The longstanding friendship between actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon takes center stage once again with the release of their latest film, The Rip, now available on Netflix. The duo, known for their iconic collaborations, portrays Miami police officers who stumble upon a staggering $20 million in a stash house, setting off a night filled with paranoia and betrayal.
Affleck and Damon, who grew up just two blocks apart in Boston, first met as children thanks to their mothers arranging a playdate. Their journey to stardom began with small roles in films like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Courage Under Fire. However, it was the screenplay for Good Will Hunting, a project that started as a class assignment for Damon at Harvard, that truly changed their lives. The pair sold the script to Castle Rock for $600,000 in 1994, a significant sum that they reportedly spent within six months.
The success of Good Will Hunting propelled both actors into the spotlight, leading to collaborations with directors like Kevin Smith, who cast Affleck in Mallrats and Chasing Amy, and eventually in Dogma. This 1999 film showcased their on-screen chemistry at its best, but it also marked the last substantial partnership between them for nearly two decades, as the rights to the film were held by the Weinstein brothers.
Despite occasional smaller collaborations, such as Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and Jersey Girl, it wasn’t until the 2021 film The Last Duel, directed by Ridley Scott, that the two actors shared significant screen time again. The film, which featured a unique triptych narrative, reignited their desire to work together, leading to the establishment of their production company, Artists Equity, in 2022.
Their first project under this banner was Air, a biopic about Nike’s Air Jordan brand, with Affleck directing and Damon starring. Since then, they have collaborated on several films, including The Instigators and Small Things Like These.
Now, with The Rip, audiences can once again enjoy the dynamic chemistry that has defined their partnership. In this new crime thriller, Affleck and Damon play Miami cops, joined by a talented supporting cast that includes Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, and Catalina Sandino Moreno. The discovery of $20 million leads to complications in their professional and personal relationships, elevating the stakes for both characters.
The film’s release comes at a time when both actors are eager to capitalize on their renewed collaboration. Their off-screen friendship adds depth to their on-screen performances, allowing audiences to invest more in their characters’ fates. As fans celebrate the return of this beloved duo, the future looks promising for further projects from Affleck and Damon in the coming years.
