Critics Have Seen The Rip, And They Say Watching Ben Affleck Vs. Matt Damon Is ‘Like Watching Your Mom And Dad Fight’

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Since their breakout roles in Good Will Hunting back in 1997, audiences have loved the close friendship between Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, which began long before their fame. Now, they’re teaming up again in The Rip, a new movie coming to Netflix on January 16, 2026. The film, directed by Joe Carnahan, follows them as Miami police officers investigating a suspicious situation after $20 million is found at a raided hideout.

Alongside Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, The Rip features a strong cast including Steven Yeun, Scott Adkins, Kyle Chandler, and Teyana Taylor, who recently delivered a memorable speech at the Golden Globes. Early reviews are in, and Jake Cole from Slant Magazine gives the film 3 out of 4 stars, describing it as a straightforward but fun action thriller that doesn’t reinvent the genre. According to the critic…

I have to say, Carnahan really nails the atmosphere in The Rip. This isn’t your typical crime thriller; it feels much more like a classic John Carpenter film, building a truly unsettling sense of dread. From the very beginning, with a fog so thick you can barely see, and this strange metallic color scheme that makes everything feel cold and dangerous, I was on edge. It’s like the characters are trapped, waiting for something terrible to happen. What’s brilliant is that instead of an external threat, the tension actually increases as the cops realize they’re the biggest danger to each other. It’s a masterclass in psychological suspense.

Eric Francisco from Esquire is a huge fan of The Rip, but he’s frustrated that such a great Ben Affleck and Matt Damon movie is being released directly to Netflix in January, limiting who can see it. He finds this decision particularly irritating.

The Rip is a good reminder of the solid, enjoyable mid-budget movies that used to be a staple of Hollywood. While better films will likely come out this year – it’s only January, and because it’s a Netflix release, it will probably be quickly forgotten – I appreciate its grittiness and authenticity. I’m drawn to movies made with skill and experience, not just speed and efficiency. The Rip isn’t groundbreaking, but it makes life a little more bearable, and I’d happily have paid to see it.

In a review for USA TODAY, Brian Truitt awarded the new action movie 3.5 out of 4 stars. He noted that the long-standing relationship between the main actors brings a special depth to both their bond and the conflicts in the film, The Rip.

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have such a strong friendship that their on-screen arguments in “The Rip” feel surprisingly personal – like watching a family disagreement, but with a lot more tough-guy posturing. This dynamic drives the tension in the film, a Miami-set cop thriller where a group of officers grapple with difficult choices and a large sum of money. The movie, co-written and directed by Joe Carnahan, features Damon and Affleck alongside a talented cast, including Teyana Taylor. Despite a few plot problems and an occasionally overwhelming intensity, it’s a significantly better action film than many that go straight to streaming services.

Jerrod Jones from AV Club gave the movie a B grade, describing it as a solid, if not spectacular, action film. He praised the seasoned acting, surprising plot twists, and enough action to hold your attention. He also noted that the genuine friendship between Ben Affleck and Matt Damon is noticeable and adds to their on-screen chemistry.

What really makes this movie stand out is seeing Ben Affleck and Matt Damon back together. They both have tough, rugged looks and play off each other like constantly arguing siblings as everything around them falls apart. While it’s not a movie focused on their playful banter, the film’s fast-paced story—filled with suspicious cops, Colombian drug cartels, and a twenty-million-dollar mystery—doesn’t leave much room for it. However, whenever Affleck and Damon glare at each other and trade insults—which happens frequently thanks to the complex plot—the movie truly becomes captivating.

In a review for RogerEbert.com, Brian Tallerico gave The Rip 3 out of 4 stars. He notes that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck both embrace a more lived-in look for their roles as tired police officers. Tallerico also commends director Joe Carnahan for creating a Netflix film that feels like a true cinematic experience.

While the ending of The Rip feels a bit drawn out and loses some characters along the way, even with its clever twists, it’s still a significant step above most action movies made for streaming. It’s good enough to make you wish the director could consistently make films like this for Netflix – maybe even mentor other directors! If Netflix could deliver a consistently well-made action film like The Rip every year, it would be a real win for the platform.

Critics are largely enjoying the new action movie, giving it an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s generating a lot of buzz, especially considering it’s a January release on Netflix, and stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. You can watch The Rip on Netflix now.

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2026-01-17 01:09