We’ve written this before, but here’s another example of good thieves in Hollywood. These are particularly stupid and self-destructive, but they have a good heart.
They also star Matt Damon (Rory) and Casey Affleck (Cobby), who co-wrote the story with Chuck MacLean (the series City on a Hill). With this trio, in addition to Ben Affleck as co-producer, The Instigators is very Bostonian. The capital of Massachusetts is nicely highlighted, both by its landscapes and its accent.
Although both actors deliver convincing performances, the chemistry between them doesn’t quite work. Their opposing personalities are probably a script choice, but the result gives the impression that they are not living the same adventure.
Rory is a former marine mechanic whose marriage and finances have fallen apart. Desperate to see his son with his head held high, he agrees to take part in a heist to pay off his debts.
Cobby, a regular fresh out of prison, and Scalvo (rapper Jack Harlow) are also part of the ambitious heist that involves stealing political contributions from corrupt Mayor Miccelli (a hilarious Ron Perlman) on election night. Of course, it all goes wrong, and Rory and Cobby find themselves on the run.
Directed by Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity, Edge of Tomorrow, Road House) offers some good chases and a brisk pace. The impressive cast of supporting characters doesn’t quite mesh with the narrative, but it amuses us with its variety. Ving Rhames, Michael Stulhbarg, Alfred Molina, Paul Walter Hauser and Toby Jones are all irresistibly cartoonish, but it’s Hong Chau (The Whale, Downsizing) who stands out for her wit and composure. Rory’s psychotherapist, she is ready to do anything to ensure her patient doesn’t screw up his life. She goes too far, but that’s what she does all the time The Instigators.
This film doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it has enough action, humor and heart to have a good time.
On Apple TV+
Criminal comedy
The Instigators
(VF The instigators)
Doug Liman
With Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, Hong Chau
1 h 41