A Post-Pandemic Tale of Survival and Hope
Ridley Scott's latest film, The Dog Stars, has landed in theaters with a decidedly mixed critical reception. Based on Peter Heller's 2012 novel and adapted by Mark L. Smith, the film stars Jacob Elordi as Hig, a pilot and mechanic who has survived a devastating flu pandemic that wiped out most of humanity, including his wife. He lives at an abandoned airport near Erie, Colorado, with Bangley (Josh Brolin), a gruff ex-military survivalist, and his loyal Belgian Malinois, Jasper.
Reviews generally agree on the film's narrative core: Hig scavenges for supplies in nearby Denver and delivers handouts to a Mennonite community, often against Bangley's wishes. His life changes when he hears a faint radio message from Grand Junction, sparking an obsession that eventually drives him on a cross-country odyssey. Along the way, he encounters new survivors, including Cima (Margaret Qualley) and her father Pops (Guy Pearce), as well as an eccentric former flight attendant played by Allison Janney.
Critics Divided on Tone and Pacing
The Hollywood Reporter's review describes the film as "minor-key to a fault" and "underpowered," yet calls it "arguably Ridley Scott's best since The Martian." The outlet praises the reflective drama, noting that Scott, now 88, "has not lost his taste for explosive action, but those bursts are cushioned here among more reflective drama."
Inverse offers a more critical take, saying the film's "melancholic stretches feel more morose than profound." The review describes the movie as "shaggy and shapeless," attributing some of this to Scott's workmanlike direction and the age of the source novel. However, it acknowledges strong performances from the cast.
Polygon takes a distinctly positive view, calling the film "the best thing The Dog Stars has going for it is that it looks absolutely incredible" and praising its contemplative moments. The review notes that the film's final moments "will stay with me." WTOP similarly frames the movie as a "tender love story with postapocalyptic teeth," praising its optimism and the canine star: "And that dog — such a good boy."
Performances and Visuals
Reviews agree on several key strengths. Jacob Elordi's performance as Hig is singled out by multiple outlets, with The Hollywood Reporter noting his "introspective movie-star magnetism." Josh Brolin's Bangley is described as a tough but spiky presence. The cinematography by Erik Messerschmidt, known for his work with David Fincher, is also widely praised, with the Italian locations standing in for the Colorado Rockies.
Some differences in detail emerge between reviews. The Hollywood Reporter identifies Hig's wife as Melissa, played by Sai Bennett, and notes that the Mennonite community is led by Aaron, played by Benedict Wong. Inverse describes Wong's role as small, with only a handful of speaking lines. Polygon, meanwhile, mentions a big twist in the third act not present in the book, a point not discussed by other reviews in the provided material.
Release and Reception
The film is a 20th Century Studios release, with a running time of 118 minutes and an R rating for strong violence and language. WTOP gave the film two and a half stars out of four. As is typical for a film like this, critics differ on whether the blend of melancholy and action works, but there's a consensus that The Dog Stars offers something distinct within the post-apocalyptic genre.