The Instigators Review
It’s always the “plan-goes-wrong” narrative that often creates the plots of some of the funniest films. So, it comes to no surprise that The Instigators would be one of those movies thanks to the iconic Matt Damon-Ben Affleck production partnership. With jokes that make a good landing, action sequences that keep things high-octane, and some fun cast chemistry, this film will definitely get audiences laughing all the way through.
The Instigators follows two unlikely individuals who could ever team up: Rory, an ex-Marine looking to have a stable family life, and Cobby, an ex-convict who’s just looking for an escape. After they botch a high-stakes robbery, Rory and Cobby are sent on the run, both from the cops and their criminal bosses, incidentally bringing along Rory’s therapist in the process.
It would go without saying that the chemistry between Matt Damon and Casey Affleck was absolutely stellar. Though most people have been accustomed to seeing Damon and Ben Affleck, Casey’s brother, on the big screen, Instigators goes to show that Damon is flexible no matter the Affleck! There are so many hysterical bits of banter between the two that felt like they were naturally improvised, especially when they are on the move. Damon’s confused, “old man” persona as Rory and Casey’s knowledgeable pessimism as Cobby enhance those bits even further, leading to these situations in the first place.
Damon and Affleck are able to play off the rest of the cast with ease as seen with Hong Chau’s Dr. Rivera. Even though she does not have a huge presence until the film’s second half, her impact is felt through Rory and Cobby’s mentality. Rivera essentially serves as a buffer for the two: she is trying to do the right thing while also protecting the two from trouble and each other. By having her as that buffer, Instigators create this needed element of sympathy that both Rory and Cobby lack.
The film’s comedy is further supported by the rest of the cast, especially with Michael Stuhlbarg and Ving Rhames. While their characters are serious for the most part, they have their own bits going on that feel just right for the film’s cynical setting. By not taking their performances too seriously, these two are able to have some of the funniest scenes on screen with Damon, Affleck, and the rest. However, they do lose some involvement with the plot in the second act, which seems to prioritize forging the “brotherhood” between Rory and Cobby.
Aside from the cast, Doug Liman’s direction and Saar Klein’s editing really uplifts everything this film has to offer. Interwoven cuts between the calm, heists, and politics keep the energy up even more so with the banter. There are so many high-tension moments involving the three where the camera never sits for too long. It throws a montage here and there, especially in its first half, to keep viewers focused on what is (and what will eventually) be happening. In Instigators’ moments of calm, the cinematographic work allows the audience to understand Rory and Cobby’s perspectives and motivations almost to a personal degree. It works well enough to keep the tone grounded as each action scene gets more explosive than the last.
As for the story itself, Instigators tries to balance being a deus-ex-machina quest and a political heist flick. However, contained within its story are some mature topics and ideas that will help audiences resonate with Rory and Cobby’s mission. These two characters are out for something more than just money; they both want some redemption for the past mistakes they made. All of this goes on while political corruption occurs behind the scenes, which the two incidentally involve themselves in. While the political bits in the movie may throw some viewers off, Instigators is able to prioritize the more personal aspects of Rory and Cobby to keep audiences hooked.
The Instigators is a comedically entertaining movie that really showcases Matt Damon and Casey Affleck’s combined versatility. It has everything you want from a heist comedy film: wild action scenes, a hilarious cast, and humor that works just right for this pessimistic world. Damon fans will absolutely enjoy this team-up between two of Hollywood’s most famous that brought the likes of Air and Good Will Hunting.
Rating: ★★★½
The Instigators will debut in select theaters on August 2 before its global premiere on Apple TV+ on August 9.
_
Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.