Where to Watch: The Instigators (2024) – A Detailed Review
The Instigators (2024), directed by Doug Liman, reunites the acclaimed filmmaker with Matt Damon, following their iconic collaboration on The Bourne Identity (2002). However, where their previous work sparked a franchise, The Instigators falls flat, offering a heist movie that struggles to engage, despite an impressive ensemble cast. While the film aims for a mix of action, comedy, and crime thriller elements, it ultimately fails to deliver a cohesive and compelling experience.
Plot Overview
Set against the gritty backdrop of Boston, The Instigators follows the story of Rory (Matt Damon), a former Marine turned reluctant thief, and his partner-in-crime Cobby (Casey Affleck), an ex-con with a sharp tongue. The duo is enlisted by Scalvo (Jack Harlow), a hot-headed, inexperienced criminal, to pull off a high-stakes heist orchestrated by Boston crime boss Mr. Besegai (Michael Stuhlbarg). Their target is the corrupt Mayor Miccelli (Ron Perlman), who is hosting a re-election gala where campaign funds are ripe for the taking.
Predictably, the heist goes awry. Scalvo is killed, and Rory and Cobby find themselves on the run from both the law and a ruthless hitman named Booch (Paul Walter Hauser), hired by Besegai to clean up the mess. As the two bungling criminals flee across Boston, they inadvertently drag Rory’s therapist, Dr. Donna Rivera (Hong Chau), into their chaotic escapades.
Performance and Direction
Despite the star-studded cast, The Instigators fails to capitalize on the talents of its actors. Matt Damon, known for his ability to bring depth and charisma to his roles, is disappointingly flat as Rory. His usual charm is noticeably absent, leaving his character devoid of the gravitas needed to anchor the film. Casey Affleck, who co-wrote the screenplay with Chuck MacLean, brings his trademark brooding presence to Cobby, but the character’s sarcastic edge never quite lands, resulting in a performance that feels more disengaged than dynamic.
The supporting cast, which includes notable names like Ron Perlman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Alfred Molina, and Ving Rhames, is similarly underutilized. Stuhlbarg’s portrayal of Mr. Besegai is exaggerated to the point of caricature, while Molina’s character, Richie Dechico, fades into the background, making little impact. Even Rhames, typically a commanding presence, is relegated to a role that offers little more than stern expressions and gruff dialogue.
Hong Chau, however, manages to inject some life into the film as Dr. Donna Rivera. Her character’s reluctant involvement in the heist provides some of the movie’s few genuinely humorous moments, and her chemistry with Damon adds a spark to an otherwise tepid narrative.
Doug Liman’s direction, which has previously breathed life into high-octane films like Edge of Tomorrow (2014) and Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), feels surprisingly uninspired here. The film’s pacing is uneven, with action sequences that lack the energy and excitement one would expect from a heist movie. The humor, often delivered through awkward banter between Rory and Cobby, falls flat, missing the mark for a buddy-comedy dynamic.
Script and Cinematography
The screenplay, co-written by Casey Affleck and Chuck MacLean, is one of The Instigators’ biggest weaknesses. The dialogue is riddled with clichés and lacks the sharpness necessary to elevate the film above its genre conventions. The story itself is predictable, with twists and turns that feel more obligatory than surprising. The characters are underdeveloped, and the stakes never feel particularly high, which detracts from any potential tension or suspense.
Visually, the film does little to impress. The cinematography is serviceable but lacks the stylistic flair that could have compensated for the narrative shortcomings. The use of Boston as a setting, while rich with potential, is largely wasted, with the city’s unique character never fully captured or explored.
The film’s use of music is another point of contention. The soundtrack feels disjointed, with needle drops that often seem out of place or jarring in their context. For instance, the inclusion of “Ball of Confusion” during a scene where Rory and Cobby ride towards a beach house feels tonally off, leaving the audience more puzzled than entertained. This lack of cohesion extends to other aspects of the film, contributing to an overall sense of disarray.
Where to Watch The Instigators (2024)
Despite its shortcomings, The Instigators is available to stream on Apple TV+, providing easy access for those curious to see the film for themselves. Apple TV+ is known for its diverse range of content, from original series to feature films, and The Instigators is one of the platform’s latest offerings.
To watch The Instigators on Apple TV+, viewers can subscribe to the streaming service, which offers a 7-day free trial for new users. After the trial period, the subscription costs $6.99 per month, granting access to Apple’s entire library of content. The film is available in HD, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience for those who choose to stream it.
Apple TV+ is accessible on a wide range of devices, including Apple products like iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs, as well as on other platforms such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, and through web browsers on computers. This makes it convenient for viewers to watch The Instigators wherever and whenever they choose.
Final Thoughts
The Instigators is a film that, despite its high-profile cast and experienced director, fails to deliver on its potential. The weak script, lackluster performances, and uninspired direction result in a heist movie that is more forgettable than thrilling. While there are a few moments of levity, particularly thanks to Hong Chau’s performance, these are not enough to save the film from mediocrity.
For those who are fans of the cast or curious about the film, The Instigators is available to stream on Apple TV+. However, viewers should temper their expectations and be prepared for a film that doesn’t quite live up to the hype.
