'The Dog Stars' Review: Jacob Elordi fights for survival in Ridley Scott's dull post-apocalyptic western
Ridley Scott’s “The Dog Stars” Hits Theaters, Critics Call It a Quiet, Dull Exercise in Post‑Apocalyptic Storytelling
The long‑honed filmmaker Ridley Scott has returned to the big screen with The Dog Stars, a film that adapts Peter Heller’s 2012 novel of the same name. The 98‑minute drama follows the life of a mechanic named Hig, played by Australian newcomer Jacob Elordi, who must survive a post‑apocalyptic United States in which a deadly flu has left the population fragmented and lawless.
Hig has retreated to an abandoned Colorado airport where he keeps a battered yellow aircraft, his dog Jasper, and a gruff former Marine, Bangley, portrayed by Josh Brolin. Together they navigate a desolate landscape, stopping at the remnants of Hig’s hometown, a rural Mennonite community, and ultimately heading north toward Grand Junction in a bid for a semblance of civilization. The journey introduces a cast of uneasy allies: rancher Jack, played by Guy Pearce, and his daughter Cima, portrayed by Margaret Qualley, as well as the eccentric Darlene, a character that Allison Janney brings to life. The film also features a group of violent, tattoo‑clad marauders known as the “Reapers.”
Scott’s latest entry arrives after a decade of mixed critical reception for his work, a period in which the director has been described as producing a series of films that hover between solid and forgettable. The Dog Stars is no exception. Reviewers have noted a lack of engagement, describing the movie as “fairly dull” with only a handful of gun battles to sustain momentum. Critics point out that the protagonist, while competently played by Elordi, is “run‑of‑the‑mill” for the dystopian genre, leaving little room for character development beyond the surface.
The film’s score, composed by Harry Gregson‑Williams, has been labeled “guitar‑forward” and “sleepy,” which critics say contributes to the movie’s Western‑vibe aesthetic but ultimately undercuts the stakes of the story. While the mountain scenery and cinematography receive praise for their visual appeal, reviewers argue that the narrative fails to capitalize on its setting or on the potential depth of its source material.
Rated R for strong violence and language, The Dog Stars runs for 1 hour and 58 minutes and is now available in theaters. According to box‑office data, the film has yet to generate the commercial buzz that accompanied Scott’s earlier successes, such as Alien, Blade Runner, and Gladiator. While the star power of Brolin, Pearce, Qualley, and Janney is undeniable, the film’s reception suggests that even a talented ensemble cannot save a script that critics find uninspired.
Ridley Scott’s career has long been marked by his ability to craft visually arresting, high‑concept blockbusters. The Dog Stars appears to be an attempt to blend his love of expansive, atmospheric settings with a more intimate, character‑driven narrative. However, the final product has been perceived as neither the grand spectacle nor the deep character study many viewers expected.
In summary, The Dog Stars offers a visually appealing, if slow‑pacing, depiction of a post‑apocalyptic landscape, backed by a solid ensemble cast. Critics, however, find the film’s execution lacking in energy and originality, rendering it a forgettable addition to Scott’s filmography. The film remains in theaters for audiences who want to experience the director’s latest vision or who are fans of the actors involved, but it may not satisfy those seeking the emotional impact or cinematic excitement that has defined Scott’s most celebrated works.