Director Joe Carnahan on Teaming with Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Teyana Taylor

Joe Carnahan’s latest film, *The Rip*, features a compelling story centered around best friends Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. The action-thriller, streaming on Netflix, follows two Miami police officers—Lt. Dane Dumars, played by Damon, and Det. Sgt. JD Byrne, portrayed by Affleck—as they navigate personal and professional losses. When they discover a cache of $24 million in cash, their lives take a shocking turn.

Behind the Story of *The Rip*

The screenplay is inspired by a real-life event involving a raid conducted by Carnahan’s friend, Chris Casiano. Carnahan recalls, “When he showed me the photographs of containers, I was intrigued.” Casiano’s challenging experience, which included counting the seized money for 42 hours, served as a backdrop for the film.

The Emotional Core

At the heart of the narrative is a poignant family connection. Damon’s character deals with the heartbreaking loss of his 10-year-old son, inspired by Casiano’s own son, who passed away from leukemia in 2021. Carnahan approached the delicate subject with care, ensuring that it honored Casiano’s son without being exploitative. “I wanted to create a vessel for grief,” he explains.

Collaboration with Stars

*The Rip* marks the first collaboration of Carnahan with both Damon and Affleck together. He praises their down-to-earth nature despite their fame. “They don’t act like movie stars,” Carnahan notes. This normalcy was evident during their time filming in New York City, where they enjoyed a casual outing that went mostly unnoticed.

• Matt Damon: An enduring friendship with Carnahan and renowned for his willingness to collaborate.
• Ben Affleck: Known for his directorial talents, his experience significantly contributed to the film’s collaborative atmosphere.
• Teyana Taylor: Cast as Det. Numa Baptiste, is recognized for her award-winning performance in *One Battle After Another*.

Production Insights

The film is produced under the duo’s production company, Artists Equity, which aims to create unique cinematic experiences. Past projects include *Air* (2023) and *The Instigators* (2024). Affleck’s wife, Luciana Damon, also played a role as a co-producer, participating closely during filming.

Carnahan emphasizes that while *The Rip* features thrilling action sequences, the film’s emotional depth lies in its portrayal of human experiences. “It’s the small moments that make a movie resonate,” he argues.

Conclusion

As audiences immerse themselves in *The Rip*, they will discover a blend of emotional storytelling and gripping action. With Carnahan at the helm, the film promises to engage viewers while showcasing the resilience of friendship amid adversity. The collaboration of talented actors further enriches the film’s narrative, solidifying its place in the action-thriller genre.