Ben Affleck's 'Animals' Kidnapping Thriller Debuts on Netflix Amid Mixed Reviews

Ben Affleck's latest directorial effort, "Animals," a kidnapping thriller set against the backdrop of a Los Angeles mayoral campaign, has premiered on Netflix. The film, which also stars Kerry Washington, Steven Yeun, and Gillian Anderson, has garnered a range of critical responses.

Reviews highlight the movie's slick pacing and star-studded cast, with some critics praising its "juicy elements." However, others found the thriller to be "stretched too thin" and ultimately less satisfying than its premise suggests. Affleck, who also co-wrote and directed the film, reportedly engaged in a unique promotional campaign, campaigning for mayor in Los Angeles as his character, Mark Kimball, with the explicit message, "Do not vote for me!"