Money, Secrets, and Cops: The Real Story Behind Netflix's The Rip

Netflix's latest hit, The Rip, is a gripping crime thriller that masterfully blends real-life events with a generous dose of imagination. The movie, starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, is based on a real drug bust that took place in Miami Lakes, Florida, about ten years ago. However, don't expect a straightforward retelling of the facts—this is more of a creative spin on what actually happened.

A Viral Success

The film became an instant success after its release on January 16, quickly climbing to the top of Netflix's English film list with over 40 million views in just two weeks. The story follows two cops, Lieutenant Dane Dumars (Damon) and Detective Sergeant J. D. Byrne (Affleck), who raid a house based on an anonymous tip. What they uncover is far more money than they anticipated, leading to a web of suspicion and betrayal. The cops begin to question each other's motives, blurring the line between duty and greed.

Inspired by Real Events

The real-life incident that inspired the movie occurred in June 2016, when Miami-Dade police raided a home belonging to Luis Hernandez-Gonzalez. He ran a gardening supply store as a front for his marijuana trafficking business. The police discovered over $20 million hidden in orange Home Depot buckets in the attic. While the movie keeps this detail, it adds dramatic twists, including corrupt cops and a shoot-out with cartel members—elements that didn't happen in real life.

Behind the Scenes

The movie's director, Joe Carnahan, got the idea for the story from his friend Chris Casiano, a Miami-Dade police officer who was involved in the real raid. Carnahan drew inspiration from Casiano's experience for Damon's character but added fictional elements to heighten the drama. The film also includes a personal touch: Damon's character is grieving the loss of his son, mirroring Casiano's own tragedy—his son, Jake, passed away from leukemia in 2021. Carnahan dedicated the movie to Jake.

A Powerhouse Duo

Affleck and Damon have a long history of collaboration, including their Oscar-winning film Good Will Hunting and the recent hit Air. They also produced The Rip, adding to its appeal. The movie transcends the typical cops-and-robbers formula, offering a compelling mix of action, suspense, and emotion that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.