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The Rip
Runtime: 1 Hours 52 Minutes
Audience Rating: 6.8/10
Critics Rating: 8.2/10
Genre: Crime, Drama and Action
Rating: R
Release Date: 16 January 2026
OTT Release Date: 2026-01-16
Original Language: English
Production House: Artists Equity
Distributor: Netflix
Page Last Updated On: 20 January 2026
About:
Review:
Alright, grab your popcorn and get comfy, because I just saw 'The Rip' and I’m super excited to spill the beans (without giving away too much, of course!). This movie has been on my radar for a while, and I finally got to experience its wild ride.
1. Introduction
You know those movies that just stick with you, long after the credits roll? 'The Rip' is definitely one of them. Hailed as one of the most ambitious sci-fi adventures in years, it certainly lives up to a good chunk of its hype. From the moment the first trailer dropped, I was captivated by the sheer visual promise and the intriguing mystery at its heart. As someone who loves a good blend of brainy sci-fi, heart-pounding action, and a dash of human drama, I went in with high hopes. Did it deliver? Mostly, yes! It’s a film that genuinely tries to push boundaries, asking big questions while dazzling you with stunning imagery.
2. Story Overview
The premise of 'The Rip' is truly fascinating. It introduces us to a world grappling with a newly discovered, mysterious anomaly – a colossal tear in spacetime, affectionately (or perhaps terrifyingly) dubbed "The Rip." This phenomenon isn't just a pretty visual; it's actively pulling things in, hinting at something entirely unknown beyond its shimmering surface. Humanity, being humanity, decides the only logical next step is to send a specialized team through it.
We follow a small, hand-picked crew aboard the state-of-the-art vessel, 'The Pioneer'. Their mission? To explore what lies on the other side of The Rip, to gather data, and hopefully, to find a way to understand or even contain it before it poses a greater threat to Earth. But, as you can probably guess, what they find isn't anything they could have possibly prepared for. The journey is fraught with peril, unexpected discoveries, and moral dilemmas that force the characters – and us, the audience – to question everything we know about reality and our place in the universe. It’s an original story that keeps you guessing, peeling back layers of mystery at a really good pace.
3. Main Characters & Performances
The heart of any great adventure lies with its characters, and 'The Rip' boasts a compelling ensemble. Leading the charge is Dr. Aris Thorne (played by the always intense Jonathan Vance), a brilliant but haunted astrophysicist whose past is deeply intertwined with the anomaly. Vance brings a wonderful mix of intellectual curiosity and simmering desperation to the role, making Thorne incredibly relatable despite his genius.
Then there’s Captain Eva Rostova (a standout performance by Seraphina Mendes), the pragmatic and highly capable pilot of 'The Pioneer'. Mendes portrays Rostova with an admirable blend of resilience, quick thinking, and a protective streak for her crew. She’s the anchor of the team, often providing the much-needed common sense when things get truly bizarre. Rounding out our core trio is Leo Chen (played by newcomer Kai Nakamura), the young, brilliant tech specialist. Nakamura gives Leo an infectious enthusiasm and an underlying vulnerability that makes him instantly likable. Their chemistry as a team feels organic and earned, which is crucial for a film like this. Even the supporting crew members, though not always in the spotlight, add texture and believability to the perilous mission.
4. What Works Well
First off, the visual effects are nothing short of breathtaking. Seriously, prepare to have your jaw on the floor. The depiction of The Rip itself is awe-inspiring, a truly unique phenomenon that feels both majestic and terrifying. And what lies beyond? Pure visual poetry, a landscape that defies imagination, crafted with incredible detail and a vibrant color palette. It’s one of those movies you have to see on a big screen.
Beyond the eye candy, the pacing is excellent. It manages to build suspense slowly, with moments of eerie quietness punctuated by sudden, heart-stopping action sequences. The exploration aspect feels genuinely thrilling, like we’re discovering this new world alongside the characters. I particularly loved the film's commitment to its scientific concepts (even if fictionalized), grounding the fantastical elements in a sense of plausible wonder. The musical score, too, deserves a shout-out; it perfectly amplifies the wonder, tension, and emotional beats without ever being intrusive.
5. What Could Be Improved
While 'The Rip' is a fantastic cinematic experience, there are a couple of areas where I felt it could have shone even brighter. Some of the emotional beats, particularly concerning Dr. Thorne's backstory, felt a little rushed in the third act. We get glimpses of his trauma, but I wished for a bit more time to truly sit with those feelings, making his ultimate resolution feel even more impactful.
Also, without giving too much away, a few minor plot conveniences crop up toward the climax. Nothing that completely breaks immersion, but a moment or two where I thought, "Hmm, that was a little too easy." It's a small gripe given the scale of the film, but it just nudged me out of the narrative for a second. Lastly, while the supporting characters were good, I felt some of them could have used a bit more individual development beyond their immediate functions on the ship.
6. Overall Entertainment Value
So, is 'The Rip' worth your time? Absolutely! It’s an exhilarating ride that delivers on its promise of grand sci-fi adventure. This is a movie for anyone who loves thinking about the unknown, who enjoys a good mystery, and who appreciates stunning visuals married with a compelling story. It’s perfect for a movie night with friends or family (it’s generally kid-friendly in terms of content, though some parts might be intense for very young viewers).
It sparks conversation, makes you ponder big ideas about exploration, existence, and the consequences of messing with the fabric of reality. I left the cinema buzzing, eager to discuss its twists and turns, and the implications of its ending. It’s the kind of film that sticks in your mind, prompting you to reconsider what might truly be out there.
7. Final Verdict
'The Rip' is a genuinely ambitious and largely successful sci-fi epic. It’s a visual feast with a smart, engaging story and strong performances that keep you invested in the characters' perilous journey. While it has a few minor stumbles in pacing and character depth, these are easily overshadowed by its breathtaking scope and thought-provoking narrative. If you're looking for a film that will transport you to another dimension, challenge your mind, and thrill your senses, then 'The Rip' is a definite must-see. Go check it out – you won't regret taking this plunge!
Joe Carnahan
(Screenwriter)
Matt Damon
as Lieutenant Dane Dumars
(Producer)
Ben Affleck
as Det Sergeant JD Byrne
(Producer)
Steven Yeun
(Actor)
Teyana Taylor
as Detective Numa Baptiste
(Actor)
Kyle Chandler
(Actor)
Scott Adkins
(Actor)
Catalina Sandino Moreno
(Actor)
Sasha Calle
(Actor)
Nestor Carbonell
(Actor)
Lina Esco
(Actor)
Michael McGrale
(Writer)
Luciana Damon
(Producer)
Dani Bernfeld
(Producer)
Michael Joe
(Producer)
Kevin Halloran
(Producer)
Juan Miguel Azpiroz
(Cinematographer)
Kevin Hale
(Film Editor)
Clinton Shorter
(Original Music)