Matt Damon and Ben Affleck discover $20 million in new Netflix thriller
- Matt Damon and Ben Affleck portray police officers in Miami discovering $20 million in cash.
- The film is directed by Joe Carnahan, who draws inspiration from personal experiences.
- The collaboration is part of a broader trend in streaming to provide engaging crime dramas.
The crime thriller film, set to be released on January 16, 2026, features Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in leading roles as police officers in Miami. The plot centers around their discovery of a staggering $20 million in cash hidden in a stash house, leading to a moral dilemma between the two characters when Damon's character suggests stealing the money. This creates tension and rivalry as they must navigate the challenges of keeping the money safe from others while remaining committed to their duty as law enforcement officers. Director Joe Carnahan has expressed a personal connection to the material, revealing that the story is inspired by the experiences of a friend involved in the Miami-Dade police department's tactical narcotics division. Carnahan aims to pay homage to classic 1970s cop thrillers that emphasize character development and interpersonal relationships, drawing influences from iconic films like Serpico, Prince of The City, and Michael Mann's Heat. The film represents a significant collaboration between Damon and Affleck, who founded their artist-led studio, Artist Equity, in 2022 to create projects that reflect their creative vision while supporting talented filmmakers. Carnahan noted that working alongside two accomplished filmmakers in the studio heads has been an enriching experience, enhancing the creative process and resulting in a smooth and productive production. The narrative promises to resonate with audiences familiar with the intricacies of crime dramas infused with emotional depth. In addition to the main storyline, the film is anticipated to explore themes of loyalty, greed, and ethical conflict within a high-stakes environment, a hallmark of many successful heist and thriller films. As the landscape of streaming services evolves, the release of The Rip on Netflix adds to the platform's growing library of original cinematic content, showcasing the ongoing trend of using established stars to attract viewership while delivering engaging and thought-provoking narratives.