The Instigators is a hilariously fun take on, as the tagline puts it, the “worst heist ever.”
Matt Damon is pitch-perfect as Rory, an ex-military guy worn down by life and divorce. Having tried everything—on the right side of the law, at least—he’s ready to take a crack at crime. The comedy shines in the details: Rory shows up to the pre-heist meeting armed with pen and paper, diligently taking notes like he’s preparing for a school project rather than a high-stakes robbery. Damon brings just the right mix of earnestness and chaos to the role, making Rory both laughable and endearing.
Then there’s Casey Affleck as Cobby, a seasoned criminal who’s “been there, done that,” now stuck babysitting what seems like a geriatric waste of time. Nothing goes according to plan, leaving Cobby scrambling to think on his feet just to survive the next five minutes. Affleck’s dry wit and exasperation provide the perfect counterbalance to Damon’s well-meaning but clueless enthusiasm.
What makes this even more impressive is that Casey Affleck co-wrote the script with Chuck MacLean. Now, Ben Affleck (Casey’s brother) is already a proven powerhouse in writing and directing, and it seems the talent runs in the family. If this film is any indication, we’re going to be the lucky benefactors of Casey’s creativity for the long haul. Well done, old chap!
The Instigators is over-the-top comedy at its finest, delivering laugh-out-loud moments and a fresh twist on the heist genre. Whether your week needs a pick-me-up or you’re just in the mood for a good laugh, this movie will deliver.
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