Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic drama The Dog Stars had its world premiere in London on August 20, and the first wave of social media reactions is already painting a picture of one of the director’s more intimate, character-driven efforts in years. Attendees at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square screening and a series of press screenings have been sharing early impressions online, ahead of official critic reviews, which remain under embargo until August 25.
Based on Peter Heller’s 2012 novel of the same name, the film follows Hig, a former civilian pilot played by Jacob Elordi, who has carved out an isolated but efficient homestead alongside ex-Marine survivalist Bangley, played by Josh Brolin, in the aftermath of a flu pandemic that has wiped out most of humanity. When Hig receives a mysterious radio transmission, he sets out beyond the safety of his homestead in search of the hope and human connection he still believes might exist somewhere in the ruined world.
Much of the early reaction has focused on how different the film feels from Scott’s typical large-scale blockbusters. Phil Roberts of Future of the Force called it “a surprisingly humble and emotionally weighted change of pace for the director,” praising its “impressive cinematography, endless desolation and magnetic performances from Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin.”
Critic Liz Slade echoed that sentiment, writing, “It’s quiet and contemplative, which I didn’t expect, with unexpected moments of ferocity and violence… I think Ridley Scott has created something unique.” She also praised the score as “particularly beautiful” and singled out the film’s canine co-star, Rak Jasper, for praise.
Several reactions have leaned into the film’s western-tinged atmosphere. One viewer described it as “soothing and gruelling,” writing, “A western set at the end of the world with a big heart. Some intense Fury Road energy mixed with quiet campfires under the stars. Acoustic guitars, Josh Brolin smoking cigars, and a dog. Ridley Scott knows what we want.”
Much of the buzz has centered specifically on the dynamic between Elordi and Brolin, whose contrasting personalities as pilot and survivalist have been widely credited with giving the film its emotional backbone. Their relationship grounds the film’s larger themes of survival and human connection in something more intimate than spectacle alone.
Not every reaction has been glowing. Critic Jonathan Sim offered a more mixed take, writing that the film features “a few well-staged action sequences, but it has a very slow start and can often feel drab and one-note in its execution.” He concluded that it was “not a horrible movie, but not good enough to recommend” and “nothing exceptional.” That stands as one of the more tempered responses among an otherwise largely positive early consensus.
Alongside Elordi and Brolin, the film’s cast includes Margaret Qualley, Allison Janney, Benedict Wong and Guy Pearce. The screenplay comes from Mark L. Smith, known for his work on The Revenant and Netflix’s American Primeval, which similarly blend intimate character work with large-scale set pieces.
Scott has spoken confidently about the project, previously calling it possibly his best film. Discussing the shoot in 2024, he said, “The one I just finished, The Dog Stars, shot for just 34 days. It’s the speed of a TV show, but maybe my best movie.” He added that every film is a discovery of who you are and involves making choices about actors, before highlighting his casting of Elordi, Qualley, Pearce and Brolin.
The Dog Stars releases in theaters, IMAX and premium large formats on August 28.
With early reactions largely praising its emotional restraint, striking visuals and the central pairing of Elordi and Brolin, The Dog Stars is shaping up to be one of the more unexpected showcases of Scott’s range as he heads into wide release later this month.
Read More:
- Conclave: Faith and Power Collide Behind Closed Doors
- Stop-Motion Animation and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
- The Evolution of Indian Cinema: From Satyajit Ray to Anurag Kashyap
- How Cinema Helped Fight Racism: A Look at Films That Changed Society
- The Best World War 2 Films: A Cinematic Journey Through History
