The Rip Ending Explained: Netflix’s latest crime thriller The Rip has quickly grabbed attention for its tense storytelling, morally grey characters, and a climax that completely flips audience expectations. Released on January 16, 2026, the film stormed into Netflix’s Top 10 list, proving that gritty cop dramas with smart twists still have massive pull.
Directed by Joe Carnahan, The Rip is inspired by real-life incidents and blends cartel money, police corruption, and betrayal into a tightly packed 1 hour 52 minutes. But it’s the ending—layered with deception and psychological misdirection—that truly makes the film stand out.
The Rip Cast and Characters
The film boasts a strong ensemble, led by two of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Matt Damon | Lt. Dan Dumers |
| Ben Affleck | Det. Sgt. J.D. Byron |
| Lina Esco | Captain Jackie |
| Steven Yeun | Mike |
| Sasha Calle | Desi |
| Scott Adkins | Supporting role |
| Teyana Taylor | Supporting role |
What Is The Rip About?
The story begins with the death of Captain Jackie and the discovery of $20 million in cartel cash during Miami’s biggest police raid. Lt. Dan Dumers and J.D. Byron—best friends and trusted officers—are tasked with investigating the case.
As the probe deepens, trust within the team starts to crack. Secrets, greed, and half-truths push everyone into a psychological standoff where no one seems innocent. By the second half, the film deliberately leads viewers to suspect Dumers, making the audience believe he may have turned greedy.
The Rip Ending Explained
The film’s climax revolves around a clever trap rather than brute force.
Dan Dumers claims he received a tip about hidden cash at a secret location. However, he intentionally tells different team members different amounts, creating a silent test of loyalty. He even confiscates everyone’s phones, escalating tension and suspicion—especially between him and J.D.
Just when it seems Dumers is the traitor, the truth is revealed:
This was all a setup.
Dumers and J.D. were secretly working together to expose the real informant leaking information to the cartel.
Who Is the Real Traitor in The Rip?
The actual mole turns out to be Mike (Steven Yeun).
Dumers already suspected Mike because the cartel’s first caller mentioned a specific amount—$151,000—a figure Dumers had shared only with Mike. This small detail becomes the key that unravels everything.
When Dumers confronts Mike, a burner phone surfaces, revealing calls connected to the cartel. Under pressure, Mike breaks and exposes another truth: Captain Jackie’s murder.
Who Killed Captain Jackie?
Mike admits involvement but shifts the blame to Matty, claiming Matty fired the final shot that killed Jackie. Things spiral when the FBI overhears Matty trying to bribe Dumers and J.D. into splitting the cartel money and framing Mike.
That moment seals everyone’s fate.
Final Outcome: Who Survives and Who Pays the Price?
| Character | Fate |
|---|---|
| Mike | Arrested by police |
| Matty | Killed during a car chase with J.D. |
| Cartel Money | Deposited back at the station |
| Dumers & J.D. | Cleared, but morally shaken |
Instead of a predictable “greedy cop” twist, The Rip plays with audience perception. The film makes viewers distrust the right person—only to reveal that the so-called suspect was actually controlling the entire narrative. The ending reinforces the film’s core theme: in a world ruled by money and fear, trust is the rarest currency.
With its sharp writing, grounded performances, and a brain-twisting climax, The Rip proves to be one of Netflix’s most engaging crime thrillers of 2026.
Chaitan Limkar is a tech and entertainment writer passionate about innovation, media, and the stories shaping the digital world.
