The most iconic duo in Hollywood is back. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are reuniting on screen for the first time since 2023’s Air, but this time, they’re trading the boardroom for the gritty streets of Miami.
Their new crime thriller, “The Rip,” is set to premiere globally on Netflix this Friday, January 16, 2026. Directed by the master of grit, Joe Carnahan (Narc, The Grey), the film is already generating massive buzz—not just for its star power, but for its intense, “moral-gray-area” storytelling.
Before you hit play tomorrow, here is your ultimate guide to the cast, the plot, and what to expect from this high-stakes heist drama.
The Plot: A “Routine” Raid Gone Wrong
In police jargon, a “rip” refers to the seizure of cash, drugs, or illegal weapons. The movie follows Lieutenant Dane Dumars (Matt Damon) and Detective Sergeant JD Byrne (Ben Affleck), two best friends and seasoned veterans of a Miami tactical narcotics unit.
The story kicks off when their team receives a tip about a derelict stash house holding millions of dollars in drug money. What should have been a standard “seize-and-count” operation quickly spirals into a nightmare. Upon finding buckets of cash hidden inside the walls, the group’s bond begins to fracture.
As word of the massive seizure leaks to outside forces and internal suspicions of a “rat” in the unit grow, the officers are forced to decide: Do they stay loyal to the badge, to each other, or to the money?
The Cast: A Powerhouse Ensemble
Beyond the legendary Damon-Affleck pairing, The Rip features one of the most impressive ensemble casts of the year:
- Matt Damon as Lt. Dane Dumars: The more “sensible” but increasingly jaded leader.
- Ben Affleck as Sgt. JD Byrne: The maverick detective whose loyalty is put to the ultimate test.
- Steven Yeun (Minari, Beef): Playing Detective Mike Ro.
- Teyana Taylor (A Thousand and One): As Detective Numa Baptiste.
- Sasha Calle (The Flash): Starring as Desi.
- Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights): As DEA Agent Mateo ‘Matty’ Nix.
- Scott Adkins (John Wick 4): Playing the brother of Affleck’s character.
What to Expect: Why This Isn’t Just “Another Cop Movie”
- Inspired by True Events: Director Joe Carnahan has revealed that the script is inspired by the real-life experiences of a close friend who headed a tactical narcotics unit in Miami. This adds a layer of authenticity to the procedural elements of the film.
- 70s Thriller Vibes: Carnahan has cited classics like Serpico and Prince of the City as influences. Expect a “character-first” approach rather than just mindless explosions.
- The “Good Guys” Dilemma: The film’s emotional core revolves around a single question posed by Damon’s character in the trailer: “Are we the good guys?” It’s a deep dive into how greed can corrupt even the strongest brotherhood.
- A Groundbreaking Production: Behind the scenes, Damon and Affleck’s company, Artists Equity, struck a historic deal with Netflix to ensure that all 1,200 crew members receive bonuses if the film performs well—a first for the streaming world.
Release Details
- Title: The Rip
- Release Date: January 16, 2026
- Platform: Netflix
- Runtime: 2 Hours 13 Minutes
- Director: Joe Carnahan
If you loved Heat or The Town, The Rip is mandatory viewing this weekend. With the natural chemistry of Damon and Affleck at the center, this is shaping up to be Netflix’s first major hit of 2026.
