The Rip (2026) Review

The Rip (2026)

By Ian M

The Rip is a competent action/thriller with great on-screen chemistry from the leads, and a more than passable whodunnit thrown in the mix.

After the death of a high ranking Captain of a narcotics team rocks Miami police, there is a strong suspicion that the ones that killed her were from within the specialist unit she runs. Her second in command Lieutenant Dane Dumars (Matt Damon), receives a tip about a house hiding drug cartel money and enlists the help of the team in order to see if the rumours about the inside job are to be believed. 

Directed by Joe Carnahan and written by Carnahan and Michael McGrale, the film is fairly paint-by-numbers in terms of plot, but it handles everything well enough to keep you intrigued. The story lives and dies by the strength of a whodunnit that succeeds exactly where it needs to; paranoia. While trying to route out the potential dirty cop, you’re never quite sure of who the villain is, creating an atmosphere that a lot of films in the same genre fail to achieve. Although the film disappointingly fails to reach the same heights in its final act, the unwavering strength of its puzzle is more than enough to get you to the end.

A lot of the film's success is down to the hugely successful cast that's been put together here. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are back together onscreen, and their chemistry together is undeniable as they seek vengeance for the death of their Captain. Steven Yuen of Minari and Nope, Teyana Taylor of One Battle After Another, and Catalina Sandino Moreno of Maria Full of Grace round the cast of the team up and they are equally integral to the mystery's success.