Director Joe Carnahan Praises Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Teyana Taylor in ‘The Rip’

In the thrilling new film “The Rip,” directed by Joe Carnahan, the bond between two lifelong friends is on full display. This Netflix release features Matt Damon as Lt. Dane Dumars and Ben Affleck as Det. Sgt. JD Byrne, Miami police officers who confront profound personal loss while navigating a high-stakes investigation.

Plot Overview

“The Rip” centers around Dumars and Byrne, who discover $24 million in cash. This shocking find forces them and their team, including Det. Mike Ro (Steven Yeun) and Det. Numa Baptiste (Teyana Taylor), to reevaluate everything they thought they knew about their lives and careers.

Inspirational Storytelling

The narrative of “The Rip” is inspired by a real raid led by Carnahan’s friend Chris Casiano. The director stated that the visual impact of photos from the raid captivated him and led to the film’s conceptual development. “It took him 42 hours to count the money on-site,” Carnahan recalled, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement.

Personal Tragedy and Dedication

Damon’s character struggles with the loss of his son, a narrative element closely aligned with Casiano’s real-life experience. Casiano’s son, Jake, who died of leukemia at the age of 11 in 2021, is honored in the film. Carnahan approached Casiano with sensitivity, hoping to create a tribute to Jake’s memory. “It’s essential to showcase the heart at the center of the film,” Carnahan shared.

Collaboration of Stars

This film marks the first collaboration between Damon and Affleck under Carnahan’s direction. The duo maintains a sense of normalcy despite their fame, often going unnoticed in public. Carnahan fondly recalls a bowling outing where their celebrity status faded into the background.

Praising Talent Behind and In Front of the Camera

• Ben Affleck: Carnahan lauded Affleck’s experience as a director, which enhances the collaborative atmosphere on set. He believes Affleck deserved greater recognition for his directorial work in “Argo.”
• Matt Damon: Carnahan considers Damon a close friend, emphasizing his positive presence and remarkable stories. His commitment to the filmmaking process and team spirit sets a strong example on set.
• Teyana Taylor: The actress, who recently won a Golden Globe, was highlighted by Carnahan for her openness and charisma. He recognized her star quality during their first meeting.

The Legacy of Friendship in Film

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s partnership continues to thrive. Their production company, Artists Equity, founded in 2022, ventures into new projects, including “The Rip.” This film joins their previous works, such as “Air” and “The Instigators,” showcasing their evolving careers.

Conclusion

While “The Rip” delivers intense action sequences, Carnahan emphasizes the significance of human connections and emotional moments. “It’s these small, poignant elements that make a film truly resonant,” he concluded. Audiences can stream “The Rip” on Netflix to witness this captivating story of loss, friendship, and redemption.