Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have been Hollywood's dynamic duo for over three decades, and their latest collaboration, The Rip, is proving that their partnership is as lucrative as ever. The crime thriller, which debuted on Netflix earlier this year, has officially become the streamer's most-watched feature since Adam Sandler's Happy Gilmore 2, and it's now making history in a whole new way.
According to a new report, The Rip has triggered a performance bonus for its cast and crew, thanks to a groundbreaking deal negotiated by Damon and Affleck's production company, Artists Equity. Unlike Netflix's standard upfront fee model, Artists Equity secured an agreement that rewards the filmmakers when the movie hits specific viewership thresholds. In a joint statement, Affleck and Damon said, "We built Artists Equity on the belief that filmmakers should share in the value they bring to a project... We'd also like to thank Netflix for their belief in this project and the unique structure around it."
Directed by Joe Carnahan, The Rip follows a Tactical Narcotics Team in the Miami Police Department that stumbles upon a massive stash of cartel cash during a raid. The discovery triggers a moral crisis as team members begin to suspect each other of plotting to steal the money. Besides Damon and Affleck, the star-studded cast includes Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Kyle Chandler, Steven Yeun, Scott Adkins, and Catalina Sandino Moreno.
The film bypassed a theatrical release entirely, going straight to streaming—a move that paid off handsomely. Within days, The Rip shot to the top of Netflix's global top 10 list, and it has remained a powerhouse ever since. Its success is a testament to the enduring appeal of Damon and Affleck, who first teamed up for Good Will Hunting in 1997 and have since collaborated on everything from Jersey Girl to Air. In 2022, they founded Artists Equity, an independent artist-led studio that has produced hits like The Instigators, Unstoppable, and The Accountant 2.
Critics have praised The Rip for its tight pacing and tense performances. Collider's Robert Brian Taylor noted, "The characters in The Rip do speak a certain way and carry themselves in a manner that feels true to the dingy, dangerous world it builds out... Just like the T.N.T. itself, this movie wants to get in, get the job done without complication, and get out before it overstays its welcome." The film clocks in at a brisk one hour and 45 minutes, making it a lean, mean thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
For fans of the genre, The Rip joins the ranks of the most perfect thriller movies of the last 50 years, delivering unexpected twists and a gripping moral dilemma. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves a good crime drama, and it's currently streaming on Netflix.
As Damon and Affleck continue to expand their empire, The Rip stands as a shining example of what happens when creative control meets smart business. With this record-breaking bonus, they've proven that loyalty—both to each other and to their collaborators—can pay off in a big way.
