Ridley Scott's The Dog Stars, based on the Peter Heller novel, lands in theaters August 28. The film, while featuring Ridley Scott's signature knack for depicting resilient characters in dire circumstances, ultimately falters in its post-apocalyptic setting, failing to unearth fresh perspectives in a crowded genre.
The Dog Stars deviates from the action-heavy premise suggested by its trailer. Instead, it presents a slow-burn survival narrative years after a virus has ravaged society. The remaining population is split between those struggling to maintain a semblance of peace and violently unhinged groups, referred to as Reapers, who survive by looting. The film incorporates a soundtrack that leans heavily on acoustic guitar and country music, reminiscent of other entries in the genre.
Early sequences focus on Jacob Elordi's mechanic, Hig, and his dog, Jasper, embarking on supply runs through an abandoned Denver. These scenes are characterized by expansive visuals of the city and Rocky Mountain landscapes, often captured through Hig's unique method of gliding his prop plane by engine cutoff. While visually striking and suited for large-screen formats like IMAX, these recurring vistas can feel like gratuitous displays of cinematography rather than integral plot development. The film raises more questions than it answers regarding the nature of the virus, the extreme devolution of the looters, and even the mundane details of Hig's continued access to coffee.
The narrative's focus is less on reconstructing the pre-apocalypse world and more on the present-day coping mechanisms of survivors. Upon returning to his homestead, Hig clashes with Josh Brolin's character, Bangley, a hardened ex-Marine. Their dialogue often centers on the dichotomy between appreciating what they have and fortifying their property against the threat of Reapers. Hig's subsequent interactions with the father-daughter duo Jack (Guy Pearce) and Cima (Margaret Qualley) involve conversations about their deceased spouses and even flirtation through discussions of golf. The script, penned by Mark L. Smith, is frequently criticized for its dialogue, which feels contrived when spoken by actors, despite potentially working better in written form.
Shifting Tides and Action Sequences
After a subdued first hour, the film introduces concurrent confrontations between the protagonists—Hig, Cima, and Jack in their territory, and Bangley defending his compound—against the Reapers. These sequences finally deliver the action hinted at in promotional materials. A notable first-person perspective scene depicts Bangley employing military tactics with night vision, rendering targets in neon green. Another sequence involves Hig and his companions evading a pincer attack. While these action set pieces are competently directed and exciting, the underlying motivations of the Reapers remain obscure. The portrayal of these antagonists as shirtless, tattooed figures with inscrutable motives feels anachronistic for contemporary filmmaking.
The film undergoes a significant tonal shift in its third act as the trio reaches Grand Junction, a location headed by Allison Janney in a prominent role. Janney's performance is described as the most overtly theatrical in the film.
The Role of Jasper the Dog
A significant element of The Dog Stars is the presence of Jasper, Hig's canine companion. While audiences often anticipate emotional stakes involving animal characters, Jasper, like other relationships in the film, is kept at an emotional distance. Despite the narrative's acknowledgment of widespread societal loss, the emotional impact of these events, including those involving the dog, ultimately feels muted, leading to a sense of detachment rather than profound grief.