THE INSTIGATORS, a 2024 heist comedy directed by Doug Liman and starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, is a thrilling ride through the world of bad thieves. The Instigators follows Rory, a depressive former Marine played by Matt Damon, who turns to crime to pay off child support and debts from his failed marriage. For the first time, Rory ventures into a life of crime with Cobby, fresh out of prison. He teams up with Cobby (Casey Affleck), an alcoholic ex-con seeking a change of luck.
Rory and Cobby joined by a mismatched gang of robbers, plan an election-night heist targeting the corrupt Mayor Miccelli (Ron Perlman), who has hoarded illicit cash throughout his tenure. The heist is masterminded by low-life wannabe crime boss Mr. Besegai (Michael Stuhlbarg) and his associate Richie DeChico (Alfred Molina), who uses a bakery as a cover. This duo adds an intriguing layer to the story, with the bakery serving as a front for their illicit activities. The bakery owner is a critical part of the criminal underworld that Rory and Cobby find themselves entangled with.
As the heist goes awry, a citywide chase ensues, with cops, mobsters, and henchmen pursuing the gang. Cobby is shot, forcing Rory to seek help from his VA psychiatrist, Dr. Donna Rivera, played by Hong Chau. Donna impulsively joins the fray, posing as a hostage. She is reluctantly dragged into their chaotic situation as she treats Cobby’s wound. Despite the wild and implausible plot turns, the characters’ journey keeps the audience engaged. The movie’s settings are just as important to its story as its interesting plot and famous actors. Want to know where the movie was filmed? Let’s take a look at the main places where this funny caper was filmed.
Where was the movie “The Instigators” shot?
The Instigators Moive began filming in March 2023. The production primarily took place in and around Boston, Massachusetts, extending to several notable locations including Valley Stream, New York. The movie feels more real because it was shot in real places, and it’s also a tribute to the places that shaped the actors. These places, like the well-known streets of Boston and the nearby restaurants like Bova’s Bakery, help make the world of the movie more real.
Boston, Massachusetts:
Since Boston is a central location in the movie, its rich cultural and historical background makes it feel like a real place to be. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck both grew up in Boston and have strong ties to the city and its environs. It’s more than just a job for them to be in The Instigators; it’s a return to their roots. Damon, who grew up with Casey and Ben Affleck, talked about how great it is to work with old friends. The movie takes place in Massachusetts to honor their shared history and experiences.
Bova’s Bakery, Boston
One interesting place is Bova’s Bakery, a well-known and loved business in Boston’s North End. People know this bakery for its Italian pastries and cannolis since it opened in 1926. For the movie shoot, the bakery had to close for a short time, which is not normal for a business that’s open 24 hours a day. Even though the bakery was closed for a while, the production team paid for it and made sure the staff was paid.
Ralph Bova, one of the owners of Bova’s Bakery in Boston, shared his thoughts about the filming of The Instigators at his bakery. He expressed a mix of excitement and concern about temporarily closing the bakery.
Bova mentioned, “I was a little nervous because I didn’t want to deprive my customers because we’ve never shut down before. But it sounds like a great movie and hopefully my customers will understand.” He acknowledged the unusual nature of the closure, especially given the bakery’s busy schedule. He also highlighted that the production team was covering the bakery’s expenses and paying the staff during the shutdown.
Fenway Park, Boston
Valley Stream, New York
Scenes from the movie were also shot in Valley Stream, which is not in Massachusetts. Larry’s Pub on 156 Rockaway Avenue is one of the places used in the movie. It adds a touch of New York to the movie’s many different settings.
Surrounding Areas of Boston
Filming took place in areas outside of Boston, like Quincy and Cambridge. These locations not only show how the movie is connected to the area, but they also give the story a real feel that fits with the area.
For more updates and behind-the-scenes insights about The Instigators, be sure to check back with tvacute.com.