A New Low for Ridley Scott

Ridley Scott's latest film, The Dog Stars, has opened to a 44% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, according to Screen Rant. The score marks Scott's lowest-rated project of the 2020s, placing it below his 2023 film Napoleon (58%) and representing his weakest critical performance in 12 years, trailing even Exodus: Gods and Kings (29%, 2014).

The film, adapted from Peter Heller's 2012 novel, arrives in Australian cinemas on August 27. Scott had touted the project as "probably the best movie I've done since The Martian," a claim Screen Rant notes has not been borne out by early reviews.

The Film's Premise and Cast

The Dog Stars is Scott's first traditional post-apocalyptic movie, set in a world ravaged by an influenza pandemic that has wiped out much of humanity. Jacob Elordi stars as Hig, a former mechanic navigating this fallen world alongside Josh Brolin's Bangley, with Margaret Qualley as Cima and Guy Pearce as Pops. The screenplay comes from Mark L. Smith and Christopher Wilkinson, both known for their work on survival-oriented narratives — Smith for The Revenant and Wilkinson for Nixon.

Survivors in this world face threats referred to as "Reapers," adding a layer of physical danger to the emotional toll of the pandemic. The story follows Hig and Bangley as they confront lingering perils while searching for hope of a better life.

Critical Reception and Disagreements

ABC Australia's review is sharply critical, describing the film as "clinically uninterested" in its thematic potential and accusing it of employing the "fridging" trope — a storytelling device where a supporting female character is killed off to motivate the male protagonist. The review argues that Hig's late wife, Melissa (Sai Bennett), is reduced to "fodder" for his trauma, while his dog Jasper receives more character development.

Screen Rant's account of critical consensus paints a somewhat different picture, noting that critics found positive aspects in Elordi and Qualley's performances and the film's visuals. However, the outlet reports that many critics agreed the film was not innovative compared to other post-apocalyptic movies, recycling genre tropes, and that its removal of the novel's first-person narrative diluted the protagonist's grief.

Screen Rant's own review, written by Jordan William, diverges from the critical consensus. While admitting the story isn't "groundbreaking," William describes the film as "an entertaining, visually stunning ride with a refreshing focus on hope" and rates it 6 out of 10.

Perspectives

  • ABC Australia review: The film fails to engage with its thematic depth, treating its female characters as disposable plot devices and lacking narrative cohesion, ultimately reflecting a decline in Scott's filmmaking.
  • Screen Rant's review: Despite recycled post-apocalyptic elements, the film remains entertaining and visually impressive, with a hopeful tone that resonates more positively than the critical consensus suggests.