Discover how Catalina Sandino and Sasha Calle shine in The Rip (Netflix), the new thriller with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
 |
| Right: Catalina Sandino | Left: Sasha Calle |
The global streaming landscape has just been set ablaze with the release of The Rip, a gritty police thriller that premiered on Netflix on January 16, 2026. While the headlines are naturally buzzing about the cinematic reunion of Oscar winners Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, the true soul of the film lies in the powerhouse performances of two women with deep Colombian roots: Academy Award nominee Catalina Sandino Moreno and rising star Sasha Calle. Directed by the master of testosterone-fueled grit, Joe Carnahan, the film dives into the moral decay of a specialized narcotics unit in Miami, where a massive cash seizure tests every bond of loyalty.
I have closely followed the trajectory of these actresses, and seeing them command the screen alongside Hollywood royalty feels like a definitive moment for Latin representation in high-stakes genre cinema. The Rip isn't just another action flick; it's a character study where Catalina Sandino Moreno, playing Detective Lolo Salazar, and Sasha Calle, as the circumstantially involved Desi, provide the emotional ballast to a story otherwise consumed by greed and betrayal. Their presence elevates the narrative, proving that Colombian talent is no longer just a "supporting" element but a fundamental pillar of the industry's biggest blockbusters.
What is the true story behind the plot of The Rip?
One of the most fascinating aspects of The Rip is its foundation in reality. The script, co-written by Joe Carnahan and Michael McGrale, is inspired by the harrowing real-life experiences of Chris Casiano, a former head of the Miami-Dade Police Department's tactical narcotics unit. In 2016, Casiano led a raid that uncovered $20 million hidden in Home Depot buckets—a record-breaking haul that serves as the centerpiece of the film. However, the movie adds a layer of fictional corruption and personal tragedy that makes the stakes feel incredibly intimate; Matt Damon's character, Dane Dumars, is modeled after Casiano and is depicted grieving the loss of his young son to cancer, a tribute to Casiano’s real son, Jake William Casiano, who passed away in 2021.
The chemistry between the cast members is palpable, but it is the dynamic between the detectives that drives the tension. As the team—composed of Dumars (Matt Damon), J.D. Byrne (Ben Affleck), and Lolo Salazar (Catalina Sandino Moreno)—raids the stash house, the director masterfully uses a "rip" (cop slang for the seizure of illicit goods) to expose the cracks in their integrity. During the promotion of the film, sources like Variety and Deadline highlighted how Matt Damon was visibly impressed by his co-stars, specifically noting that working with two Colombian powerhouses was a "privilege". He praised their carisma and commitment, even attempting to tackle dialogues in Spanish with a self-deprecating humor that resonated with fans.
How do Catalina Sandino and Sasha Calle represent the new era of Colombian talent in Hollywood?
The inclusion of Catalina Sandino Moreno in such a high-profile Netflix project is a testament to her enduring status as a pioneer. Since her historic debut in Maria Full of Grace (MarÃa, llena eres de gracia), which earned her an Oscar nomination and a Silver Bear at Berlin, she has balanced a career of indie prestige and commercial relevance. In The Rip, she brings a seasoned, physical intensity to Detective Salazar, a character that Steven Yeun described as having a "special sensitivity" that enriches every scene. Sandino has moved far beyond the "drug mule" archetype of her early years, now playing the law enforcement officers who navigate the very systems she once depicted from the outside.
On the other hand, Sasha Calle represents the meteoric rise of the next generation. Born in Boston to Colombian parents and having lived in MedellÃn during her formative years, Calle became a household name as the first Latina Supergirl in The Flash. In The Rip, she sheds the cape for a more grounded, visceral role that consolidates her position as one of the most versatile young actresses in the industry. Sandino and Calle reportedly formed a deep bond on set, fueled by their shared heritage and the pride of seeing Colombia represented as a source of "powerful and talented women," as Matt Damon aptly put it during the film's press tour. This "iron sharpens iron" mentality, as Joe Carnahan calls it, resulted in a film that is as much about cultural pride as it is about criminal intrigue.
Where can you watch The Rip and what makes it a must-see?
For those wondering about availability, The Rip is currently streaming exclusively on Netflix. It has already garnered favorable reviews, currently holding an 81% on Rotten Tomatoes for its ability to "texturize a friendship tested by greed". The film's technical prowess, led by cinematographer Juan Miguel Azpiroz, captures a Miami that is less about neon and more about the shadows lurking in the moral grey zones. It is a 113-minute adrenaline ride that pays homage to classic cop dramas like Heat and Serpico while injecting a fresh, modern perspective through its diverse and exceptionally talented cast.
Beyond the action, The Rip leaves the audience with a haunting reflection on trust. In a world where everyone has a price, who can you really rely on? The film ends on a note that suggests that while money can be seized, loyalty is something that must be earned every single day. As the credits roll, it is the faces of Catalina Sandino Moreno and Sasha Calle that linger, reminding us that the future of Hollywood is increasingly colorful, bilingual, and undeniably Colombian. Will we see a sequel or another collaboration between this incredible ensemble? The buzz suggests that both the actors and the audience are hungry for more.
Everything you need to know about "The Rip" on Netflix
Quick answers and verified facts about the new thriller starring Matt Damon and Colombian talent.
| Evidence | Details | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Filming Location | Miami, Florida | Official Production Notes |
| Main Plot Conflict | Million-dollar cash discovery testing ethical loyalty | Netflix Synopsis |
| Notable Bonds | Shared Colombian roots between Sandino & Calle | Press Interviews |
