The Instigators

The Instigators (2024)

A Breezy Boston Heist for Pure Shits and Giggles

★★★☆☆

A crowd-pleasing summer romp that prioritizes fun over the logic police.

Directed by Doug Liman, The Instigators is an amusing crime heist film anchored by the affable chemistry of Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. While the stakes and plot believability remain low, Liman’s effective direction keeps the action moving at a brisk pace. It’s the kind of light material that allows top-tier talent to play around in the sandbox, delivering a piece of eye-candy that doesn't demand much more than a willingness to have a good time.

"Audiences should take off the logic police caps here and just enjoy the film... Hong Chau thankfully brings some heart to the proceedings, preventing the film from spinning into over-the-top comedic ridiculousness."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Doug Liman
• Starring: Matt Damon, Casey Affleck
• Supporting: Hong Chau, Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Walter Hauser
• Platform: Apple TV+

The Vision

Doug Liman returns to the heist genre with a "let's have some fun" mentality. By pairing the deadpan Casey Affleck with a more grounded Matt Damon, the film creates a comedic friction that fuels the narrative. The inclusion of Hong Chau as a stabilizing force is a masterstroke, giving the audience a much-needed emotional anchor amidst the lighthearted chaos. It may not be "thought-provoking," but it’s a vibrant directorial showcase of breezy, commercial filmmaking.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Bourne Reunion: This marks the first collaboration between director Doug Liman and Matt Damon since the original The Bourne Identity (2002).
• Family Ties: The script was co-written by Chuck Maclean and Casey Affleck himself, infusing the dialogue with a specific Boston-centric rhythm.
• Boston Roots: Both Damon and the Affleck brothers are famously from the Boston area, making this project a hometown affair produced by their company, Artists Equity.

✅ Pros

• Infectious chemistry between Matt Damon and Casey Affleck.
• Hong Chau delivers a grounding, heart-filled performance.
• Breezy, energetic direction that makes for an easy watch.

❌ Cons

• Extremely low stakes and highly questionable logic.
• A thin plot that occasionally leans too hard on comedic tropes.

🏆 Final Verdict

A fun, unpretentious summer heist. While it won't change your life, The Instigators is a solid choice for anyone looking to trade logic for a few laughs and some high-quality star power.

View original review on Letterboxd