The film “The Rip,” starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, follows a group of detectives in Miami navigating a high-stakes criminal investigation. Damon and Affleck portray cop partners Lieutenant Dane Dumars (referred to as “L.T.”) and Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne, respectively. After receiving a suspicious tip, they arrive at a house where they find, in a gloomy attic, $20 million stolen by the cartel. Eventually, tensions rise as the team counts the money because they originally expected to find drugs, but more importantly, also because of the recent murder of their captain (Jackie). Mistrust grew as characters were suspicious of each other’s motives, since a large sum would be incredibly tempting to hide for themselves or breach the power dynamic within the team. Throughout the film, I didn’t know who I was supposed to be rooting for, which truly kept me on the edge of my seat.
The divisive, cinematic storytelling in “The Rip” is particularly effective because this tension is driven less by plot twists and instead by character dynamics. Some of the film’s most compelling moments occur during quieter scenes. For instance, when the detectives count the money together or when L.T. and J.D. exchange guarded conversations in private spaces, the suspense originates from exchanged glances, hesitations or uncomfortable silence. The temptation posed by such a massive sum of money creates a subtle yet constant pressure that the film allows to spread among the characters rather than explode immediately. By grounding the narrative in these uneasy interactions, the film makes the stakes feel personal and engaging for viewers.
Aside from the movie’s illustrative storytelling, it pays strong attention to craft, particularly in its use of lighting and editing to reinforce emotional tension. For instance, the cinematography consistently favors dark color palettes and confined interior spaces, which is especially noticeable during scenes set in the attic, interrogation rooms and in cars. While the detectives are having mostly surface-level conversations in these scenes, the lighting reveals the true thoughts and feelings of the characters. The very first scenes in the attic include shadows that dominate the frame, with characters often lit from a single source, making their faces partially obscured and the space feels claustrophobic. This use of lighting not only creates an eerie atmosphere but also visually reflects the uncertainty, mistrust and moral confinement that begin to form among the detectives. Similar lighting choices appear later during private conversations and planning moments where characters are framed in dim, enclosed spaces, reinforcing the idea that motives are hidden and trust is unstable. This is why one of my favorite elements to analyze in film is lighting: the audience begins to feel the same tension and uneasiness as the characters do. The editing also mirrors this visual restraint. For instance, during scenes where the detectives gather to examine or count the money, cuts are slow and intentional, thus allowing silence, glances and pauses to carry the tension rather than rapid movement or dialogue. The film frequently lingers on moments just before decisions are made, extending shots longer than expected and forcing the audience to sit with the characters’ hesitation. By avoiding flashy transitions or aggressive pacing, especially in the build-up to major confrontations, the editing emphasizes psychological tension over the traditional surprise factor. These choices heighten the emotional stakes by making viewers feel the pressure and moral weight experienced by the characters, rather than simply observing the action unfold.
Overall, “The Rip” succeeds as a focused genre piece that understands its own limitations as a traditional Netflix thriller but also carries significant strength and emotional weight. For viewers interested in character-driven tension and impactful storytelling with some attitude, the film offers a rich, compelling experience. As a Netflix original, it exemplifies the platform’s ability to produce polished, accessible genre films that prioritize tone and thematic clarity over excess, making the film a solid entry in the modern thriller landscape.
