A political campaign, a desperate family and a kidnapping with consequences far beyond the ransom. That is the premise of Animals, a Netflix thriller that puts power, reputation and personal relationships under pressure.

What Is Animals About?

Ben Affleck plays Mark Kimball, a candidate running for mayor of Los Angeles. His seemingly controlled life collapses when his son is kidnapped.

Mark and his wife, Abigail, played by Kerry Washington, must find the money demanded by the kidnappers while navigating a crisis that threatens their marriage, political ambitions and public image.

As the investigation develops, the situation becomes more complicated than the couple initially expects. Their decisions expose uncomfortable truths about their relationships and the people around them.

The film combines a kidnapping mystery with political drama, asking how far people will go to protect their families and preserve their reputations.

Meet the Cast

  • Ben Affleck as Mark Kimball: A mayoral candidate forced to make desperate decisions when his family is threatened.

  • Kerry Washington as Abigail Kimball: Mark’s wife, who must confront the crisis alongside him.

  • Gillian Anderson: Plays a mysterious fixer connected to the unfolding emergency.

  • Steven Yeun: Appears in a supporting role as the story expands beyond the family.

  • Adriana Paz and Luis Gerardo Méndez: Round out the ensemble.

Affleck also directs the film and shares screenplay credit with Connor O. McIntyre and Billy Ray.

Is Animals Worth Watching?

The film has an intriguing premise, a recognisable cast and enough moral complications to encourage discussion. Its strongest appeal is the way the kidnapping puts pressure on a family while political calculations continue in the background.

However, the critical response has been mixed. Rotten Tomatoes reported a 31% critics’ score in its listing, with reviewers raising concerns about the writing and execution. Viewers who prioritise suspense and family drama may still find aspects of the story engaging. Ratings can change as more reviews arrive.

Where Can You Watch It?

Animals was released on Netflix on October 9, 2026. Check the platform’s Nigerian catalogue for current availability.

Final verdict: Consider Animals if you enjoy kidnapping mysteries, political thrillers and stories about how people behave under pressure. Go in for the suspense, but keep your expectations measured.

Instacool Discussion

If your child were kidnapped and the situation threatened to destroy your marriage and career, how far would you go to protect your family?

Share your thoughts in the comments.