A political campaign gives way to a family emergency in Animals, Ben Affleck’s new thriller scheduled for Netflix and select theaters on October 9, 2026. Affleck directs and stars opposite Kerry Washington.
What is Animals about?
Los Angeles mayoral candidate Mark Kimball and his wife Abigail face their son’s kidnapping. Raising the ransom pulls them into deception and forces choices that could destroy the life they have built.
Who is in the cast?
Alongside Affleck and Washington, Netflix lists Gillian Anderson, Steven Yeun, Adriana Paz, Luis Gerardo Méndez and Ray Fisher among the cast.
What kind of thriller is it?
The setup combines a public political identity with a private crisis. The central question is how the couple responds when protecting their family collides with keeping secrets. This is a description of the announced premise, not a review of the finished film, and it does not reveal the ending.
When can viewers watch?
Netflix’s announced release date is October 9. At publication, this report confirms the schedule rather than availability in every regional catalog. Check the film’s official Netflix page in your country for playback and subtitle options.
For viewers choosing between a long series and a single film, Animals offers a self-contained movie story. Our coverage will distinguish official production news from reviews and audience reactions.
Sources: Netflix Tudum and the official film page. The cover is an AI-generated illustration, not an official poster or a scene from Animals.