Critics Panned Affleck’s 'Animals' as a Lazy, Rewritten Netflix Thriller

Key points

• The film, which premiered on Netflix on October 9, 2026, stars Affleck as Mark Kimball, a Los Angeles mayoral candidate whose son is kidnapped.
• Critics describe the movie as 'listless' and 'lazy,' noting that it lacks tension and fails to develop its characters or themes effectively.
• The screenplay, credited to Affleck, Billy Ray, and Connor O. McIntyre, has been criticized for being over-rewritten and lacking focus.
• Affleck defended the film in interviews, emphasizing the emotional depth of the marital conflict and the importance of vulnerability in relationships.
• The film was originally intended for Matt Damon, who dropped out to star in 'The Odyssey,' leading Affleck to step in.

Background

This release follows Affleck’s recent focus on maintaining a Los Angeles-based career to support his shared custody arrangement with ex-wife Jennifer Garner, as detailed in earlier coverage. The film was part of Netflix’s October 2026 slate, which also included a John Steinbeck adaptation and a Matthew Perry documentary.

How outlets are covering it

Roger Ebert’s outlet, likely referencing a review by a critic with his byline or style, argues that 'Animals' is Affleck’s worst directorial effort, citing a lack of theme, focus, and tension. The review notes that the film’s plot closely mirrors Akira Kurosawa’s 'High & Low' and Spike Lee’s 'Highest 2 Lowest' without adding new insights. USA Today highlights Affleck’s personal connection to the film’s themes of marriage and divorce, noting that he drew on his life experience to portray the emotional weight of the character’s crisis. The Guardian’s review calls the film 'dull' and 'lacking in bark and bite,' criticizing the screenplay for its circular arguments and the cinematography for being visually uninteresting despite the involvement of Robert Elswit. While Affleck emphasizes the film’s exploration of marital vulnerability, critics argue that the script fails to deliver on its potential, resulting in a product that feels focus-grouped and drained of personality.

Why it matters

The poor reception of 'Animals' highlights the challenges Affleck faces in transitioning from acclaimed director to a filmmaker whose recent work is perceived as lacking artistic ambition. It also underscores the ongoing debate about the quality of Netflix’s original content, with critics accusing the platform of producing films designed for passive viewing rather than critical engagement.

What to watch

The film is currently available for streaming on Netflix, and its performance in viewership and audience reception will likely influence Affleck’s future directing projects. Critics and audiences may continue to debate the film’s merits, particularly its handling of political and marital themes.