Netflix Releases Animals Thriller With Kidnapping Plot

Netflix released the thriller Animals on October 9, 2026, bringing viewers a story about a wealthy Los Angeles lawyer whose independent mayoral campaign is challenged after a kidnapping incident involving children. The film is directed by and stars Ben Affleck, according to Decider. Decider reported that Animals centers on Mark Kimball, a lawyer who has spent his personal savings on a campaign to become the next mayor of Los Angeles.

The character previously sued companies over drinking water pollution, creating conflict with some affected business owners. The film's cast includes Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, Adriana Paz, Luis Gerardo Méndez, and Steven Yeun, according to Decider. Affleck co-wrote the screenplay with Connor O.

McIntyre and Billy Ray.

In the plot described by Decider, Kimball receives a kidnapping call after his son Denny appears to have been taken during Halloween activities. The caller demands $7 million in cash and warns Kimball not to contact police.

Decider reported that the situation changes when Kimball discovers Denny was not the kidnapped child. The missing child is Hector, the son of Cecilia, the family's housekeeper, and her boyfriend Ramon. The story follows Kimball as he faces pressure over the ransom situation while also dealing with his political campaign. His campaign manager Sam believes the incident could affect Kimball's effort to gain support among Latino voters, according to Decider.

Decider reported that Kimball's wife Abigail is portrayed as having a hidden relationship with a UCLA professor, while Kimball had not revealed financial problems caused by his campaign spending. The film also introduces Gayle Burton, who offers a way to obtain the ransom money. The ending explained by Decider shows Kimball considering different responses after learning the truth about the kidnapping. The film also features Steven Yeun as Sam, Gillian Anderson as Gayle Burton, and Kerry Washington as Abigail.