by Scott Batchelor, Contributing Writer
The Instigators sets out to mix crime caper with offbeat comedy, with Matt Damon and Casey Affleck playing strange bedfellows. The pair is tasked with pulling off a heist only the crazy and desperate would attempt. While hard to pinpoint at first how I should be feeling at any given time during The Instigators, ultimately, the dry humor wins me over for a pleasant viewing experience.
This movie uses therapy as a clever narrative device, with Damon’s Rory charmingly navigating his sessions with Dr. Donna Rivera (Hong Chau). Although the portrayal of therapy is more of Hollywood’s idealized version, and not what real therapy looks like, it works because of Rory’s charisma and Dr. Rivera’s genuine interest in his schemes. The odd tone is set early on with a surprising waterboarding scene, signaling that this film isn’t quite the comedy I thought it would be. But it turns out this is more of a one-off instance and we don’t go that dark again.
Affleck’s Cobby is introduced as a down-and-out gambler with a drinking problem, quickly establishing himself as a poor decision-maker. When Rory and Cobby team up for a heist targeting a mayor’s party, their dynamic starts off rocky. Their initial inability to get along, coupled with a botched robbery, forces them on the run. As they plan their next move and bicker, their chemistry begins to develop, though it never fully reaches laugh-out-loud territory. Affleck’s attempt to play a wise-cracking, self-aware thief feels off at first. His delivery is too dry and stoic to land the comedic moments when we meet him; as the film goes on, though, you realize this is a character trait of Cobby’s and you begin to enjoy his company. Meanwhile, Dr. Rivera, who eventually joins the heist crew, adds an unexpected layer to the story. Her transition from therapist to active participant is initially abrupt, but becomes more believable as her character develops, which seems to be the theme of this movie. If something doesn’t make sense, give it a couple of acts. But that doesn’t work with everything.
While the movie eventually settles into a rhythm that works, certain elements, like Cobby’s hinted genius and the therapist’s involvement in the heist, are underdeveloped, leaving storylines unexplored. Paul Walter Hauser’s sudden cameo injects some much-needed energy before we never see him again, and the dynamic between Michael Stuhlbarg’s Mr. Besegai and Alfred Molina’s Richie, the gangsters orchestrating the robbery, adds depth to the hijinx, but their involvement in the story is never fully fleshed out or resolved. These characters, along with Ving Rhames as a Boston police officer, are interesting but ultimately underused. Despite their potential, most of them get no more than three brief scenes and don’t play into the climactic moments as expected, leaving their roles largely unnecessary after their introductions.
As the film unfolds, it manages to win me over. The dry humor works better as the characters develop, even if they never quite become likable. The tension ebbs and flows, which can be jarring, but it keeps the story engaging. Strong performances and witty dialogue help smooth over the rough spots. Sure, some storylines and characters are a bit underused, but overall, The Instigators creates an atmosphere that’s fun and enjoyable.
Rating: Liked It
The Instigators is currently streaming on Apple TV+
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