Netflix has kicked off 2026 with a cinematic bang, releasing a new crime thriller today that its director boldly labels the 'most entertaining film of the year' – and it's only January.
A High-Stakes True Story Comes to Screen
'The Rip', which began streaming on 16 January 2026, reunites Hollywood power duo Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as Miami police officers. The plot centres on their characters, Lieutenant Dane Dumars (Damon) and Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne (Affleck), who are part of a team discovering a staggering $20 million (£14.8m) in a safehouse. Their simple task of counting the money becomes a nightmarish fight for survival as paranoia takes hold.
Writer-director Joe Carnahan, speaking to Metro, made his confident claim about the film's quality. 'I don’t think there’s a more entertaining film you’re going to see this year. I really don’t,' he stated. 'And that it’s January? This is the way to get [the year] going with some velocity.' The film is inspired by a true story from one of Carnahan's friends, a narcotics officer involved in an actual 'rip' – Miami police slang for confiscating assets from criminals.
Star Power and Critical Acclaim
Carnahan revealed the casting was straightforward, always envisioning Damon as Dumars and Affleck as J.D. The pair, who also produced the film through their company Artists Equity, were fully committed. 'They were just game to do it,' said Carnahan, who praised their professionalism and the collaborative set environment they fostered. Co-stars Catalina Sandino Moreno and Sasha Calle echoed this, noting the actors created a 'safe space' where everyone felt equal.
The ensemble cast also includes Golden Globe winner Teyana Taylor, Kyle Chandler, Steven Yeun, and Sasha Calle. The film has landed strongly on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes with an 82% score, with critics calling it one of Netflix's most cinematic thrillers in recent memory.
Behind the Scenes of a Tense Thriller
Carnahan explained that the real-life event involved counting the money twice on the scene, a process that took 42 hours. 'We couldn’t make a 42-hour movie, so obviously we took some dramatic liberties,' he admitted. For authenticity, actress Catalina Sandino Moreno, who plays Detective Lolo Salazar, received guidance from a real-life Tactical Narcotics Team officer.
She also relished the chance to handle firearms on set, a stark contrast to her personal life. 'In real-life I will never touch a gun but in movies... It’s just like, let’s play,' she shared. The director promises the film has high rewatch value, with layers intended to be spotted on a second viewing.
For Carnahan, whose previous work includes Smokin' Aces and The A-Team, this project is a career highlight. 'It’s the biggest film of my career, for sure,' he said, emphasising the joy of working with a talented, respectful team. 'The Rip' is available to stream exclusively on Netflix now.
