Ridley Scott has spent the last few years staging massive historical battles and intergalactic squabbles. Now, at 87, he’s swapped the arena for a Cessna. The Dog Stars, his adaptation of Peter Heller’s 2012 novel, lands in theaters on August 28, and the first reactions are just beginning to surface.
The film stars Jacob Elordi as Hig, a pilot-poet surviving in a Colorado airport after a superflu has wiped out most of humanity. Josh Brolin plays Bangley, the gun-toting survivalist who shares his compound. When Hig picks up a mysterious radio transmission from beyond the mountains, he decides to fly toward it hoping for connection, maybe even love (Margaret Qualley).
Early word suggests Scott has delivered something quieter than his recent epics, but no less ambitious. Here’s a breakdown of what critics are focusing on, from Elordi’s performance to the film’s fidelity to the beloved novel.
A Return to Intimate Sci-Fi
Ridley Scott’s last forays into science fiction were The Martian (2015) and Prometheus (2012)—both big, effects-driven productions. The Dog Stars is a different beast: a character-driven survival story set in a world that’s already ended. According to early reactions, Scott has leaned into the isolation and quiet dread of Heller’s novel, favoring close-ups of Elordi’s face against vast, empty skies over the sprawling set pieces he’s known for.
One critic described the film as “Blade Runner’s melancholy cousin,” noting that Scott hasn’t lost his ability to make a desolate world feel breathtakingly beautiful. The aerial sequences, shot in real planes, have been singled out for their visceral immediacy a far cry from the green-screen excess of Napoleon.
Elordi and Brolin: A Chemistry That Works
Jacob Elordi has been on a hot streak with Priscilla and Saltburn, but this is his first true leading role in a genre blockbuster. The reactions suggest he pulls it off. Critics are calling his Hig “a revelation” and “surprisingly rugged,” noting that he brings a vulnerability that balances Brolin’s gruffness. Brolin, meanwhile, is reportedly in top form, channeling his No Country for Old Men energy into Bangley a man who’s survived by shutting off his emotions until Hig forces him to open up.
Margaret Qualley’s role is small but impactful, with one reviewer saying she “haunts the film like a ghost” despite limited screen time. The supporting cast Alison Janney, Benedict Wong, Guy Pearce adds gravitas in what are likely flashback or survivor roles.
The Novel’s Tough Translation
Peter Heller’s The Dog Stars is written in a fragmented, stream-of-consciousness style that’s notoriously hard to adapt. Early reactions suggest Scott and screenwriter Mark L. Smith (The Revenant) have found a visual equivalent. The film uses Hig’s voiceover sparingly, letting images of the Colorado wilderness and the decaying airport community carry the emotional weight. One fan of the book wrote, “It’s not a direct translation, but it captures the spirit—the grief, the hope, the love of flight.”
However, not everyone is convinced. A few critics argue the film sacrifices the novel’s poetic interiority for more conventional post-apocalyptic beats. The ending, in particular, has sparked debate—without spoilers, it’s safe to say it diverges from the book in ways that may frustrate purists.
A Post-Pandemic Story That Hits Different
Heller wrote the novel before COVID-19, but its themes of isolation, loss, and the search for connection have only grown more resonant. Early reactions note that The Dog Stars avoids the nihilism of The Road, offering instead a fragile hope that feels earned. One critic called it “the first post-apocalyptic film that feels like a hug.”
That’s not to say the film shies away from darkness. The superflu is never fully explained, and the threat of other survivors—like the mysterious “gatekeepers” who guard the mountains—keeps the tension high. But the core of the movie is Hig’s relationship with his dog Jasper, a golden retriever who’s practically the co-lead. Early word is that Jasper is a scene-stealer and will likely win over even the most cynical viewers.
Scott’s Legacy at 87
Ridley Scott has directed nearly a film a year in his late eighties, and The Dog Stars is another addition to a staggering filmography. Some critics are framing this as a “return to form” for Scott, a reminder that he’s just as adept at intimate drama as he is at spectacle. Others argue it’s a natural evolution, a culmination of his recurring themes of survival and isolation.
Regardless, the first reactions position The Dog Stars as a serious awards contender, especially for its performances and cinematography. The August release date might seem like a gamble, but early buzz suggests it could have legs into the fall.
Box Office and Market Positioning
August is traditionally a dumping ground for studio films, but The Dog Stars is getting a wide release from 20th Century Studios. Early tracking suggests a modest opening, but positive word-of-mouth could carry it. Compared to recent post-apocalyptic entries like Civil War and Leave the World Behind, The Dog Stars offers a more traditional narrative arc—one that might appeal to older audiences who’ve missed Scott’s grounded sci-fi.
Some industry observers wonder if audiences are fatigued by pandemic stories. But The Dog Stars isn’t a parable about masks or lockdowns; it’s a story about what happens after—about rebuilding, finding purpose, and holding onto hope. That’s a message that could resonate beyond the genre’s usual fanbase.
What the Critics Are Debating
The biggest point of contention among early viewers is the film’s pacing. At two hours and ten minutes, it’s a slow burn, with long stretches of silence and introspection. Some love that, calling it “patient and immersive.” Others found it “dragging” and wished Scott had trimmed the runtime.
Another debate centers on the ending. Without giving anything away, it’s a departure from the novel that has split audiences. Some praise it as a bold reinterpretation; others call it a cop-out. Either way, it’s the kind of ending that will generate discussion long after the credits roll.
The Bottom Line So Far
First reactions are generally positive, with most critics praising Elordi’s star-making turn, Brolin’s grizzled support, and Scott’s confident direction. The film is being described as “a thinking person’s disaster movie” and “one of Scott’s most personal works in decades.”
If there’s a consensus, it’s that The Dog Stars is a welcome change of pace for Scott—and for audiences tired of CGI-laden spectacles. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful stories are the quiet ones.
With The Dog Stars, Ridley Scott proves that even at 87, he can still surprise us. The first reactions point to a film that’s both intimate and epic, anchored by Jacob Elordi’s breakout performance and Josh Brolin’s formidable presence. Whether you’re a fan of the novel or new to the story, this is a post-apocalyptic tale that prioritizes humanity over horror. It may not be the blockbuster of the summer, but it could be the one that stays with you.
Summary
- The Dog Stars is Ridley Scott’s return to intimate sci-fi, focusing on survival and hope rather than spectacle.
- Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin deliver strong performances, with Elordi’s Hig earning particular praise.
- The film captures the spirit of Peter Heller’s novel, though the ending has sparked debate among critics.
- Early reactions highlight the beautiful cinematography and the emotional bond between Hig and his dog Jasper.
- The film is being positioned as a potential awards contender, despite its August release.
FAQ
Q: When does The Dog Stars come out?
A: The film releases in theaters on August 28.
Q: Who is in the cast?
A: The cast includes Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Alison Janney, Benedict Wong, and Guy Pearce.
Q: Is the movie faithful to the book?
A: The film captures the novel’s themes and tone, but makes some changes, particularly to the ending, which has divided early viewers.
Q: What genre is The Dog Stars?
A: It’s a post-apocalyptic sci-fi drama, focusing on survival and human connection rather than action.
Q: How does it compare to other Ridley Scott films?
A: Early reactions compare it favorably to Blade Runner and The Martian, noting its intimate scale and emotional depth.