Ben Affleck's new Netflix thriller Animals premieres

Ben Affleck's sixth directorial effort, the political thriller “Animals”, premiered on Netflix on October 9, 2026. The film stars Affleck as Mark Kimball, an independent candidate for mayor of Los Angeles, whose life and campaign are upended when his son is kidnapped. Alongside Kerry Washington, who plays his wife Abigail, Affleck must navigate a high-stakes ransom demand while facing personal secrets and political pressures.

The production features a diverse cast, including Steven Yeun, Gillian Anderson, Adriana Paz, and Luis Gerardo Méndez. Affleck emphasized a collaborative process with the Mexican actors to ensure authentic representation of immigrant experiences in Los Angeles. The film's plot involves a complex twist regarding the identity of the kidnapped child, drawing thematic comparisons to Akira Kurosawa’s “High and Low”.

Critical reception has been polarized. While some praise the tension and Affleck's performance, several major outlets have issued harsh reviews, citing predictability and lack of depth. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a score in the 40% range. Additionally, Affleck noted that ICE raids during filming necessitated changing locations at least twice.