Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have elevated their long-standing friendship by appearing together in Netflix's newest film, The Rip. This co-production features
the Hollywood icons as Miami police officers whose camaraderie and loyalties are challenged when they stumble upon $20 million in cash at an abandoned stash house. While the film is receiving strong positive feedback, their friendship extends beyond the spotlight. Having grown up together in the Boston area, they have collaborated on films side by side. As the two close friends reunite, they have more insights to share about their profound personal connection. In a conversation with USA Today, Matt Damon reflected, "It was a gradual accumulation of those moments. Friendships during that time are remarkable, unique, and transformative."
Matt Damon, Ben Affleck's camaraderie
Damon and Affleck's friendship spans nearly four decades. They first met as children and later achieved fame in 1997 by co-writing and starring in the Academy Award-winning film, Good Will Hunting. In the years that followed, they continued to collaborate on various projects.
Actors highlight each other's overlooked films
During the previously mentioned interview, the duo selected each other's lesser-known films. Damon suggested that Affleck deserved an Oscar for his role in Gone Girl. He remarked, "I believe that film received significant attention, but yes, that one as well. I've always been his biggest supporter because we were each other's biggest supporters when we had no one else cheering for us."
Damon also mentioned The Way Back as another standout performance by Affleck, adding, "I think this is something that happens in middle age; as we accumulate more life experiences, there's been a noticeable elevation in his work over the past decade. Like in The Last Duel, which we wrote and went unnoticed, but he is phenomenal in that film. The Tender Bar, right up to Air – he's really on a roll right now."
Affleck commented, "Matt in Stillwater is outstanding. The Informant! doesn't get enough recognition, and The Good Shepherd is a truly remarkable film. It's a very nuanced, quiet yet deeply insightful look at the intelligence community in American history. I find it incredibly moving. I'm a fan."
About The Rip
In The Rip, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck portray Miami police partners Lt. Dane Dumars and Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne. Their friendship faces challenges after they uncover millions of dollars concealed in a safehouse. The officers begin to question whom they can trust on their team, including each other. The official synopsis of the film states: "After finding millions in cash in an abandoned stash house, trust among a group of Miami cops starts to unravel. As outside forces become aware of the magnitude of the seizure, everything is put into doubt — including who they can depend on."
The Rip premiered on Netflix on January 16. Written and directed by Joe Carnahan, the action thriller is loosely inspired by the true story based on one of his law enforcement acquaintances. Carnahan shared with Tudum, "The Rip emerged from a deeply personal experience that my friend encountered, both as a father and as the head of tactical narcotics for the Miami Dade police department."
