Joe Carnahan’s latest film, The Rip, now streaming on Netflix, showcases a powerful bond between friends, as portrayed by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. This action-thriller follows Miami police officers Lt. Dane Dumars (Damon) and Det. Sgt. JD Byrne (Affleck), who grapple with personal loss while unearthing a staggering $24 million in cash. This discovery forces them and their team, which includes Det. Mike Ro (Steven Yeun) and Det. Numa Baptiste (Teyana Taylor), to reassess everything they thought they knew.
Carnahan, drawing inspiration from a real-life police raid experienced by his friend Chris Casiano, intricately weaves themes of grief and resilience throughout the film. The storyline touches on the profound sorrow faced by Dumars as he copes with the death of his 10-year-old son, a tribute to Casiano’s own son, who tragically passed away from leukemia. The filmmaker ensured that this sensitive homage did not exploit Casiano’s loss but rather served as a heartfelt vessel for his grief. Carnahan expressed the importance of dedicating the film to Casiano’s son, Jake, stating, “There was a beating heart at the center.”
The Rip marks the first collaboration between Carnahan and the iconic duo of Damon and Affleck. Despite their fame, Carnahan describes the actors as remarkably down-to-earth. During filming in New York City, they managed to blend in with the public without attracting attention, highlighting their unobtrusive nature. Affleck’s dual role as an actor and director added a unique dynamic, allowing a collaborative atmosphere on set that enriched the filmmaking process.
Carnahan also praised actress Teyana Taylor, whose performance has earned her notable accolades, including a recent Golden Globe. He emphasized their strong connection during their first meeting, which laid the groundwork for her role in the film. The film further denotes a significant milestone in the careers of Damon and Affleck, who co-founded their production company, Artists Equity, in 2022. The Rip joins a growing legacy that includes their past successes like Good Will Hunting and Argo.
Carnahan reflects on the essence of The Rip, stating that while the film is packed with action and suspense, the core lies in its exploration of human emotion and connection. As the narrative unfolds, viewers can expect not just thrilling sequences but also poignant moments that resonate with personal experiences of loss, friendship, and the struggle to maintain meaningful relationships amidst life’s challenges. The Rip stands as a testament to both the craft of storytelling and the enduring power of camaraderie.