Ben Affleck’s ‘The Town’: A Hidden Gem Worth Revisiting

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – As anticipation builds for the release of ‘The Accountant 2‘ on April 25, 2025, film enthusiasts are revisiting Ben Affleck’s 2010 directing debut, ‘The Town.’ The crime thriller features Affleck as Doug MacRay, a bank robber grappling with his lifestyle as he seeks a way out of crime.

‘The Town’ showcases Affleck not only as the star but also in the critical role of director, after earning acclaim for his previous works including ‘Gone Baby Gone‘ and ‘Argo.’ This dual responsibility marked a significant moment in Affleck’s career, revealing his talent behind the camera as well as in front of it.

The film also features standout performances from Jeremy Renner, Jon Hamm, Rebecca Hall, and Blake Lively. This ensemble cast helps bring to life the intense storyline, where Doug’s conflicted conscience and turbulent relationships drive the plot.

‘The Town’ explores themes of loyalty and redemption, juxtaposed with the harsh realities of a life of crime. As Coughlin, played by Renner, begins to spiral out of control, Doug is forced to reevaluate his life choices, creating a compelling narrative arc.

Upon its release, ‘The Town’ garnered critical acclaim, boasting a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 9 out of 10 from Screen Rant. Despite its accolades, the film is often overshadowed by Affleck’s later success with ‘Argo,’ which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2013. Many critics argue that ‘The Town’ deserves more recognition given its quality and influence.

While ‘The Town’ did not earn the same level of prestige, it serves as an essential precursor to ‘Argo,’ illustrating Affleck’s evolution as a filmmaker. ‘Both films reflect different aspects of my career, but I view ‘The Town’ as a turning point,’ Affleck remarked in a previous interview.

As ‘The Accountant 2’ approaches, revisiting ‘The Town’ offers viewers a deeper understanding of Affleck’s artistic journey. It solidifies his place in both acting and directing, proving that this crime thriller is more than just an underrated piece of cinema—it’s a pivotal moment in his developing career.

With its gripping storyline and profound character studies, ‘The Town’ stands as a testament to Affleck’s abilities, both in front of and behind the camera, making it a must-watch for fans of his work.