There was every reason to believe The RIP might land as the next standout entry in the shared filmography of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. When these two share the screen, there’s usually an easy chemistry and emotional grounding that elevates even familiar material. Unfortunately, while their latest collaboration has flashes of that old magic, The RIP ultimately settles for being competent rather than memorable.
Now streaming on Netflix, this crime-heist thriller feels torn between wanting to be a tense moral puzzle and a crowd-pleasing action ride. It never quite commits to either – and that indecision is its biggest flaw.
A Tempting Setup With Familiar DNA
Inspired loosely by real events, The RIP follows Lieutenant Dane Dumars (Damon) and Sergeant J.D. Byrne (Affleck), leaders of Miami’s Tactical Narcotics Team. During a late-night raid prompted by an anonymous tip, the unit stumbles upon an astonishing discovery: roughly $20 million hidden inside a modest stash house.
That find becomes the movie’s ticking clock. Should the money be reported, or quietly disappear? As rival agencies, cartel players, and shadowy third parties begin circling, paranoia spreads through the team. Trust erodes fast, and every glance or hesitation feels loaded with meaning.
On paper, it’s a solid premise – one that echoes classic stories about corruption, loyalty, and the thin line separating law enforcers from criminals.
Suspicion Is the Hook – But the Bait Is Too Obvious
The film’s early tension comes from uncertainty. Everyone has something to hide, and The RIP invites viewers to constantly reassess who might crack first. That element works… up to a point.
The problem is that the story telegraphs its intentions a little too loudly. From trailers through the opening act, Dane is framed as the likely architect of the scheme. While the eventual truth is more complicated, the film misses an opportunity to deepen the mystery by meaningfully exploring the motives of the rest of the team sooner.
Other thrillers – Prisoners, Memento, Gone Girl – thrive because they plant doubt everywhere. The RIP narrows its focus too early, draining some of the suspense from its eventual twists. The final reveal may surprise casual viewers, but it lacks the gut-punch impact the genre thrives on.
Performances That Deserve a Sharper Script
If The RIP stays watchable throughout, it’s largely because of its cast. Damon and Affleck remain effortlessly compelling together. Their long-standing rapport sells the deep, brotherly bond between Dane and J.D., grounding the film emotionally even when the plot wobbles.
Steven Yeun and Sasha Calle also stand out, injecting quiet intensity and vulnerability into their roles. However, other talented performers – including Teyana Taylor and Catalina Sandino Moreno — are frustratingly underused. Their characters feel more like narrative tools than fully realized people, sidelined just when the story could have benefited from their perspectives.
There’s also a sense that the ensemble dynamic never fully clicks. Aside from Dane and J.D.’s relationship, the team doesn’t feel as layered or interconnected as it should. When accusations begin flying, the emotional stakes don’t hit as hard as they could.
Action Arrives Late – and Leaves Too Soon
Despite its marketing, The RIP is surprisingly restrained on the action front. The first major shootout doesn’t arrive until well past the halfway mark. When the gunfire and chases do kick in, they’re competently staged but lack the chaos or creativity needed to stand out in a crowded genre.
Nothing is poorly executed — it’s just all a bit safe.
Final Verdict
The RIP isn’t a bad movie. It’s polished, well-acted, and intermittently tense. But it feels designed for algorithm-friendly consumption rather than lasting impact — the kind of film you watch, enjoy mildly, and forget a week later.
For fans of Affleck and Damon, there’s enough here to justify a viewing, especially thanks to their chemistry. Still, given the talent involved and the promise of its premise, The RIP never quite becomes the crime classic it wants to be.
A decent night-in thriller – just not a genre standout.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
The RIP is now streaming worldwide on Netflix (released January 16).