Netflix's New Ben Affleck Thriller 'Animals' Is a Competent Watch but Misses the 'Gone Girl' Magic

A New Thriller from Ben Affleck

Netflix has released a new crime thriller, "Animals," starring and directed by Ben Affleck. While the film has garnered attention for being one of the more watchable entries in the platform’s 2026 original movie slate, it struggles to reach the heights of Affleck’s iconic genre-defining work in "Gone Girl."

Plot Overview: A Desperate Gamble

The movie centers on Mark Kimball (Ben Affleck), an L.A. mayoral candidate struggling to balance his political ambitions with his home life. Pushed by his campaign manager, Sam (Steven Yeun), into a precarious financial situation to fund his bid, Mark finds his world collapsing when his son is kidnapped. The stakes rise as the criminals demand an exorbitant ransom, forcing Mark and his wife, Abigail (Kerry Washington), to confront dark secrets within their own lives while working with a mysterious fixer played by Gillian Anderson.

Critical Assessment: What Works and What Doesn't

While the first half of "Animals" is built on a solid foundation of suspense and strong performances—particularly from Washington and Anderson—the film ultimately falters in its execution. The narrative, which starts with a compelling, if standard, premise, begins to unravel as it moves toward its finale.

Unfortunately, the film suffers from a "whiplash-inducing" final act that loses the character-driven tension of the opening scenes. The climax, which moves the action to the city streets, relies on questionable character choices and some of the poorest CGI seen in 2026, leading to a conclusion that feels rushed and occasionally silly.

Final Verdict

"Animals" is a perfectly serviceable way to spend a Saturday night, provided you don't expect it to linger in your memory long after the credits roll. It is a work of workmanlike direction, anchored by a talented cast that manages to elevate some clunky dialogue, but it lacks the narrative bite necessary to become a modern thriller classic.