Released in select theaters on August 2, 2024, The Instigators made its way to streaming on Apple TV+ on August 9. Directed by Doug Liman and penned by Casey Affleck and Chuck Maclean, the heist comedy draws in viewers with a stellar cast. Matt Damon and Casey Affleck lead as Rory and Cobby, with support from stars like Hong Chau, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Jack Harlow.
The movie is a heist comedy about Rory (Matt Damon) and Cobby (Casey Affleck) who plan to rob Mayor Miccelli during his re-election. Their simple plan spirals out of control due to an empty vault and unexpected complications at the party venue. Joined by the impulsive Scalvo (Jack Harlow), their botched heist leads to a tense and humorous escape from law enforcement and internal betrayal.
The film features comedy and action which explores themes of redemption and friendship amidst chaotic misadventures.
The Instigators includes a mid-credit scene that adds a quirky yet dark twist to the plot. After the main events conclude, the film cuts to a scene showing Mr. Besegai and his associate Richie. Previously part of the heist plan, they are unexpectedly found frozen to death in Montreal, which is a grim fate that Rory had previously hinted at as a dangerous possibility if they attempted the journey unprepared.
Why does the mid-credit scene in The Instigators matter so much?
The mid-credit scene in The Instigators serves purposes that are beyond delivering a stark shock to the audience. Firstly, it ties up loose ends concerning secondary characters, providing a clear, albeit bleak, resolution to their plot. By showing the demise of Besegai and Richie, the film points out the harsh realities of their criminal lifestyles contrasting sharply with the somewhat comedic tone of the main plot.
The scene also reinforces the film’s hidden messages about planning and consequences. Throughout the movie, Rory and Cobby’s lack of preparation for their heist leads to numerous mishaps. The mid-credits sequence echoes the theme, showing that even for seasoned criminals, poor planning can have fatal outcomes. It is also a grim reminder that in the world of crime, risks are real and often life-threatening.
Moreover, the inclusion of the scene in the mid-credits suggests a plot self-awareness by the filmmakers. It plays into the popular trend of using mid or post-credit scenes to add depth or unexpected twists, keeping the audience engaged even after the main action concludes.
For The Instigators it’s a way to leave the audience thinking about the film’s events and their ramifications, which makes sure that the movie lingers in their minds longer.
Lastly, the scene serves a practical purpose in cinema storytelling because it sets a tone for potential future plots. By not allowing every character a happy or comedic ending the filmmakers maintain a balance between the heist’s humorous misadventures and the serious stakes involved.
What is the probability of having a sequel?
While The Instigators wraps up its main plot neatly, the inclusion of the mid-credit scene does open discussions about a potential sequel. Although the scene concludes the arcs of Besegai and Richie definitively, it leaves the door open for Rory and Cobby’s future adventures.
Given their knack for getting into trouble, a sequel could explore how they handle new challenges, perhaps even dealing with repercussions from their past actions.
The film’s performance on Apple TV+ will likely be a major factor in any decision to greenlight a sequel. If it garners enough viewer interest and critical acclaim the streaming platform might see value in revisiting these characters.
Additionally, with the main cast’s dynamic chemistry and the rich plot landscape set up by the first film, there is ample material for further exploration in The Instigators 2. So, there the movie might be potentially renewed, but nothing has been officially confirmed as of this writing.
You can watch The Instigators on AppleTV+ with a subscription.