Stakes are high in the hard-edged crime thriller that has Hollywood’s favorite duo, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Matt Damon has planned his year well with his upcoming Christopher Nolan film, The Odyssey, which is one of the most highly anticipated films of 2026.
Apart from Charlize Theron’s action thriller, Apex (2026), Netflix is ready for another release at the very beginning of the year. The Rip trailer gives a 70s classic cop vibes with a modern cinematic take.
Plot details of The Rip (2026)
The official synopsis of The Rip indicates a group of cops, led by partners played by Matt Damon (The Martian) and Ben Affleck (The Accountant), who uncover millions in cash in a stash house. The trailer shows intense greed and betrayal between the two as they are seen fighting with each other.
As soon as the decision to keep the money is made, their trust for each other is unraveled, putting them against the external forces. Potentially corrupt officers and criminals might make it hard for both of them in the new gritty crime thriller.
Take a look at the trailer that starts with Damon saying, “From outside looking in, it seems simple.”
Director’s vision for the film
Best known for Stretch (2014) and Copshop (2021), Joe Carnahan directs high-energy action thrillers that shine with sharp dialogue and intense character-driven stories. Since high-end action is involved, frenetic camerawork is required for the kinetic scenes.
Hyper stylization is Carnahan’s thing as his films give a visceral feel, specifically noted in Narc (2003), Smokin’ Aces (2010), and The Grey (2012). The dynamic action sequences go well with the genre-blending element as merging crime, thriller, and action gives a unique cinematic experience, often compared with Quentin Tarantino.
His films possess character-driven action with strong ensemble casts, as is seen in The Rip, with Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another). The former two have been together in several different projects, like Air (2023), The Last Duel (2021), Dogma (1999), and Good Will Hunting (1997), etc. Both actors have also been best friends for decades.
British GQ cited Carnahan that he took inspiration from a real-life rip mission who worked in Miami-Dade PD’s Tactical Narcotics division. Affleck and Damon instantly signed the contract as they were of the view,
“Our goal is always to just make movies that we think we’ll like, which is really the same calculus we use in our own careers as actors.” [Source]
Carnahan has worked with Affleck before on Smokin’ Aces, and he knew what kind of traits he wanted to be in his characters. This is where the two names, the “brands of masculinity,” came to his mind.
Carnahan’s The Rip belongs to one genre where both actors have never played together otherwise. The Rip brings all three action powerhouses together, and we predict it to be super good!
Does The Rip trailer make you question who the real hero of the story is?
With such an extraordinary cast, the first question that comes to our minds is “who is the actual hero?” The trailer of The Rip is designed to send waves of ambiguity to the viewers that will keep them engaged till the official release.
The trailer highlights themes of moral uncertainty when money corrupts all, betrayal between the partners who lead the same team, and eroding trust between the two. The core conflict will make it unclear who is operating within the bounds of the law or for the right reasons.
The temptation of money blurs the lines between right and wrong, and the discovery, also known as “the rip” in slang language, will bring a shift in power dynamics. With immense power comes immense responsibility, and as the temptation creeps in, the two might have to bend the rules. But who will be the good guy?
The partners who once were leading the same team with a shared purpose will be seen under pressure, and those who give in to that pressure, hinting at a bit of betrayal as soon as the money enters the equation, will be fascinating to watch.
The specially crafted, intriguing trailer is proof of the growing tension between the two heroes, who want to justify their actions, possibly for personal gain. However, the trailer is more focused, suggesting a film aiming to identify the gray space between heroes and villains. Their choices will be driven by circumstances, desperation, and desire. This dubiety will be the film’s greatest hook, inviting the audience to decide for themselves who deserves to be called a hero.
When is The Rip (2026) releasing?
Netflix is releasing The Rip (2026) on January 16, 2026.
Genre: Crime, thriller, action, cop drama
Cast: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Teyana Taylor, Kyle Chandler, Scott Adkins
Director: Joe Carnahan
Writers: Joe Carnahan, Michael McGrale
Producers: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Luciana Damon, Dani Bernfeld, Michael Joe, Kevin Halloran
Release date: January 16, 2026
Movie runtime: – –
Whose side are you on after watching The Rip trailer, and why? Join the conversation.
Passionate Entertainment Writer | Trusted Pop Culture Voice
Madiha Ali is an experienced entertainment writer with over five years of expertise in covering movies, TV shows, celebrity news, and pop culture. Her bylines appear on trusted platforms like Screen Anarchy, High on Films, Ary News, The Express Tribune, Tea and Banter, Show Snob, CelebFeedz, Snapfeedz, Daily Planet Media, The Irish Insider, and Movie Insiderz.
She brings a personal, insightful approach to every story—whether she’s analyzing the emotional layers of a film or giving her take on trending celebrity headlines. Madiha’s writing style is known for being authentic, well-researched, and reader-focused.
When she’s not writing, she’s fully immersed in the world of entertainment—watching new releases, revisiting classics, exploring behind-the-scenes content, or reading books that fuel her creativity. Her passion for storytelling drives her work and helps her stay connected to what matters most in the industry.
Madiha believes great stories start conversations, challenge perspectives, and stay with us long after the credits roll. Through her writing, she continues to share those stories with clarity, depth, and heart.
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