Director Joe Carnahan reveals that “The Rip” draws inspiration from actual events relayed by his friend Chris Casiano, who experienced a raid similar to the film’s depiction. Tragically, the real-life parallels extend further. Chris Casiano’s son, who succumbed to leukemia at the age of 11, is honored in the film with a heartfelt dedication reading: “In Loving Memory of Jake William Casiano.”

In a conversation with Gold Derby, Carnahan shared that watching “The Rip” with Chris Casiano was a deeply emotional experience, marked by tears. He explained the importance of featuring Jake’s tribute prominently: “It was crucial that [Jake] be the first name you see, to show there was genuine emotion at the core.”

Jake William Casiano’s influence extends beyond the closing tribute; his story shapes the character of Lieutenant Dane Dumars, played by Matt Damon. Haunted by his son’s death, Dane’s grief strains his relationship with his partner JD Byrne, portrayed by Ben Affleck. JD’s suspicion that Dane might seize part of the $20 million stems from the belief that the loss of his son and his marriage could push him to escape his current life.

Jake William Casiano doesn’t merely get an on-screen tribute at the end of “The Rip.” His death informs the entirety of Matt Damon’s character, Lieutenant Dane Dumars. Dane is struggling with his son’s death, a big reason why his partner, JD Byrne (Ben Affleck), doesn’t trust him. JD believes that after the death of his son and the dissolution of his marriage, Dane might be more likely to steal part of the $20 million and get away from it all. 

Joe Carnahan also told Gold Derby that he was cautious about incorporating a friend’s real-life tragedy into his crime thriller. Although “The Rip” is just one of many movies inspired by dark true stories, Carnahan explained, “It’s tricky, because you gotta go to your friend and say, ‘I don’t want this to feel exploitive or cheap, and I don’t want to take advantage of the memory of your boy … Can we create a vessel with which to put this grief and sadness into, and maybe turn it into something where it’s this living monument to Jake for his short time here on Earth?’” Chris Casiano was okay with the inclusion and served as a technical advisor on “The Rip.” 

“The Rip” may never stack up among the best thrillers of all time, but knowing the backstory of Jake William Casiano helps elevate the film’s emotional core. The idea that people can suffer so much and still stick up for their morals is a very worthwhile theme for any movie.