**"The Rip" Takes Netflix by Storm: Damon & Affleck's Gritty Thriller Tops Global Charts**
In a move that has sent ripples across the global streaming landscape, Hollywood heavyweights Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have once again joined forces, delivering a raw and intense crime thriller titled "The Rip," which premiered exclusively on Netflix on January 16, 2026. Barely two days since its release, the film has exploded onto the scene, swiftly becoming the most-watched movie on Netflix worldwide, dominating the charts in an astonishing 85 countries. This phenomenal reception underscores the enduring appeal of the Damon-Affleck duo and the universal hunger for gripping, high-stakes narratives.
Directed by the acclaimed Joe Carnahan, known for his gritty and visceral storytelling in films like "Narc" and "The Grey," "The Rip" plunges viewers into the dark underbelly of Miami's Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT). The narrative kicks off with the shocking murder of their captain, Jackie Velez (Lina Esco), leaving Lieutenant Dane Dumars (Matt Damon) and Detective Sergeant JD Byrne (Ben Affleck) grappling with grief and growing mistrust within their unit. The real turning point arrives when the team uncovers a staggering $20 million in drug cartel cash hidden in a derelict stash house. What follows is a pressure-cooker scenario as police protocol mandates counting the colossal sum on-site, trapping the officers between external threats from the ruthless cartel and the insidious internal decay of loyalty and integrity.
The film, loosely inspired by a deeply personal experience of a Miami-Dade tactical narcotics officer—a friend of writer-director Joe Carnahan—resonates with an authenticity that elevates it beyond a typical police procedural. Carnahan himself highlighted his enduring love for classic '70s cop thrillers, emphasizing character and interpersonal relationships, drawing parallels to cinematic touchstones like "Serpico" and "Heat." This influence is palpable in "The Rip," which boasts a runtime of 113 minutes and an estimated budget of $100 million.
Critics have largely lauded the film, praising Damon and Affleck's powerhouse performances, their palpable on-screen chemistry, and Carnahan's ability to maintain a suffocating tension throughout. While some reviews noted a conventional script or a lack of distinct Miami atmosphere, the film's compelling premise and its talented ensemble cast, including Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, and Kyle Chandler, have garnered widespread appreciation.
Adding another layer of significance, "The Rip" is a production of Artists Equity, the company co-founded by Affleck and Damon. This project marks an unprecedented deal with Netflix, wherein the streaming giant agreed to a performance-based bonus structure for all 1,200 crew members if the film meets specific viewing benchmarks within its first 90 days. This groundbreaking agreement reflects Artists Equity's commitment to a profit-sharing model, challenging traditional compensation norms in the streaming era.
For Telugu cinema enthusiasts who appreciate intense crime dramas with strong character arcs and high-octane action, "The Rip" offers a compelling watch. The moral ambiguities faced by the police officers, the tight-knit team dynamics under immense pressure, and the exploration of greed and betrayal are themes that resonate deeply with audiences accustomed to intricate and emotionally charged narratives in our regional cinema. The film's immediate global success on Netflix is a testament to its universal appeal and a must-watch for anyone seeking a fresh, gripping thriller this weekend.
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