Ridley Scott directs “The Dog Stars,” a post-apocalyptic drama based on Peter Heller’s 2012 novel. In this review, JP shares his take on the new release, which stars Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, and Guy Pearce.
The Dog Stars
20th Century Studios
- Directed by Ridley Scott
- Screenplay by Mark L. Smith
- Based on The Dog Stars by Peter Heller
- Produced by Ridley Scott, Michael Pruss, Mark L. Smith, Cliff Roberts
- Starring Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce
Studio Synopsis:
Visionary director Ridley Scott’s “The Dog Stars,” a riveting, epic thriller set in a world where survival is instinct, but humanity is a choice, debuts exclusively in theaters August 28. Based on Peter Heller’s captivating bestseller, “The Dog Stars” features a critically acclaimed ensemble, including Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Allison Janney, Benedict Wong, and Guy Pearce. The screenplay is by Mark L. Smith, based upon the novel by Peter Heller, and the producers are Ridley Scott, p.g.a., Michael Pruss, p.g.a., Mark L. Smith, and Cliff Roberts, p.g.a., with Lily Brooks-Dalton, Brandon Scott Smith, Peter Heller, Aidan Elliott serving as executive producers.
The film tells the story of Hig (Jacob Elordi), a young pilot who, together with a military survivalist, Bangley (Josh Brolin), has carved out an efficient but isolated homestead in a brutal postapocalyptic world. But when Hig receives a mysterious radio transmission, he ventures into the unknown in search of the hope and humanity he still believes exist.
J.P,.’s Take:
Novelist Peter Heller is well known for his survivalist tales, which stoke the senses with high-stakes stories. They were dramatic and true to life. Finally, in 2026, one of his award-winning novels, “The Dog Stars” (2012), sees the light of day on the big screen for the first time. And who better to bring this post-apocalyptic/western/drama to life than the prolific filmmaker Ridley Scott.
Yet, the shift from book to film seemed to miss the mark a bit, losing some of its essence along the way. As a fan of Scott’s work, I certainly expected a fraught adventure, with tense drama, while retaining Heller’s signature symbolic imagery and dialogue. It starts like many dystopian films, with breathy wide shots of desolate landscapes and a lone wolf searching for a safe place to call home.
It’s clear that a lot of effort went into capturing the right mood and emotional stances of our main characters, but some of those moments unfortunately came off as dull and flat. What unfolds, as we trek further into the story, is a rather leisurely jog, as it navigates through the remnants of past cataclysms and focuses more on the reflection than on adrenaline-pumping excitement. Don’t get me wrong, that is how the narrative is supposed to be portrayed; it takes its time to explore the echoes of what once was, allowing for a deeper understanding of the chaos that shaped the landscape. We, as viewers, become deeply absorbed in the weight of it all, taking in the subtle, lingering nuances of past transgressions — if that was the filmmakers’ desired effect.
However, for a film that touts a post-apocalyptic/sci-fi theme, I wanted the wild and weird antics to find their way to the surface more so. Instead, we hear of the other survivors who have become feral and have formed tribes in pockets of the world that were still livable. The build-up was there; the execution wasn’t as palpitating as I hoped. It felt like there was a disconnect, as though the tension wasn’t built in a way that fully takes advantage of the moments or prepares the audience for the raw and dark themes that follow. There were the twisted and odd scenes where Hig (Jacob Elordi), Cima (Margaret Qualley), and Jack a.k.a Pops (Guy Pierce) escape from a roving tribe that hunted them down, as they search for a haven called Grand Junction, where they meet Darlene (Allison Janey), a former stewardess who runs her community from a reconfigured airport. She and her tribe live there as if time stood still.
This is a place bursting with neon lights and a colorful pseudo-retro vibe, creating an uneasy, video game-like atmosphere. The quirkiness of such a scene made you feel like you were in for something quite unsettling. There are also some intense moments when rogue tribes would breach Hig and Bangley’s airstrip compound and the two would have to take them down like snipers. Bangley finds himself alone on his property overrun by a wild tribe. All of which could have been much grittier and creepier but were humdrum.
Instead, key moments felt rushed and lacking in depth, missing the opportunity to engage the audience and create a more impactful experience. There was also a minor romance that developed between Cima and Hig over the course of the remainder of the film. For an apocalyptic / western, this is an example of a relaxed take on the genre, where it makes no bones about its easygoing narrative and abrupt ending.
Although beautifully filmed and languid in pacing, this isn’t one of Ridley Scott’s more tantalizing outings, despite its sentimental outcome. “The Dog Stars” felt like it had more to say but simply ran out of time. Or was left open to insert a sequel. This wasn’t a bad watch. All in all, I expected much more and certainly something gutsier and grittier.
Official Site: The Dog Stars