Nerd Alert Movie Review - The Rip

The Rip is the kind of high-octane, muscular crime thriller Netflix should be building entire weekends around. Written and directed by Joe Carnahan (A-Team, Narc), working from a story he crafted with Michael McGrale (CSI: Miami, The Following), the film crackles with confidence, grit, and purpose from its opening moments, and never lets up. This is Carnahan in full command of his lane, delivering a relentless, character-driven thriller that feels both old-school tough and sharply modern.

At the center of it all are Matt Damon (Dogma, The Bourne Identity) and Ben Affleck (Dogma, The Town), reuniting with the kind of easy, lived-in chemistry that only decades of collaboration can produce. Their performances feel effortless but layered, grounded in loyalty, regret, and unspoken history. Carnahan smartly lets their relationship breathe, using quiet tension just as effectively as explosive confrontation. Watching them share the screen again isn’t just nostalgic, it’s electric.

The supporting cast is equally outstanding. Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead, Mayhem) continues his streak of turning everything he touches into something more compelling, bringing intelligence and unpredictability to his role. Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another, White Men Can't Jump - 2023) is a revelation, radiating strength and presence while refusing to be sidelined. Catalina Sandino Moreno (Silent Night, Ballerina) delivers emotional gravity, while Sasha Calle (The Flash, On Swift Horses) and Kyle Chandler (Bloodline, Godzilla: King of the Monsters) round out the ensemble with sharp, memorable performances that elevate every scene they’re in. No one feels wasted here, every character matters, and every actor is fully dialed in.

Carnahan’s direction is precise and unapologetic. The action is visceral and grounded, shot with clarity and weight, while the dialogue snaps with authenticity. The Rip doesn’t rely on spectacle alone; it builds tension through character choices, moral gray areas, and the consequences of violence. It’s a film that trusts its audience and rewards attention.

What ultimately makes The Rip stand out is its confidence. It knows exactly what it is. It's a tough, smart, character-first crime thriller made by filmmakers and actors operating at the top of their game. It’s intense, gripping, and deeply satisfying, one of those movies you finish and immediately want to talk about.

Netflix has a standout on its hands. The Rip isn’t just a great streaming movie, it’s going to be one of the strongest genre entries of the year. Frankly, I was surprised at how good it is and how much I enjoyed the story.

Watch the trailer: