Ridley Scott's latest science fiction venture, "The Dog Stars," based on Peter Heller's 2012 novel and adapted by screenwriter Mark L. Smith, presents a post-apocalyptic world that balances quiet introspection with explosive action. The film follows Hig, portrayed by Jacob Elordi, one of the last survivors of a devastating virus, who lives on an old airfield with his companion Bangley, played by Josh Brolin. Their existence is one of relative comfort, with ample supplies and a secure environment, yet Hig yearns for more.
His obsession stems from a faint radio message he can only receive while flying his vintage plane in the mountains near their Colorado home. Though the destination, Grand Junction, is too distant for a single flight, Hig eventually embarks on an odyssey across the Rocky Mountain West, a journey that introduces him to new allies and challenges.
Visually, "The Dog Stars" is a standout. Director of Photography Erik Messerschmidt, known for his work with David Fincher, captures the stark beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the haunting desolation of abandoned urban landscapes. The film frequently features Elordi piloting his small plane, a recurring visual that remains compelling throughout.
On the ground, Scott orchestrates intense confrontations between the protagonists and waves of violent scavengers. These antagonists, often referred to as "roaches" by Bangley, serve primarily as obstacles to be eliminated, their motivations left largely unexplored. In these sequences, "The Dog Stars" evokes the visceral intensity of Scott's "Black Hawk Down" or the grand scale of an epic Western, a genre the director has yet to tackle directly.
Instead of extensive lore or exposition about the post-apocalyptic world, Scott and Smith opt for a sparse approach. Details about the virus are revealed subtly, without lengthy explanations or pronouncements. This deliberate lack of world-building, which often characterizes the genre, lends "The Dog Stars" a palpable sense of realism.
Despite an initial feeling that Grand Junction may be a futile pursuit, Hig is drawn to the possibility of hope. This subversion of typical genre expectations, which often rely on extensive world-building, allows the film to feel more authentic. "The Dog Stars" notably deviates significantly from its source material in its surprising third act. Without revealing specific plot points, this climax introduces an entirely new storyline that, while diverging from the book, draws parallels to familiar major franchises.
This unexpected turn elevates "The Dog Stars" from a compelling drama to a potential cult classic. While the film concludes with a few additional scenes that allow for more character reflection, these moments feel earned after the preceding events. The final scenes often return to the image of Hig in his plane, taking to the skies and gliding in moments of quiet contemplation.
"The Dog Stars" is scheduled for release in theaters on August 28.