Ben Affleck's Nasty, Compulsive Kidnapping Thriller
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Ben Affleck’s film "Animals," released directly on Netflix, is a fast-paced political thriller blending satire with melodrama, showcasing his strengths as a professional, audience-focused filmmaker rather than a prestige auteur.
- The story follows Mark Kimball, a wealthy Los Angeles attorney running for mayor, whose campaign and family life unravel when his son is kidnapped, exposing moral and political complexities.
- While the film delivers gripping twists and incisive political commentary, it also veers into lurid and contrived territory, balancing serious themes with sensational plot elements that undercut some of its gravitas.
- Affleck’s performance as Mark is compelling, capturing a man under intense pressure, supported by a capable cast, though some roles, such as Steven Yeun’s campaign manager, feel underdeveloped.
- "Animals" ultimately serves as a sharp, entertaining diversion that critiques American politics and inequality without fully realizing its potential for deeper impact, opting instead for a slick, efficient narrative.
