The Instigators is a new film from Doug Liman, a director who burst onto the scene with the Sundance-rejected indie hit Swingers and the criminally underseen but ultra-cool Go. Yet, somehow, Liman transitioned from cult comedies to big-action Hollywood blockbusters with the first two films in The Bourne franchise and the film that made Jennifer Aniston a divorcee, Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
In addition to critically approved films like American Made and Fair Game, Liman has a filmography stacked with critical and box office disappointments. Real stinkers include the stagnant Chaos Walking, the forgettably campy Road House, the underwhelming Jumper, the obligatory Three Musketeers, and the streaming film Locked Down, which had many rooting for a COVID-19 victory.
Unfortunately, things will not improve with The Instigators, mainly because of a thoughtless and inattentive script that never bothers to sweat the details.
Apple TV+’s The Instigators Review and Synopsis
Matt Damon and Casey Affleck star as Rory and Cobby, two down-on-their-luck middle-aged white men looking for a quick score. Both are recruited by a local Boston gangster, Mr. Besegai (Michael Stuhlbarg), to perform a daring election day heist involving the corrupt incumbent Boston Mayor’s (Hellboy’s Ron Perlman) illegitimate campaign earnings.
Affleck’s Cobby is an experienced criminal who immediately clashes with Scalvo (Jack Harlow), the guy Mr. Besegai puts in charge, known for panicking under pressure. Damon’s Rory is new to the criminal underworld and is only looking to score $32,480 to settle the money he owes in child support.
Mr. Besegai tells his associate, Richie (Alfred Molina), to monitor things. However, he’s about to get more than he bargained for. When things go south, Rory takes his therapist (an impeccable Hong Chau) hostage in a Beantown manhunt that has the cops, mobsters, and politicians all chasing both men to keep them quiet for good.
The Instigators is the Year’s Most Underwhelming Films
Doug Liman’s The Instigators is the year’s most underwhelming film, which is a surprise since the script came from Affleck and City on the Hill creator Chuck Maclean. Liman’s best films excel with quick banter and snark cannon quips. Maclean writes is at his best writing for smart, tough, and gritty characters. The issue is Liman and MaCalean are not a good match,
For one, when it comes to their cinematic sensibilities, The Instigators doesn’t excel in any one area. The script relies too much on an odd-couple friction between Matt Damon and Casey Affleck that never materializes. Also, the city of Boston is used as a rugged backdrop, but too many supporting characters replace fortitude with dark comic relief that lands with a thud.
Actors like Molina, Harlow, Paul Walter Hauser, and Toby Jones fumble poorly written dialogue and one-liners that are eye-roll-inducing. The only actor that downplays his role to perfection is Ving Rhames, who knows how to own a scene. The rest of the supporting cast are cartoonish cliches that do little to support the story and seem intent on distracting you from gaping plot holes.
Is The Instigators Worth Watching?
The Instigators is not worth watching, even though it has some qualities. The film is relatively light entertainment. The lead actors are fine, with Damon delivering his usual good work and Chau elevating pedestrian material. Some of the film’s only amusement—though it never comes close to a laugh-out-loud moment—is when Affleck flirts with Chau’s character, but it grows stale fairly quickly.
As the story progresses, it becomes more and more contrived. There are too many moments where the plot glosses over facts and events that stretch belief. For instance, the object everyone is trying to break into can simply be moved. The Jones character involves the robbers in turning state evidence with a flimsy explanation or a Boston car chase that has no hope of escape.
Additionally, Hau’s therapist involving herself in the plot and not turning in Damon’s character immediately when he poses a danger to himself and others is downright negligent. There are too many moments like this, including a silly third-act wrap, that turn The Instigators into a gluttonous display of inauthenticity, both comedically and dramatically.
You can stream The Instigators on Apple TV+ on August 2nd.
4/10
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