I sat down on the couch with my wife to check out something new on Netflix. We decided to put on Animals, even though we weren’t entirely sure if it would hold our attention for the full runtime. To be honest, we didn’t expect it to be good enough that we would actually watch it until the very end… but it really was. By the time the credits rolled, I liked it and I felt good about putting the time in to watch it. It is one of those movies that catches you off guard when you are just looking for a solid night of entertainment at home. Since I live here in LA, I see a lot of things, but sometimes the best experiences are just the ones you find on your own streaming queue without much hype. It was a good way to spend an evening. (Don’t worry, this review is completely spoiler-free.)
The Premise: The Cost of a Campaign
The story follows a man named Mark Kimball, played by Ben Affleck. Mark is a candidate running for mayor in Los Angeles, so the stakes are already high for his public image and his career. However, things take a terrifying turn when his son is kidnapped. This crisis forces Mark and his wife, Abigail Kimball, played by Kerry Washington, into a desperate and frantic scramble. They aren’t just looking for a way to find the money… they are forced to unearth dark secrets as they try to pay the ransom and get their child back safely. It is a crime thriller and drama directed by Ben Affleck himself. The setup is simple enough to follow, but the way the secrets start coming out makes the situation feel much more personal than your average kidnapping story. The tension comes from watching a family that is supposed to be in the public eye fall apart behind closed doors while trying to save their son.
Why the Emotional Core Works
The performances really carry the weight of the story and kept me engaged. Of course, Ben Affleck is great as Mark Kimball. He has a way of playing these stressed out, high-stakes characters that feels very grounded and believable. But surprisingly, Gillian Anderson as Dayle Burton was a major highlight for me. She brought something to the screen that I wasn’t expecting, and I really enjoyed her presence in the film. Steven Yeun also appears as Sam Allison, adding more talent to a very strong cast. My favorite parts of the movie had to be the plot twist involving the kidnapping itself and the tense scene where they finally encounter the kidnappers for the exchange. Those moments really made the movie stand out for me. Watching the Kimball family deal with the pressure of the ransom while trying to keep their secrets buried was the most engaging part of the film for me and my wife. It makes you wonder how well you actually know the people around you.
Realism and Tension
When it comes to the technical side of the film, I liked what I saw. The music and the visuals were good enough for this kind of thriller. It did not need to be flashy or over-the-top to work. The visuals captured the feeling of Los Angeles well, which is something I always appreciate as someone who lives here. The music helped build the mood during the more intense scenes without being distracting or overwhelming the dialogue. Since this is a Netflix release, the production value felt right for the platform. It looked professional and the direction by Ben Affleck kept things moving at a pace that kept us watching until the very end. It is a well-made drama that relies more on the tension of the situation and the acting than it does on big action set pieces or expensive special effects.
Who Is This Movie For?
I would say that those with kids will definitely get something out of this. Whether you are into the world of politics or not, there is a lot to learn from the way the parents react to this crisis. It is a movie that makes you think about what you would do in that situation and what secrets you might be hiding. However, you should keep in mind that it is rated R for a reason. It is a crime thriller with some heavy themes, so it might not be for everyone if you are looking for something light or family-friendly. If you want a solid drama with some good twists to watch on a weeknight, this is a good pick. It is the kind of movie that is perfect for a quiet night in when you want something that will actually keep your attention.
Quick Facts
- Release Date: October 9, 2026
- Runtime: 1h 48m
- Rating: R
- Director: Ben Affleck
- Cast: Ben Affleck as Mark Kimball, Kerry Washington as Abigail Kimball, Gillian Anderson as Dayle Burton, Steven Yeun as Sam Allison
- Where to Watch: Netflix
The Verdict
Overall, I am giving this one a solid 6.5 out of 10. It was a good experience and I am glad we watched it. It might not be a perfect masterpiece, but it is a very capable thriller that kept my wife and me engaged the whole time. We went in with low expectations and came away feeling like it was time well spent. If you are looking for something to watch on Netflix this weekend, I think this is a safe bet for fans of crime dramas. Have you had a chance to see Animals yet? I would love to hear what you thought about the twists and the performances. Drop a comment below and let me know. Also, make sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube (@erfesh) for more of my movie picks and reviews.
