Synopsis
Instigators is an American comedy-action film released in 2024. It is directed by Doug Liman, who is widely known for his work on fast-paced action thrillers. In this film Liman makes a comedic attempt at a heist caper merging two very different characters who find themselves in a cycle of misfortune and moral self-examination.
The plot features Rory, a character portrayed by Matt Damon and a former Marine who attempts to uphold his working-class lifestyle while struggling to provide for his son in Boston. After getting sacked from his mundane and uninspiring job, he goes through a desperate spiraling phase. Rory attempts to make the ends meet during his final heist that involves embezzled money from the corrupt Mayor Miccelli, played by Ron Perlman.
Rory is partnered with Cobby, played by Casey Affleck, a deadpan and sardonically funny character who is an ex-con. At the start of the film, the two have never met. It is only after the robbery goes south that the two have to stick together. Each character has their backstories. Their accomplice Scalvo (Jack Harlow) dies during the pandemonium, leaving Rory and Cobby to escape with nothing but an enigmatic bracelet that has a code to a vault brimming with political secrets.
This leads to a hilarious and entertaining chase around Boston. The duo not only faces relentless police pursuit, but also the wrath of hired goons who have dubious political motives and want to retrieve the lost secrets. Among the many hunters is Frank Toomey (Ving Rhames), a ruthless cleaner who has no qualms about offing people and is brought in to deal with the fiasco.
Wounded and desperate, Cobby turns to an unexpected source for help: Mr. Donna Rivera, portrayed by Hong Chau, who is Rory’s previous therapist. At first, reluctant, Rivera is pulled into fight to escape with the duo and the larger political chaos that is unfolding around them. The trio scurry across various other parts of Boston in search of refuge and medical attention, while also thinking of a way to barter the contents of the vault for their safety.
The men slowly begin to understand that the documents they hold have a potential to dismantle the tiny clockwork that is the mayor’s office alongside exposing the deep-seated corruption within. The so-called robbery which they intended to perform for monetary gain is in fact much more valuable and dangerous.
Eventually, Rory and Cobby reach an agreement to provide the documents in question to a sympathetic law enforcement officer who agrees to deal with them and not prosecute as long as they cooperated with the investigation. Rory starts the first steps to letting go of his estranged son. Cobby, after addressing several of his emotional issues, opts to give therapy one more go instead of dropping it entirely.
Cast & Crew
Main Cast
Hong Chau is Dr. Donna Rivera, a therapist who served as both tension and comic relief.
Casey Afleck as Cobby, the sharp tongue ex-con with unrivaled emotional depth.
Matt Damon as Rory, the hero turned reluctant who gets roped into a life of crime.
Ron Perlman steps into the world of political drama as Miccelli, the two-faced mayor whose machinations form the basis of the story.
Michael Stuhlbarg plays Mr. Besegai and shady business figure with links to the stolen intel.
Alfred Molina takes the role of Richie Dechico, a politically minded low-level associate of organized crime.
Ving Rhames plays Frank Toomey, the indefatigable heavy.
Jack Harlow portrays Scalvo, the young associate who is killed early into the caper.
Paul Walter Hauser steps into the culture role of Booch, providing comic relief in a otherwise serious picture.
Toby Jones as the mayor’s attorney, a calculating member of the cabinet.
Crew
Directing: Doug Liman
Screenwriting: Casey Affleck and Chuck MacLean
Producing: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jeff Robinov, John Graham, and Kevin J. Walsh
Cinematography: Henry Braham
Editing: Andrew Mondshein
Composing: Christophe Beck
Filming Companies: Artists Equity, Studio 8, Apple Original Films
Distributing: Apple TV+
The movie is a venture of Artists Equity, the production company of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck which aims to shift creative ownership and profit share towards the actors and crew.
IMDb Ratings and Critical Reception
The Instigators has an IMDb rating of 6.2/10, indicative of mixed appreciation from both critics and audiences. Some have noted the film’s breakneck pacing alongside the electric chemistry of Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. Since they have collaborated on multiple projects, the pair’s offscreen relationship adds depth and developed synergy to the partnership at the center of the narrative.
The balance of comedy in the film is also enhanced—instead of slapstick or outlandish scenarios, it is based on character interplay. Hong Chau’s character was lauded for balancing the screeching chaos of the film and serving as a moral backbone to the narrative.
At the same time, the film also faced restrictions. Some audience members claimed the film’s plot was too predictable, following a “botched heist turns into conspiracy” template. Others felt the second act’s excessive focus on dialogue killed any buildup to the climax and dragged pacing instead.
Regardless, the film is appreciated for what it is – an action comedy featuring clever social and political commentary. The Instigators does not reinvent the genre, but rather breaks the predictable mold with its performances and narrative.
Conclusion
As an entertaining addition to the heist-comedy genre, The Instigators is worth viewing. While it does not break new ground, the film offers an engaging and surprisingly sentimental narrative about deeply flawed characters striving for a semblance of goodness after everything collapses. The humor-laden action along with powerful performances from Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, and HongChau makes the film a must-see, especially for fans of political capers and buddy comedies.
Character development elevates the film beyond average fare. Cobby and Rory are not merely cons out in the wild; they are broken men trying to redeem themselves in a world that seldom grants chances. This narrative is powerful because of their chaotic and misguided attempts to set the situation right.
The film features a satisfying experience, albeit not iconic. The lack of genre-defining moments does not diminish the joy of having a well-acted feature which offers plenty of chuckles, action, and tender touches throughout. As such, The Instigators is sure to entertain and perhaps encourage some reflection.
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