Ben Affleck's Animals fails to grip as crime thriller on Netflix
The Guardian's review finds Ben Affleck's new Netflix film listless and derivative. It borrows heavily from Kurosawa's High and Low but lacks spark.
Ben Affleck directs and stars in Animals, a Netflix crime thriller. It's about Mark Kimball, a Los Angeles mayoral candidate whose son is kidnapped on Halloween.
The kidnapper demands 7 million dollars that Mark does not have. This forces him to reveal his money problems to his wife Abby, played by Kerry Washington.
The plot closely mirrors Akira Kurosawa's 1963 classic High and Low. But Affleck adds little new insight.
Most of the film unfolds in the Kimballs' home in static scenes filled with dialogue. These feel more suited to a stage play than film.
Only Gillian Anderson, brilliant in an all-white suit, seems sure whether this thriller is serious or fun pulp. The film runs about 100 minutes.
The Guardian says it has "frictionless likability" and lacks depth. This is despite cinematographer Robert Elswit, who is well-respected.
- seven million dollars
- Ransom demand
- about 100 minutes
- Runtime
- Kurosawa High and Low, 1963
- Source film
- Robert Elswit
- Cinematographer
Why it mattersAffleck's directing career has stalled since his early successes with Gone Baby Gone and The Town. This film suggests he struggles to find fresh direction.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect, but Australian viewers considering the film will find middling reviews from major outlets making it less urgent viewing.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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