Netflix's Animals has become the streaming service's most-watched film, but viewers are still puzzled by the identity of the kidnapper at the centre of the thriller.
The film stars Ben Affleck as Mark Kimball, a mayoral hopeful whose world is thrown into chaos when he and his wife Abigail, played by Kerry Washington, receive a sinister phone call about the abduction of their son Denny.
The shadowy caller threatens the child's safety and demands a $7 million ransom, but Denny suddenly appears in the room, revealing that the housekeeper's son had been snatched by mistake.
Fans Demand Answers
By the film's conclusion, both children are unharmed, yet audiences were left baffled by the actual circumstances surrounding the kidnapping.
One viewer wrote on X: "I just have so many unanswered questions.. who was responsible for the kidnapping?"
Another asked: "Just finished Animals on Netflix and it was good but why did we not find out who was behind the kidnapping?"
A third questioned: "Why did the kidnapper target Mark's son? The whole thing sounded like vengeance, yet we got virtually no backstory explaining the kidnapper's motives or why Mark was the target."
The Kidnapper's Identity Revealed
Those who paid careful attention to the film's opening moments will have spotted the kidnapper's identity. A character named James Bureaux is shown investigating Mark, who before entering politics worked as a solicitor pursuing legal action against corporations for contaminating drinking water supplies.
His efforts led to the Environmental Action Act, a stringent clean water initiative designed to protect Los Angeles residents. However, the new legislation established a rigid protection zone, forcing around 30 small enterprises in that area to close, regardless of whether they were contributing to the contamination.
James Bureaux was among those affected, losing his premises due to Mark's work. He faced bankruptcy and his wife sought a divorce, leading him to orchestrate the abduction as an act of vengeance.
Climactic Gunfight and Fan Praise
During a climactic gunfight, Dayle's aide Rand, played by Chris Gann, delivered fatal shots to the kidnappers. When Mark removed one of their masks, James' true identity was exposed.
Despite some bewilderment surrounding the conclusion, many fans have been championing Animals on IMDb, calling it a "winner for Netflix." One agreed: "Best story I've seen in a long time, just loved it!" Another echoed: "This movie completely won me over, and I give it a 10/10. Ben Affleck was excellent both behind the camera and on screen."
Animals is available to watch on Netflix.
