Netflix’s New Ben Affleck Movie ‘Animals’ Is Solid, But It’s No ‘Gone Girl’

Introduction to Ben Affleck's New Netflix Thriller

Ben Affleck returns to the thriller genre both in front of and behind the camera with Netflix's latest original movie, “Animals.” Ranking among the streamer's more watchable releases of 2026, the film tells the tense story of a Los Angeles mayoral candidate facing an unimaginable crisis. However, while it delivers solid genre fundamentals and benefits from standout performances, it ultimately struggles to escape the shadow of Affleck's past masterpieces like “Gone Girl.”

What is ‘Animals’ About?

The plot centers around Mark Kimball (Ben Affleck), a high-stakes L.A. mayoral candidate risking his entire life savings and rapidly crumbling marriage to secure a win. Acting on the advice of his campaign manager, Sam (Steven Yeun), Mark even puts his family home up as collateral to fund expensive local TV airtime.

This financial gamble takes a devastating turn when his young son is kidnapped and held for a multi-million dollar ransom. With no access to that kind of money, Mark and his wife, Abigail (Kerry Washington), find themselves trapped in a terrifying corner. Enter a cold, calculating criminal fixer played by Gillian Anderson, who introduces a dangerous dynamic as the couple races against time to save their child.

A Compelling Narrative Undermined by a Silly Finale

The first half of “Animals” works exceptionally well as an intimate, high-stakes psychological drama. Confined largely to the Kimball family home, the film thrives on tense dialogue and magnetic performances. Kerry Washington brings emotional weight to her role as a mother hiding her own secrets, while Gillian Anderson commands every scene she is in.

Unfortunately, the film stumbles in its final act. Shifting the action from the claustrophobic tension of the living room out onto the city streets, the narrative begins to rely on convenient plot logic rather than consistent character intelligence. A rushed climax featuring subpar CGI ultimately drags down what could have been a truly elite thriller.

Final Verdict

“Animals” is a perfectly serviceable weekend watch that delivers enough suspense and dramatic turns to keep you hooked for two hours. While its workmanlike direction and undercooked supporting subplots prevent it from reaching greatness, it remains a worthwhile streaming option for thriller fans.