Netflix has unveiled the first teaser for the crime thriller “Animals,” directed by Ben Affleck. The film follows Los Angeles mayoral candidate Mark Kimball, portrayed by Affleck, who must quickly raise funds to ransom his kidnapped son after a mysterious phone call.
The movie’s synopsis reveals that the couple’s carefully constructed political and family life begins to crumble as they face an emergency ransom demand while most of their campaign funds have already been invested. Their efforts lead them into a web of deception, forcing decisions that could destroy both their reputation and family.
The teaser, which is almost dialogue-free, depicts an armed man in a mask, handcuffs, a ransom demand, and the family’s attempts to cope with the crisis. Footage suggests the investigation may impact Kimball’s political circle, but Netflix has not yet disclosed the central mystery.
The film stars Kerry Washington as Abigail Kimball, Gillian Anderson, Steven Yeung, Adriana Paz, Luis Gerardo Mendes, Ray Fisher, Mark Cassen, and Christopher Woodley (who plays the abducted son). The project was initially announced in January 2024 with Matt Damon as lead but saw production delayed when Damon departed due to scheduling conflicts with Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey.” Affleck assumed the lead role in February 2025.
Written by Connor McIntyre and revised by Billy Ray, “Animals” combines family drama, crime thriller, and political intrigue. The film marks Affleck’s first directorial effort since 2023’s “Air: The Big Jump” and is set for release on October 9.
