The Instigators Film Review: Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, Doug Liman

INTRODUCTION

Twenty-two years after they collaborated in The Bourne Identity, director Doug Liman and actor Matt Damon joined forces once again for this heist comedy, The Instigators.

This film features a star-studded cast, including two Oscar winners – Casey Affleck and Matt Damon – and one Oscar nominee, Hong Chau.

Written by Chuck Maclean and Casey Affleck, The Instigators is a really good movie. The Instigators received a limited theatrical release in the United States on August 2, 2024, allowing you to experience the film on the big screen.

However, for us who prefer the comfort of our homes, the film made its streaming debut on Apple TV+ just a week later on August 9, 2024.

Please note that The Instigators is rated R for pervasive language and some violence. This suggests that the film contains content that may not be suitable for all viewers. With a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes, I can assure you of a few laughs.

WHAT IS THE INSTIGATORS ABOUT? PLOT AND SYNOPSIS

In Boston, two partners from Quincy find themselves deep in trouble. There’s Rory, a divorced Marine vet who’s trying to sort out his messy life with the help of his therapist, Dr. Rivera.

And then there’s Cobby Murphy, an alcoholic ex-con who’s just trying to stay out of trouble, even though his bartender, Mr. Kelly, warns him to steer clear of his old ways.

But temptation comes knocking when a corrupt mayor, Joseph Miccelli, plans a big bash at the Wharf to celebrate the election. He’s expecting a truckload of bribe money, and mobsters Besegai and Dechico want it.

They recruit Rory, Cobby, and their sketchy friend Salvo to swipe the cash before it’s hauled off in an armored car. Rory’s got his mind set on getting exactly $32,480—no more, no less.

Things go south fast when the trio sneaks into the restaurant kitchen and finds the party in full swing. Michelle refuses to admit he’s lost the election, and worse, the safe’s already been cleaned out.

Scalvo decides to improvise, robbing Miccelli and his cronies instead, even snatching Miccelli’s bracelet. A shootout with the police chief leaves Scalvo dead, Cobby shot, and Rory driving them away in the armored car—until they realize there’s a guard still inside. Oops.

The two hunker down at Mr. Kelly’s, hoping for help from Dechico. But instead of sending aid, Dechico sends Scalvo’s hitmen, Booch and Colani, to take them out. With a manhunt underway, Miccelli orders Frank Toomey from Special Ops to retrieve his precious bracelet, which, it turns out, holds the combination to his office safe.

Rory, desperate to make things right with his son, reveals his true motive to Cobby. Just as Booch and Colani arrive to finish them off, Rory and Cobby blow up the house’s gas line, escaping with the bracelet as the place goes up in flames.

Desperate, Rory drags Cobby to Dr. Rivera, turning her into an unwilling accomplice. It’s left to see how things pan out.

MY THOUGHTS ON ‘THE INSTIGATORS’

“The Instigators” is a movie that doesn’t try to be anything more than what it is: a fun, light-hearted heist comedy. It’s not going to win any Oscars, and it doesn’t aim to. This movie is here to entertain, and it does a solid job of that. If you’re looking for a film to enjoy on a lazy Sunday afternoon with a big bowl of popcorn, this one should be on your list.

CHARACTER PERFORMANCE

The real magic of “The Instigators” comes from the chemistry between Damon and Affleck. Damon plays it straight, as the serious, down-on-his-luck guy just trying to get his life back on track.

Affleck, on the other hand, is the comedic heart of the film, delivering one-liners and dry humor with the ease of someone who’s been doing it for years—which, of course, he has.

Their dynamic is reminiscent of their real-life friendship, full of inside jokes and the kind of banter that feels authentic and unforced.

But it’s not just the leads who shine. The supporting cast is packed with talent, even if their roles are small.

Hong Chau’s therapist adds a quirky layer to the proceedings, Ron Perlman’s mayor is delightfully sleazy, and Toby Jones, Michael Stuhlbarg, Alfred Molina, and Ving Rhames all bring something unique to the table, even if they’re only on screen for a few minutes.

It’s the kind of cast that makes you wish the movie had given them a bit more to do, but they make the most of what they have.

VISUAL DESIGN AND CINEMATOGRAPHY

Visually, “The Instigators” is pretty straightforward. It doesn’t try to be flashy or overly stylized, and that works in its favor. The focus is on the characters and the comedy, not on big, elaborate set pieces or special effects.

The action scenes, especially the car chases, are shot well enough to keep you engaged, but they aren’t anything groundbreaking. Boston serves as a great backdrop, adding a bit of local color to the story, especially for those familiar with the area.

WRITING STYLE AND STORY

The script, co-written by Casey Affleck, is decent but not groundbreaking. It’s filled with witty banter, especially between the two leads, but it never quite reaches the heights of classic heist comedies. The story itself is pretty standard for the genre: a couple of underdogs trying to pull off a big score, only to have everything go hilariously wrong.

It’s predictable in places, but there are enough twists and turns to keep you interested.

The film’s humor is more about making you smile than making you burst out laughing. It’s not laugh-out-loud funny, but it’s consistently amusing, and there are a few moments that genuinely stand out. The dialogue is sharp, and the characters feel well-drawn, even if the plot doesn’t offer anything new.

THEMES

While “The Instigators” touches on some heavier themes, like corruption and the struggles of everyday life, it doesn’t dwell on them.

This isn’t a film that’s going to make you think deeply about society or the human condition. Instead, it offers a more lighthearted take on these issues, using them as a backdrop for the comedy. It’s a movie that knows its audience and doesn’t try to be more than what it is—a fun, escapist ride.

AUDIENCE COMMENTS

CONCLUSION

In the end, “The Instigators” is a movie that succeeds in doing what it set out to do: entertain. It’s not perfect, and it certainly won’t be for everyone, but if you go in with the right expectations, you’re likely to have a good time.

The chemistry between Damon and Affleck is the film’s biggest strength, and the supporting cast adds just enough flavor to keep things interesting.

It’s a film made for relaxation, not deep analysis, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

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