Critics Pan Ben Affleck's 'Animals' as a Derivative, AI-Assisted Netflix Flop

Key points

• TheWrap critic William Bibbiani labeled 'Animals' a 'hacky, low-rent redo' of 'High and Low,' noting it has 'zero highs' and 'many lows.'
• The plot involves Mark Kimball (Affleck), a mayoral candidate, who must pay a $7 million ransom for his kidnapped son, leading to a moral dilemma involving an undocumented immigrant's child.
• Affleck confirmed the use of AI for post-production tasks, a move he previously defended as ethical, but critics suggest the film's lack of care reflects this technology.
• The film features a twist ending where the kidnapper is revealed to be a small business owner ruined by Kimball's lawsuits, and the protagonist manipulates the media to win the election.
• Affleck stated the film explores the 'excruciatingly painful' nature of divorce and the honesty required in failing marriages, though he denied directly copying his own life experiences.

Background

Prior to its October 9, 2026 release, 'Animals' was highlighted as a marquee original in Netflix's October slate. Affleck had previously addressed the use of AI in the film, following the $587 million acquisition of his AI company, InterPositive, by Netflix in March 2026. He framed the technology as an ethical tool for post-production, distinct from generative AI that replaces actors.

How outlets are covering it

TheWrap’s William Bibbiani was the harshest critic, describing the film as 'cinematic table scraps' and 'compostable,' arguing it is a lazy remake that fails to generate tension. In contrast, Decider provided a neutral plot summary, detailing the complex ending and the kidnapper's identity, without offering a critical judgment on the film's quality. USA Today focused on Affleck’s personal insights, highlighting his views on marriage and vulnerability, presenting the film as a vehicle for exploring emotional depth rather than a thriller. While TheWrap emphasized the film's derivative nature and lack of care, USA Today framed it as a rich exploration of relationship dynamics, and Decider focused on the narrative mechanics of the plot twist.

Why it matters

The poor reception of 'Animals' highlights growing skepticism regarding AI-assisted filmmaking and the quality of high-profile Netflix originals. It also underscores the tension between an actor's personal narrative and critical reception, as Affleck’s defense of the film’s emotional core clashes with critics' view of it as a hollow, derivative product.

What to watch

The film is now streaming exclusively on Netflix. Affleck may face further scrutiny regarding the use of AI in his productions, particularly given the negative critical consensus. The film's commercial performance will be a key indicator of audience appetite for AI-assisted content in major streaming platforms.