Ben Affleck directs and stars in Netflix thriller Animals

Plot involves wealthy candidate and kidnapping

The film follows Mark Kimball, a wealthy Los Angeles attorney running for mayor. His wife keeps him from taking financial risks that could ruin their campaign. A botched kidnapping plot drives the story forward.

Movie draws on Japanese genre classic

Critics note the film lifts foundational plot elements directly from a 1963 Japanese movie. The narrative includes a wealthy protagonist and a wife kept in the dark about a gamble. Some reviewers found the lack of acknowledgment for the inspiration baffling.

Reception varies between outlets

One outlet described the film as passably entertaining while another called it listless. Variety labeled the project disposable pulp that benefits from Affleck's professionalism. The movie is available on Netflix for streaming.