Ben Affleck’s latest Netflix thriller, *Animals*, which he co-wrote, directed, and starred in, has been met with strong disappointment according to Forbes critic Erik Kain. Known for critically acclaimed films like *Gone Baby Gone*, *The Town*, and *Argo*, Affleck’s new movie fails to capture the same magic, feeling like a product of a completely different filmmaker. The story is chaotic and unfocused, with the audience given too little time to connect with or care about any of the characters, including Affleck’s Mark Kimball, a struggling Los Angeles mayoral candidate. The plot revolves around a kidnapping that sets off a $7 million ransom demand, but this tense premise is undermined by poor character development and melodramatic scenes.

The film also stars Kerry Washington as Kimball’s wife, Abigail, whose unfaithfulness further complicates the narrative, though her character is described as dull and unrealized. Steven Yeun’s role as Kimball’s campaign manager and Gillian Anderson’s as a fixer called in during the crisis also fail to leave an impression, with their talents largely wasted. Affleck reportedly considered casting Jennifer Garner, his real-life ex-wife, for the role of Abigail, and nearly cast Matt Damon as Kimball, but the final casting did little to elevate the material. The relationship drama and political backdrop never find a stable balance, resulting in a tense but emotionally hollow experience with constant arguing and lack of genuine suspense.

The screenplay, which Affleck co-wrote with Billy Ray and Connor O. McIntyre, feels hastily produced and uneven, with most of the action confined to the Kimballs’ home creating a claustrophobic setting that adds little excitement. The film’s climax opts for a safe and predictable resolution, attempting a twist that falls short of tying key narrative elements together. *Animals* is noted as an unofficial remake of Akira Kurosawa’s classic *High and Low*, with a similar kidnapping plot that another recent remake, Spike Lee’s *Highest 2 Lowest* starring Denzel Washington, tackled more successfully. The movie’s ending leans into political cynicism but fails to offer fresh insights or compelling character arcs.

Ultimately, *Animals* is a major misstep for Ben Affleck, earning a score of 3 out of 10 from the reviewer, mostly for a single impressive long take by cinematographer Robert Elswit. For viewers seeking a better kidnapping thriller or political drama, films like *Gone Baby Gone*, *Ransom* (starring Mel Gibson), or Kurosawa’s *High and Low* are recommended instead. Despite the high expectations surrounding this Netflix release, *Animals* is described as a cinematic failure that does not live up to Affleck’s previous directorial work, and for most, it’s best to skip it.