The Rip (2026) Netflix Movie Review: A Gritty Cop Thriller That Keeps You Guessing

If you enjoy tense crime dramas where trust slowly breaks down and every character feels suspicious, The Rip (2026) Netflix movie review is worth your attention. Directed by Joe Carnahan, this Netflix action thriller brings together big names like Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in a gritty Miami-set story about corrupt cops, hidden motives, and a massive cash seizure that changes everything. It is not flashy for the sake of it, but it pulls you in with tension, sharp dialogue, and strong performances.

What Is The Rip (2026) About?

At its core, The Rip tells a simple story with complicated consequences. A team of Miami police officers discovers millions of dollars hidden inside a derelict stash house. What should be a straightforward bust quickly turns into a nightmare. As word spreads about the size of the cash seizure, outside forces start closing in, and trust within the team begins to fall apart.

Nobody knows who is clean and who is dirty. Every conversation feels loaded. Every look feels suspicious. That constant doubt becomes the film’s biggest strength.

Joe Carnahan Returns to His Comfort Zone

Director Joe Carnahan is known for crime-heavy films filled with cops, guns, and morally grey characters. In The Rip (2026) Netflix movie review, he stays firmly in his wheelhouse. The movie feels like a modern throwback to old-school cop thrillers about corruption and loyalty, similar in spirit to classic crime dramas but with a modern Netflix polish.

Carnahan keeps the story mostly in one location, which may sound limiting, but it actually works in the film’s favor. The tight setting increases pressure and keeps the focus on character tension rather than spectacle.

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Matt Damon and Ben Affleck Steal the Show

The heart of the movie lies with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. The longtime friends reunite on screen, and their chemistry feels natural and effortless. They play seasoned, worn-down cops who have seen too much but are still stuck doing the job.

Their rapid-fire dialogue is one of the highlights. Conversations move fast, feel raw, and never sound overly scripted. There is a rhythm to their exchanges that only comes from actors who genuinely understand each other. Watching them argue, joke, and quietly challenge one another is one of the most engaging parts of the film.

A fun surprise is hearing both Damon and Affleck speak Spanish in the movie, which adds authenticity and texture to their characters rather than feeling like a gimmick.

A Strong Supporting Cast Adds Suspicion and Depth

Beyond the two leads, The Rip features a solid ensemble cast. Steven Yeun plays the most junior member of the team, and his presence brings a quiet unease. His awkward silences and rule-following nature make him hard to read, which works perfectly for a story built on mistrust.

Teyana Taylor and Catalina Sandino Moreno may not have huge roles, but they add an important layer of skepticism. Their interactions with Damon subtly shift power dynamics and make you question who really has control.

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Sasha Calle stands out as well. Her character balances toughness with vulnerability, making it difficult to decide whether she should be trusted or pitied. She feels like a warning sign in the story—someone who might see the truth more clearly than others.

Scott Adkins appears as Ben Affleck’s brother, which adds an interesting meta layer for fans who know Adkins once auditioned for Batman, a role Affleck eventually played. Their scenes together bring a quiet intensity that fits the film’s tone.

Kyle Chandler rounds out the cast, adding authority and weight to the already tense environment.

Atmosphere, Cinematography, and Miami Nights

Visually, The Rip (2026) Netflix movie review benefits from strong cinematography and a moody color palette. The film captures Miami at night in hypnotic shades, especially during scenes set outside the stash house. Darkness feels heavy, and suburban streets look uneasy rather than calm.

The camera work during action scenes is intense without becoming confusing. When gunfire erupts, the camera slightly shakes to simulate recoil, making the violence feel close and dangerous. It never becomes messy to the point where you lose track of what is happening, but it does put you right in the chaos.

Tension First, Action Later

One thing viewers should know going in is that The Rip is not nonstop action from start to finish. The movie takes its time building suspicion and conflict before fully unleashing the violence. For some, this slow burn will be a plus. For others expecting constant explosions, it may feel like a delay.

When the action does arrive, especially in the third act, it is fierce and aggressive. However, some of the action choreography and editing during these later scenes can feel a bit jumpy. The chaos is intentional, but a few sequences may feel slightly messy.

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Story Strengths and Weaknesses

The biggest strength of The Rip is its sense of doubt. The story constantly makes you question everyone’s integrity. Twists are layered throughout, some obvious and others more subtle. Even when you think you understand what is happening, the film finds a way to shift perspective.

On the downside, character development outside of Damon and Affleck is somewhat limited. You understand what the characters do, but not much about who they are beyond the job. While this does not ruin the experience, it does prevent a deeper emotional connection.

Final Verdict: Is The Rip (2026) Worth Watching?

So, what’s the final call in this The Rip (2026) Netflix movie review? This film is not a groundbreaking masterpiece, and its twists may not shock seasoned thriller fans. However, it is an exceptionally well-crafted, aggressive, and kinetic popcorn flick. The gripping performances—especially from the Damon-Affleck powerhouse—fast-paced dialogue, and relentless suspense make for a highly entertaining watch.

It’s the perfect pick for a Saturday night when you want a dose of action, mystery, and moral ambiguity without needing to follow a overly complex plot. There’s no sex or nudity, but be warned: the violence is frequent and fierce.

Our Rating: 4 out of 5. The Rip might not be phenomenally excellent, but it delivers a ton of fun, solid action, and enough twists to keep you couched and engaged until the credits roll.