Is Netflix crime thriller The Rip based on a true story?

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It’s hard to imagine a more famous Hollywood friendship than the one between Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. These longtime friends, both originally from Massachusetts, have known each other since before they started working in movies. They’ve collaborated on several projects over the years, most notably co-writing the 1997 hit Good Will Hunting and, more recently, with Affleck directing the 2023 film Air.

This week, audiences can see them together again in ‘The Rip,’ a new crime thriller on Netflix. The film, directed and written by Joe Carnahan (known for ‘The Grey’ and ‘Copland’), follows two Miami police partners who stumble upon millions of dollars during a case, shortly after a fellow officer is killed under mysterious circumstances.

When a team of Miami police officers finds millions of dollars hidden in an abandoned building, their unity starts to fall apart. As word of the massive cash discovery spreads, they begin to wonder who they can truly trust.

The film features talented actors like Teyana Taylor, a recent Golden Globe winner, and Steven Yeun, known for his role in the hit show ‘Beef,’ guaranteeing a strong and impressive cast.

You may be curious if the story behind The Rp is real. Here’s everything you need to know about its origins.

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Is Netflix crime thriller The Rip based on a true story?

While the movie isn’t a completely accurate depiction of a true story, it’s based on real events that happened in Miami, as explained at the start of the film.

So, Joe Carnahan, the guy behind the film, told Tudum that the story really hit home for him. He said ‘The Rip’ was inspired by something a close friend actually lived through – being a dad and working undercover in narcotics for the Miami Dade police. It wasn’t just a plot he came up with, it was based on a real, deeply personal experience.

He explained that while the film drew inspiration from his own life, he also referenced classic movies from the past during its creation.

I’ve always been captivated by those incredible ’70s police thrillers. What really drew me in wasn’t just the crime, but how deeply they explored the characters and the connections between them – they truly defined that era. Movies like ‘Serpico’ and ‘Prince of the City’ are perfect examples, and even more recently, Michael Mann’s ‘Heat’ feels like a spiritual successor to that same kind of storytelling.

The movie is based on a true story, but it’s been dramatized for entertainment purposes.

Details about the specific true story behind the film are still limited. However, it’s likely the filmmakers were also inspired by the Miami River Cops scandal of the 1980s. This involved a group of police officers who committed crimes like stealing drug money and were eventually exposed after three of them drowned while trying to flee.

While ‘The Rip’ takes place today, it isn’t a simple rehash of past events. However, there are clear similarities, and it’s likely the screenwriter, Carnahan, had this case in mind while writing the story.

You know, something really interesting about the movie is that the close friendship between Damon and Affleck’s characters actually mirrors their own real-life bond. Affleck himself felt like that genuine history they shared really came through on screen and made their performances even stronger.

Joe Carnahan made a smart decision by leveraging our friendship – if you know Matt or me, you likely already realize that can be a real advantage,” he explained to Parade.

Instead of wasting time at the start of a movie explaining character relationships, why not use the emotional weight and history the audience already assumes exists between them? Leverage what viewers bring to the story instead of awkwardly showing it through forced scenes.

The Rip is now streaming on Netflix.

Authors

Patrick CremonaSenior Film Writer

As a seasoned film critic for TopMob, I’ve been covering the world of cinema – from new releases in theaters to everything hitting streaming services – since October 2019. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to sit down and chat with some major stars, and I’ve reviewed a pretty wide variety of films, so I think I’ve got a good handle on what’s worth watching!

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2026-01-16 13:37