Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, while not groundbreaking, is a quietly compelling tale.
You’d be forgiven for forgetting that Scott has just released his 1000th film, given the lack of marketing push from 20th Century Studios, but if you find yourself tumbling into the cinema on a whim, The Dog Stars is worth taking a punt on.
What is ‘The Dog Stars’ about?
The Dog Stars is based on the novel of the same name by author Peter Heller, and follows a select group of people navigating life after civilisation fell due to a deadly virus.
Those who remain simply survive the best they can, either in peace or anarchy, as there are gangs of Reapers hellbent on killing and destroying everything in their path.
The novel was adapted into a screenplay by Mark L. Smith, which Scott has hailed as one of the three most impressive to land on his desk after Alien and The Martian.
At its centre is Jacob Elordi’s Hig, who lives a repetitive existence alongside Josh Brolin’s gritty survivalist ex-marine Bangley in an old airfield.
Elordi takes his small Cessna aeroplane to fetch supplies and carry out reconnaissance with his trusty dog Jasper; Bangley shoots anyone who dares wander into his domain.
But when one personal tragedy too many strikes Hig, he sets off on his own to a potential haven: Grand Junction.
Hig’s disrupted journey sees him stumble across Margaret Qualley’s Sima and her father Jack, played by Guy Pearce.
Familiar but fun
If the plot for The Dog Stars sounds familiar, then you’re not alone.
The film does match the ilk of The Last of Us, Mad Max and other post-apocalyptic tales.
Brolin is also well suited to gritty military roles with dry humour.
So, The Dog Stars isn’t reinventing the wheel at all, but it is compelling.
This, in part, is down to Elordi’s star screen presence.
Not only does his lengthy frame and superbly styled post-apocalyptic look hypnotise the viewer, but Scott and cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt are also obsessed with Elordi.
He has an easy charisma and a likeability built through measured but effective acting.
Elordi doesn’t overdo it, playing through every story beat and emotion with a suitable subtlety, which makes it easy to understand why he’s in the running to play James Bond.
He has an easy chemistry with Brolin, and a sweet relationship develops between him and the Qualley/Pearce duo.
Scott, as seasoned a director as can be, takes us through the various set pieces with no issues, and signposts the audience from beat to beat so you’re never lost.
There is time for a unique night vision set-piece, but aside from that, this film feels built for easy watchability.
So, The Dog Stars doesn’t break new ground, but steady hands all over the ship make sure you can enjoy yourself nonetheless.
Get the Blu-ray for Christmas and bung it on to help with the food coma alongside mum and dad.
Rating: 6.5/10
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