Ben Affleck is back in the director’s chair with Animals. The trailer has sparked excitement among fans, with some already calling it one of Affleck’s most promising films in years. He also stars as a father whose son is kidnapped, giving him a major role both in front of and behind the camera.
That combination has fans looking back at Affleck’s directing record. @dan_p_ofem wrote, “Netflix cooked with this one. Ben Affleck never misses as a director.” @marccuspop commented, “Ben Affleck directing and starring? This one already has my attention.” @chopstix0552637 said, “Woahh I’ve never seen Ben Affleck in a role like this. I’m pumped.”
@SajinShrijith posted, “Interesting trailer has no dialogue, just a recurring alarm sound. Ben Affleck back with another thriller. Yay!” @ronelle_fin also praised his pairing with Kerry Washington and said, “Adding this one to the watchlist, Affleck and Washington together is a genuinely strong pairing on paper, curious how the premise actually plays out”
Film Insider Jeff Sneider also reacted and wrote, “My boy is back! Ben Affleck’s kidnapping thriller ANIMALS to hit select theaters and Netflix on Oct. 9.”
What to know about Ben Affleck’s Animals and its crime-thriller story
Animals follows Los Angeles mayoral candidate Mark Kimball, played by Affleck. His young son is kidnapped, forcing him and his wife to scramble to raise the ransom money. The first teaser trailer gives little away. It opens with Affleck’s character receiving an ominous phone call that appears to be connected to the kidnapping. From there, quick shots show the family’s situation escalating.
There is almost no dialogue in the teaser. Instead, it uses brief images to build tension around the family and their growing crisis. Mark also appears to run into trouble with law enforcement before taking matters into his own hands.
Kerry Washington plays Abigail, while Gillian Anderson, Steven Yeun, Adriana Paz and Ray Fisher are also part of the cast. Christopher Woodley plays the couple’s son.
Besides directing, Affleck also co-wrote the screenplay with Connor O. McIntyre and Billy Ray. It will be his first directing project since 2023’s Air.
Animals will hit select theaters and arrive on Netflix on October 9, 2026.
Originally reported by Surya Singh on ComingSoon.net.
