or will both fall victim to forces bigger than themselves?
The emotional weight of this dynamic could make The Rip one of the most gripping performances of their careers.
The Rest of the Cast – A Strong Ensemble
While Damon and Affleck may headline the movie, The Rip features an impressive supporting cast:
- Teyana Taylor – Bringing intensity and sharpness to her role.
- Steven Yeun – Known for his versatility (Minari, Nope), Yeun adds depth to the ensemble.
- Catalina Sandino Moreno – A talented actress who has a history of powerful performances.
- Kyle Chandler – Familiar with tough law enforcement roles, adding credibility to the cop setting.
- Scott Adkins – Action fans will appreciate his presence.
- Sasha Calle – A rising star whose energy will add freshness to the ensemble.
Together, this cast ensures that The Rip isn’t just about two leads—it’s about a volatile mix of characters, each with secrets and motives of their own.
The Creative Force Behind the Film
The Rip comes from Joe Carnahan, the writer-director behind high-energy action-thrillers like The A-Team and The Grey. Carnahan has always been drawn to stories that mix moral complexity with explosive action, and this film continues that tradition.
He has described The Rip as a modern extension of classic cop thrillers, citing inspirations such as Serpico, Prince of the City, and Michael Mann’s Heat. Those films, known for their gritty realism and emotional punch, suggest that The Rip will go beyond surface-level action to explore the human cost of corruption and betrayal.
Carnahan himself has hinted that the story will devastate audiences. In his own words, “If the audience falls in love with the characters, you got them. Because at some point you’re going to get your heart broken—you just don’t know by whom.”
That chilling statement sets the stage for a film where emotional betrayal might cut even deeper than physical danger.
Why The Rip Stands Out in the Crime Thriller Genre
There have been countless crime thrillers over the years, but The Rip sets itself apart in several ways:
- Real Stakes – $20 million in cash isn’t just a MacGuffin; it’s a temptation strong enough to corrupt anyone.
- Friendship Tested – Watching Damon and Affleck’s on-screen bond collapse adds a personal layer of heartbreak.
- Moral Ambiguity – The film isn’t about good vs. evil; it’s about flawed people making impossible choices.
- Stylish Direction – Carnahan’s gritty yet stylish approach ensures both action and atmosphere hit hard.
This isn’t just another cops-and-robbers tale. It’s a tense psychological exploration of loyalty, greed, and betrayal.
When and Where to Watch
Netflix has confirmed that The Rip will be released globally on January 16, 2026. Fans will be able to stream it directly at home, ensuring worldwide access on day one.
Given the star power, gripping premise, and emotional weight, this release date is likely to generate significant buzz. Expect The Rip to dominate discussions in the first weeks of 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Rip isn’t just another Damon-Affleck collaboration—it could be their most emotionally devastating one yet. With its focus on betrayal, trust, and survival, paired with Carnahan’s gritty direction, the film has all the makings of a must-watch Netflix thriller.
As the tagline of the trailer suggests, “Who can you trust when everyone has something to hide?”
Get ready for a cinematic gut punch when The Rip arrives on January 16, 2026.