Films for Breakfast

One of the more endearing constants in the film industry is the enduring friendship and artistic partnership between Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. The two have often shared stories about their early days, when they appeared as extras in films like Field of Dreams and School Ties, long before either had “made it” in the industry. It was Good Will Hunting in 1997, however, where they both starred and won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, that truly cemented them in Hollywood. Personally, they’ve always been two of my favorite figures in the industry. Beyond their undeniable charisma and acting chops, they consistently demonstrate a sharp instinct for making sturdy, old-fashioned and well-crafted films.

The RIP is loosely inspired by a true story and follows a group of Miami police officers who discover millions of dollars hidden inside the walls of a house after receiving a mysterious tip. The discovery quickly attracts the attention of outside forces, and the resulting pressure breeds paranoia within the squad itself. As suspicion spreads, the officers begin to question who among them might be willing to take the money, and how far they’d go to do it.

When making a film like The RIP, assembling a believable and compelling ensemble is half the battle, and the casting here largely succeeds. Damon and Affleck are predictably excellent. While the characters they play may feel familiar, both actors bring enough gravitas and nuance to elevate the material. Their chemistry is as strong as ever, and Affleck, in particular, excels as a defensive presence; constantly on edge and seemingly ready to interrogate everyone around him.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Teyana Taylor shines in a substantial, enjoyable role following her standout performance in One Battle After Another, and she shares terrific chemistry with Catalina Sandino Moreno, with whom she spends much of the film. Together, they bring a surprising amount of heart to the story. Steven Yeun and Kyle Chandler further round out the ensemble with grounded, emotionally weighty performances. The biggest surprise, however, is Sasha Calle as Desi, the woman staying in the raided house. What could have easily been a throwaway role is instead imbued with warmth and energy, quietly making Calle the film’s MVP.

What truly sets The RIP apart is the tightness of its screenplay. While it undeniably shares DNA with other crime thrillers, the film’s sharp focus on character and motivation kept me engaged from the opening moments. Even if you’re able to piece together elements of the central mystery, the why and how remain compelling throughout. Each sequence builds naturally on the last, steadily escalating tension and intrigue, resulting in a film that’s consistently entertaining from start to finish.

Joe Carnahan’s direction deserves significant praise as well. He does an excellent job sustaining tension within a highly limited scope, with much of the film taking place on a single street (or even more narrowly) inside one house. Through careful framing, controlled pacing, and the gradual revelation of information, Carnahan crafts something far more engaging than many big-budget blockbusters with ten times the scale.

The technical elements were another pleasant surprise. Juan Miguel Azpiroz’s cinematography is striking, particularly given how much of the film unfolds at night. His lighting choices are evocative and moody, and his approach to close-quarters action, blocking within confined spaces, and lingering POV shots effectively heightens dread and suspense. These visuals are complemented by a pulsating score and strong, disciplined editing, all of which contribute to the film’s overall polish.

Ultimately, the only factor preventing The RIP from earning an even higher rating is its familiarity. It operates within well-worn crime-thriller territory, which inevitably places a ceiling on how inventive it can feel. That said, the film executes these familiar tropes with such confidence, energy, and craft that their familiarity rarely matters in the moment. In terms of pure entertainment value, The RIP stands out as one of the most satisfying, bang-for-your-buck thrillers in recent memory.