Ben Affleck’s 'Animals' gets roasted by critics as Rotten Tomatoes reviews bash Netflix thriller

The story explores political ambition, privilege, immigration and the moral choices facing a wealthy family caught in a kidnapping crisis. However, early reviews have been largely critical. The Associated Press described the film as lacking narrative energy and emotional depth, arguing that its potentially compelling themes are undermined by forced melodrama and flat visuals.

The review awarded the film two out of four stars. Vulture was similarly harsh, calling. Animalsa “catastrophe” and criticising its writing, disjointed storytelling and underdeveloped characters.

The review also argued that the film fails to deliver the moral complexity and tension expected from a kidnapping thriller. Roger. Ebert.com also delivered a negative assessment, describing the film as Affleck’s worst directorial effort and criticising its handling of political hypocrisy and immigration.

The review argued that the story raises important issues without exploring them in a sufficiently compelling way. Not every critic has dismissed the film. The.

Financial Timespraised. Animalsas a tightly constructed thriller, awarding it four stars and highlighting the supporting performances, particularly Gillian Anderson’s portrayal of a mysterious crisis fixer. Animalsis directed by Affleck and written by Affleck, Billy Ray and Connor O.

Mc. Intyre. The film is a contemporary reworking of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime drama.

High and Low, relocating the story to Los Angeles and placing its kidnapping plot against the backdrop of a mayoral campaign. The film is available on Netflix from October 9, 2026, giving viewers the chance to judge the thriller for themselves amid the divided critical response.