The movie “The Instigators” is a caper flick starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, directed by Doug Liman, and streaming on Apple TV+. The story follows two good-hearted losers who attempt a poorly planned robbery that goes awry. As they navigate through the aftermath, they pick up Rory’s psychiatrist, played by Hong Chau, who joins them on the run.
Despite the star-studded cast and the versatile director, the movie falls short in terms of writing and execution. The characters make questionable choices, and the plot seems to rely heavily on accumulated goodwill rather than a solid storyline. The movie tries to be a big-screen blockbuster but ends up feeling underwritten and dismissively executed.
The dynamic between Damon and Affleck’s characters, Rory and Cobby, is meant to provide a sense of good-natured antagonism, but the script fails to fully capitalize on their potential. Supporting characters, played by talented actors like Ron Perlman, Alfred Molina, and Michael Stuhlbarg, also lack depth and development.
Despite its flaws, “The Instigators” has moments of undeniable fun, thanks to the charismatic performances of the cast. However, these moments are not enough to elevate the movie above its shortcomings. Viewers may find themselves feeling like the characters on screen are having more fun than they are.
Overall, “The Instigators” is a serviceable but frustratingly underwritten movie that falls short of its potential. While it offers entertainment value, especially for fans of the cast, it lacks the depth and coherence needed to truly captivate audiences.
