The Instigators is a funny buddy comedy about a heist gone wrong. It focuses on two inept looters Rory (Matt Damon) and Cobby (Casey Affleck) and their maiden grand larceny act.

The Instigator(s) title seemed apt. Both Rory and Cobby bring about a change in the local political scenario of Boston City, USA. And they do so in a random and ham-handed manner.

Instigator (of something) a person who causes something to happen, especially something bad. 

For example in this film, they were accused of being the main instigators of the coup (of course, they do it without much thought and planning).

‘The Instigators’ – Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, Hong Chau And Others Entertained Us With Their Wacky Comical Acts

Spoiler Free Review: The Instigators (2024/USA) Movie

The synopsis/summary

Rory (Matt Damon) and Cobby (Casey Affleck) find themselves as unwilling partners: a desperate father and a person who has been incarcerated. They are teamed up and tasked with the robbery of a corrupt politician’s illicit wealth. When their heist takes an unexpected turn, they are thrust into a maelstrom of disorder, pursued by both the police and ineffectual bureaucrats, as well as vengeful crime figures.

Out of their element, they persuade Rory’s therapist Dr Donna Rivera (Hong Chau) to assist in their chaotic flight through the city, necessitating that they put aside their conflicts and unite to escape capture—or face dire consequences. But, the big question is how Rory and Cobby escape the big hole they dug up for themselves.

A predictable tale interspersed with many funny acts & comical dialogues

This typical Hollywood commercial movie has a fairly formulaic tale.

As we discussed above, the narrative of the movie centres on two thieves, Rory (Matt Damon) and Cobby (Casey Affleck), who find themselves fleeing from the law. After a heist takes an unexpected turn, one of their therapists Dr Donna Rivera (Hong Chau) aids them and comes to their rescue.

Rory: 6:07. (he repeats this dialogue in funny deadpan style atleast afew times)

Rory: I can't talk about it.

****

Cobby: Fuckin' heroes everywhere. 
.
Cobby: Does everybody in this town have to be a fuckin' hero?

However, what sets this entertaining action comedy apart are its funny acts and loads of comical dialogue, some of which, we have shared above. Rather interestingly, this film brings together director Doug Liman and lead actor Matt Damon, reuniting them 22 years after their work on The Bourne Identity (2002) movie. Although we liked this director’s ‘The Instigators’ (2024) movie, we loved his ‘The Bourne Identity’ (2002) movie.

Boast of a top class acting talents

While watching this fun-filled action comedy drama, its ensemble cast of top-class acting talents pleasantly surprised us. So, its cast members include Matt Damon (Rory), Casey Affleck (Cobby), Hong Chau (Dr Donna Rivera), Michael Stuhlbarg (Mr Besegai), Alfred Molina (Richie Dechico), Ron Perlman (Mayor Miccelli), etc.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the film cast includes two Oscar winners: Casey Affleck and Matt Damon; and one Oscar nominee: Hong Chau. We last saw actor Matt Damon in the AIR (2023) Movie, which we reviewed in FM. In addition, we watched the actress Hong Chau in The Night Agent (S1/2023) Series, which we also reviewed in FM.

The two leading stars of the film – Matt Damon (Rory) and Casey Affleck (Cobby) might corner a big chunk of all the praise and plaudits. But, Hong Chau (Dr Donna Rivera) was not far behind. We liked the on-screen comic timings of most of the cast members.

The conclusion

To conclude, each one of the ensemble cast members contributed to making this delightful buddy comedy movie for this weekend’s watch. And it was a good movie to pass one’s time.

Rating: The Instigators (2024/USA) Movie

FM Rating

3.10/5

The Instigators (2024/USA) Movie – FM Rating.

Poster: The Instigators (2024/USA) Movie

Key Details: The Instigators (2024/USA) Movie

Genre	Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language	English (USA)
Duration	1 hour 41 minutes
Writers	Chuck MacLean & Casey Affleck
Director	Doug Liman
Cast	Matt Damon (Rory), Casey Affleck (Cobby), Hong Chau (Dr Donna Rivera), Michael Stuhlbarg (Mr Besegai), Alfred Molina (Richie Dechico), Ron Perlman (Mayor Miccelli), André De Shields (Mr Kelly), Toby Jones (Attorney Alan Flynn), Jack Harlow (Scalvo), etc.
Network	Apple TV+