Actor-director Ben Affleck, who won an Academy Award for his work on Argo and previously directed Air, a film about the creation of the Air Jordan basketball shoe, has directed a new thriller titled Animals now streaming on Netflix. The film centers on a mayoral candidate in Los Angeles and his wife, who become involved in a kidnapping case. As they try to secure a ransom, the couple is forced to confront long-buried secrets. Affleck stars in the lead role, continuing a pattern from his earlier works such as The Town and Live by Night. The cast includes Kerry Washington, who plays his character's wife, Steven Yeun, and Gillian Anderson, who portrays a kidnapping specialist. According to one review, Animals is described as tense, well-paced, and intelligently filmed. It is said to reflect a more mature style compared to Affleck's first directorial effort, Gone Baby Gone, which was released 19 years ago. The film is noted for its homage to film noir and the golden age of American cinema, with a plot that keeps viewers engaged and on edge. However, another report suggests that while the film is effective, it may be seen as too cautious in its approach. Critics note that it avoids a complete reimagining of the genre's classic elements, potentially limiting its originality. Despite this, Animals is available on Netflix and offers a compelling take on the thriller genre with a strong cast and atmospheric storytelling.