Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Language, violence, drinking in slick heist film.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Instigators
What's the Story?
Rory (Matt Damon) is depressed because a pile of divorce-related debt is keeping him from seeing his son in THE INSTIGATORS. His psychiatrist, Dr. Rivera (Hong Chau), is worried about him potentially hurting himself. She asks if he's tried everything, and he answers no. Skip to the next scene, and Rory is getting involved in a madcap heist involving Boston's corrupt mayor (Ron Perlman) and led by a smarter-than-he-looks petty criminal, Cobby (Casey Affleck). Rory wants an exact amount out of the heist to pay off his debts. He's about to get a lot more than he bargained for.
Is It Any Good?
The droll humor of this Boston-set heist film doesn't provide laugh-out-loud moments, but it does keep the dialogue-heavy twists of fate entertaining. Locals are likely to especially enjoy the many inside jokes and references of Affleck's script for The Instigators, co-written with Quincy-raised Chuck MacLean (City on a Hill). In fact, commenting on (and showing, behind car chases) Beantown's idiosyncrasies feels like more of the point than the actual action. Affleck and Damon have a natural chemistry, but the real standout here is Hong Chau in the role of Damon's no-nonsense psychiatrist. A closing scene involving her character provides a perfect ending.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Rory and Cobby learn from their experiences in The Instigators. How does each character evolve from the beginning of the film to the end?
How does Boston play a role in this film? Where can you go to find out more information about some of the local references and locations seen in the movie?
Why do you think Dr. Rivera helps Rory and Cobby?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 9, 2024
- Cast : Matt Damon , Casey Affleck , Hong Chau
- Director : Doug Liman
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Apple TV / Apple Original Films
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : pervasive language and some violence
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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