Test reactions for Doug Liman’s “The Instigators” were very mixed, and it now looks like Apple has decided to dump it on its streaming platform in August. A trailer is now online.
The film stars Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, the latter co-wrote the script with Chuck MacLean. Affleck stars as Cobby, an ex-con who has to work with his father Rory (Damon) to rob a corrupt politician’s earnings. The heist goes terribly wrong, the two find themselves on the run, pursued by police and criminals. They convince Rory’s therapist (Hong Chau) to join in on their getaway through Boston.
The film’s supporting cast includes Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Walter Hauser, Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina, and Toby Jones, Jack Harlow and Ron Perlman.
“The Instigators” test screened four times before Apple finally decided to send it straight to streaming. The film is said to be a very familiar action-comedy that’s, somewhat, saved by the chemistry between Damon and Affleck.
Liman's track record is fairly good, kind of like James Mangold, a director who might not necessarily have a distinct voice, but who has continuously produced good movies in his 30+ year career. No small feat. His filmography includes “Swingers”, “Go”, “The Bourne Identity”, “Edge of Tomorrow” and “American Made.”
It does look as though Liman will have released two straight-to-streaming films this year. In March, Liman “tried everything” to convince Amazon Prime to release his “Road House” remake in theaters. They didn’t budge. It was the correct decision as the film became a mega success on the platform and a sequel was quickly greenlit soon after.
“The Instigators” is set for an August 9, 2024, streaming debut on Apple TV+