Joe Carnahan, director of the action thriller The Rip, shared his surprising choice for his favorite Christopher Nolan film during a recent interview. The discussion highlighted Carnahan’s admiration for Nolan’s work, particularly mentioning films that influenced him deeply. The Rip, produced by Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Luciana Damon, and Dani Bernfeld, was released on Netflix on January 16, 2026, and draws inspiration from a real-life FBI case in Miami.
Joe Carnahan Shares His Top Christopher Nolan Films
In a conversation with Collider, Joe Carnahan revealed that his favorite Nolan movies are Memento and Batman Begins. Carnahan praised Memento as a standout and expressed a strong connection to the original Batman reboot, noting its lasting impact two decades later. He explained,
“Memento. And then I love…listen, I don’t think there’s anything that the new Batman did that Batman Begins didn’t do much cooler, you know, 20 years ago. I love what Chris did with that trilogy is gobsmackingly good.”
Carnahan also conveyed his deep admiration for Nolan’s recent work, especially Oppenheimer, which he watched multiple times, growing increasingly impressed with each viewing. He shared,
“And I got to say brother, you know what? I see this is the things I’m a Nolan fan. So it’s like when I first watched Oppenheimer, I liked it. I watched it again, I thought it was great. I watched it a third time, I thought it was fabulous you know. And I use Ludwig’s score on a loop I wrote this I wrote The Rip to. I listen to that non-stop. So its tough dude, because he is such a stud.”
These remarks highlight how Nolan’s storytelling and musical collaboration with Ludwig Göransson have left a significant mark on Carnahan’s creative process.
The Legacy of Nolan’s Early Work and Hollywood Breakthrough
Memento was Nolan’s first major Hollywood project, coming after an independent low-budget film he made with friends. This psychological thriller achieved critical and commercial success, effectively launching Nolan’s career. Following this, Warner Bros. enlisted him to reboot the Batman franchise, resulting in the acclaimed trilogy that continues to influence filmmakers and fans.
Joe Carnahan’s Appreciation for Other Filmmakers
When asked about his favorite Steven Spielberg film, Carnahan named Raiders of the Lost Ark, showing his respect for another iconic director. This reveals Carnahan’s broad appreciation for cinematic influences ranging from Nolan’s complex narratives to Spielberg’s classic adventure storytelling.
About The Rip: Plot and Cast Details
The Rip reunites Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, who also serve as producers under their Artists Equity production company. The film’s story is inspired by the true account of an FBI agent named Chris Casiano, who worked with Miami’s Tactical Narcotics Team and uncovered a hidden stash of millions in cash. This discovery sparks tension among law enforcement and outsiders, who struggle to determine whom to trust.
The cast includes:
- Matt Damon as Lieutenant Dane Dumars
- Ben Affleck as Detective Sergeant JD Byrne
- Alex Hernandez as Officer Warwick
- Steven Yeun as Detective Mike Ro
- Teyana Taylor as Detective Numa Baptiste
- Cliff Chamberlain as Officer Junger
- Sasha Calle as Desiree Lopez
- Daisuke Tsuji as FBI Agent Logan Casiano
- Catalina Sandino Moreno as Detective Lolo Salazar
- Scott Adkins as FBI Agent Del Byrne
- Kyle Chandler as DEA Agent Mateo Nix
- Néstor Carbonell as Major Thom Vallejo
- Lina Esco as Captain Jackie Velez
- Jose Pablo Cantillo as DEA Agent Dayo Reyes
The Importance of The Rip and What’s Next
Released on Netflix in early 2026, The Rip offers a gripping portrayal of trust and betrayal within law enforcement circles, grounded in a real-life FBI incident. This film marks a notable moment for Carnahan, allowing him to combine his passion for intense storytelling with his admiration for music and film legends. Given Carnahan’s continued enthusiastic support of Nolan’s work, especially with iconic films like Memento and Batman Begins, audiences can expect his future projects to be equally driven by strong cinematic influences. The Rip also reignites the notable collaboration between Damon and Affleck, adding to its significance in contemporary thriller cinema.
