The Instigators

2024 - 8 - 9

Matt Damon, Casey Affleck and the Heist of a Lifetime: Therapy is Overrated!

Apple TV+ - Boston - Casey Affleck - Crime Caper - Doug Liman - Hong Chau - Jack Harlow - Matt Damon - Rob Gronkowski - The Instigators

Get ready for some laughs with 'The Instigators' - a comedy heist flick that brings the laughs, the friendship, and the Boston vibes!

When you think of crime capers, you might envision slick heists and clever plotting, but in 'The Instigators,' the real plot twist involves therapy! Starring the dynamic duo of Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, this film explores the hilariously mismatched partnership of two screwups as they navigate a heist gone wrong. With the typical Bostonian charm, the film serves up plenty of laughs between moments of chaos, proving that sometimes, the best plans come from the most unconventional friendships.

Directed by Doug Liman, known for his knack for mixing humor with action, 'The Instigators' finds Damon and Affleck back in their home turf – South Boston. Here, the narrative unfolds through the rocky road they take alongside crime boss Mr. Besaghi, played by Michael Stuhlbarg. Imagine a plan that involves not just money, but a deep dive into the complexities of personal challenges – you won’t be just clutching your stomach from laughter, but also reflecting on the deeper issues of life that linger on the edges of their comedic misadventures.

The film's costume designer goes above and beyond to celebrate Boston's workwear culture, making sure the iconic style does justice to the city’s rich heritage. One can't help but chuckle at the stylish yet functional attire that aptly mirrors the laid-back attitude of the film's protagonists. And with a nod to the beloved Red Sox woven throughout, the film is not just a crime caper; it’s a love letter to Boston that will resonate with locals and newcomers alike.

While the film may not reinvent the genre, it does serve up a refreshing mix of humor, friendship, and exploration of mental health. With moments that pit Dewey Cox against the backdrop of Robin Williams-style therapy, the laughs are fully realized, even if the heist itself is less than perfect.

Interestingly, 'The Instigators' reunites Damon and Affleck, reminding fans of their chemistry that first bloomed in 'Good Will Hunting.' This new venture is a testament to their enduring friendship, showing that even after decades, they can still charm audiences with their silliness and authenticity. Plus, did you know that the film is a result of Affleck's passionate persuasion? His determination to have Damon onboard perhaps comes with that classic buddy-enrollment formula we can't resist—because few things are more heartwarming than a friend trying to convince you it’s time to pull a job… or at least go to therapy together!

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Image courtesy of "IGN"

The Instigators Review - IGN (IGN)

Matt Damon and Casey Affleck play mismatched screwups in a crime caper that's fun but a little too laidback.

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Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

Casey Affleck got Matt Damon to star in 'The Instigators' by asking ... (USA TODAY)

For "The Instigators," Casey Affleck convinced his old pal Matt Damon to join him in a crime caper that tests the bounds of conventional therapy.

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Image courtesy of "Houston Press"

Reviews For The Easily Distracted: The Instigators (Houston Press)

Better Tagline: "You need some fackin' therapy." Not So Brief Plot Synopsis: Crime boss Mr. Besaghi (Michael Stuhlbarg) has a problem: he's got the perfect plan ...

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Image courtesy of "WWD"

'The Instigators' Pays Homage to Boston Workwear, the Red Sox ... (WWD)

A breakdown of the costumes in 'The Instigators' film starring Matt Damon, Jack Harlow and Casey Affleck. The costume designer talks Boston workwear, ...

Review: In 'The Instigators,' a heist goes terrifically wrong - Sent-trib (Sentinel-Tribune)

Though depression lurks around the edges of “The Instigators,” Doug Liman's heist movie is a loosely amiable return to South Boston for Matt Damon and Casey ...

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The Instigators Ending Explained (Screen Rant)

Mark Choi Keeps Miccelli's Money In His Own Pockets · Matt Damon As Rory And Casey Affleck As Cobby Standing Next To Each Other In The · Matt Damon Squinting And ...

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Image courtesy of "Toronto Sun"

Matt Damon and Casey Affleck talk 'The Instigators,' reveal the ... (Toronto Sun)

Postmedia's Mark Daniell talks to Matt Damon and Casey Affleck about The Instigators, their friendship and Good Will Hunting.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Movies UK"

The Instigators review: Matt Damon and Hong Chau bring this heist ... (Yahoo Movies UK)

3/5 This Apple TV+ film does not reinvent the wheel, but its jokes land here and there.

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Image courtesy of "WWD"

Photos from 'The Instigators' Film (WWD)

See photos from 'The Instigators' film starring Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, Jack Harlow and more from Apple TV+.

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Image courtesy of "NPR"

Matt Damon and Casey Affleck are 'The Instigators' in a classic heist ... (NPR)

After a heist goes bad, two inept Boston crooks (played by Damon and Affleck) become uneasy partners. The Instigators is a reasonably enjoyable film that ...

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Image courtesy of "Idaho Press-Tribune"

Movie Guy: Just enough comedy and action makes 'The Instigators ... (Idaho Press-Tribune)

Most people enjoy a good crime caper movie. It's a lot of fun watching some bad guys stick it to the man, especially when the victims of the crime are.

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Image courtesy of "Screen Rant"

The Instigators Soundtrack Guide: Every Song & When They Play (Screen Rant)

Each Song Perfectly Complements The Film's Action & Comedy · Matt Damon Squinting And Facing Casey Affleck As They're Handcuffed In The Instigators Poster · Matt ...

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Image courtesy of "NOLA.com"

New Orleans' Hong Chau adds action to her arsenal with 'The ... (NOLA.com)

Hong Chau was wearing her junket smile, that polite expression assumed by Hollywood actors as they endure the same questions over and again from a string of ...

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

The Instigators review: Matt Damon and Casey Affleck pair up in the ... (ABC News)

The Instigators is Apple TV+'s latest attempt at reverse-engineering the kind of late-night TV movie best enjoyed by your dad.

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Image courtesy of "Oneonta Daily Star"

Movies: 'The Instigators' delivers a caper comedy with a twist (Oneonta Daily Star)

What if they made a heist movie, but there isn't any heist?

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo News Canada"

'The Instigators': Matt Damon, Casey Affleck lead muted comedy ... (Yahoo News Canada)

Boston boys band together for the movie The Instigators on Apple TV+ starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, with Ben Affleck among the producers.

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Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

Patriots fan Matt Damon loved Gronk's 'showstopping' 'Instigators ... (USA TODAY)

New England Patriots icon Rob "Gronk" Gronkowski thrilled famous fans Matt Damon and Casey Affleck with his cameo in their movie "The Instigators."

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Image courtesy of "Forbes"

How 'The Bad News Bears' And Carpentry Influenced 'The Instigators' (Forbes)

The heist comedy sees Doug Liman, also known for directing 'Swingers' and 'Edge of Tomorrow,' reunite with Matt Damon for the first time since 'The Bourne ...

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