Mikes Film Talk

Joe Carnahan co-writes and directs the 2026 film The Rip. This “based on a true story” journey features edge of the seat intensity. The tale is one constant almost nail biting tension that never lets up. On top of all that suspense and who’s zoomin who, the pairing of Damon and Affleck is a solid win. *Carnahan shares writing credit with Michael McGrale.*

The Rip Story

Rip: 1. Confiscating cash during an arrest. 2. The act of stealing from criminals under the cover of the law.

In The Rip, a tip is received after closing time for a cash haul at a stash house. The team head out to validate the amount. Once there, nothing goes as it should. Soon, the team are in-fighting and trying to stay alive.

The Main Cast

Matt Damon is Lt Dane Dumars.

Ben Affleck is Detective Sergeant JD Byrne.

Steven Yeun is Detective Mike Ro.

Teyana Taylor is Detective Numa Baptiste.

Catalina Sandino Moreno is Detective Lolo Salazar.

Sasha Calle is Desiree “Desi” Lopez Molina.

Kyle Chandler is DEA Agent Matti.

Scott Adkins is FBI Del Byrne.

Everyone in this film brings their “A” game. Adkins, a personal favorite, does a great job in the cameo as Affleck’s brother and he just keeps getting better and better.

Let’s Talk The Rip

At first glance, The Rip feels like another version of the 2014 cop thriller Sabotage. Of course the 2014 Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle was not based on a true story. It was also a clear case of bad cops doing bad things. In this Damon/Affleck tale, it is based on a true story. It is also more about “button, button, who’s got the button.

We have no idea who the bad guy is here. Carnahan gives us a taught yet confusing picture in the cop caper. Apart from the almost frenetic pacing and the myriad of potential bad guys, this film is as tight as World War Z. *The Brad Pitt zombie flick was so intense that I developed a charlie horse a third of the way through the film.*

The film starts with a cop being killed with extreme prejudice. By the end of the film, we feel as wrung out as the players in the “true story” tale.

It Works

The Rip gives us character we like. Even Desi, who is living in her abuela’s house is likable. The domicile she lives in is just chock a block with money. Before the gang of detectives head to the stash house, they talk about the rumours of bent cops stealing money from these storage facilities.

*In case you are interested, the real incident is discussed on a local (Miami Dade) news station. Damon based his character on TNT cop Chris Casiano; the guy who did all this for real.*

The entire film trots out suspects who may, or may not, be trying to kill the team and steal the huge amount of cash in the house. I am usually pretty good at figuring out who the villain of the film is. Despite watching with all my “Spidey senses tingling” the reveal surprised the heck out of me.

The Verdict

The Rip is a solid 5 star out of 5 effort. As a true crime, action police procedural it keeps the viewer constantly guessing who the criminal are here. This is streaming on Netflix right now. If you are into this type of film, pop some “theatre style” popcorn, grab a beer/coke/ whisky and ginger and settle in.

This film is, thus far, my favorite of 2026. Everything is spot on and the suspense is almost painful. As the Irish say, “It’s good craic .”

The Trailer