Ridley Scott, a director known for his ability to depict determined individuals grappling with emotional repression in hostile environments, has delivered “The Dog Stars.” While the film attempts to capture the tension of post-apocalyptic survival, it ultimately falls short, feeling emotionally detached and lacking the depth needed to resonate.
A Slow Burn That Doesn’t Ignite
Based on Peter Heller’s 2012 novel, “The Dog Stars” isn’t the high-octane action thriller the trailer suggests. Instead, it’s a slow-paced survival story set years after a mysterious virus decimates society. The film follows Jacob Elordi’s character, Hig, and his dog, Jasper, as they navigate a lawless dystopia filled with both grieving survivors and violently deranged hordes. While the film features stunning visuals and a fittingly melancholic soundtrack, it struggles to find its emotional core.
The first 20 minutes are dedicated to a seemingly endless supply run in abandoned Denver, where Hig and Jasper search for Coca-Cola products and medical supplies. These scenes, while visually appealing, feel like an extended side quest that distracts from the film’s central narrative. The recurring vistas of Rocky Mountain forests, captured with Hig’s tiny yellow prop jet, feel more like a showcase for stunning visuals than a meaningful contribution to the story. This reliance on visual spectacle ultimately undermines the film’s attempt to explore deeper themes.
The film touches upon the remnants of pre-apocalypse society, but it often prioritizes how survivors cope with the present rather than exploring the complexities of their past lives. When Hig returns home to his homestead with Josh Brolin’s hardened ex-Marine, Bangley, their conversations revolve around mundane topics like securing their property and dealing with the “Reapers,” a group of violent looters. This focus on the immediate concerns of survival often overshadows any attempt to delve into the emotional toll of loss and trauma.
The introduction of Guy Pearce’s character, Jack, and his daughter, Cima, adds another layer to the narrative. As they gather around a campfire under the stars, Hig and Cima engage in conversations about their deceased spouses. However, even these moments of connection feel somewhat detached, lacking the emotional depth that could have made them truly resonate with the audience.
The film picks up pace in the second half, with coinciding standoffs between our central characters and the Reapers. These action sequences offer a glimpse of the high-octane thrills promised in the trailer. In one stylish scene, Bangley dons a night vision monocular, transforming his surroundings into a neon green landscape. However, even these moments of intense action are undermined by the lack of clear motivations for the antagonists. The Reapers are depicted as generic “bad guys” with inscrutable runes tattooed on their bodies, lacking any depth or complexity.
The film’s wild third-act shift occurs when the Hig trio reaches Grand Junction, led by Allison Janney in a surprisingly theatrical performance. However, even this late-stage attempt to inject energy into the narrative feels somewhat disjointed and ultimately fails to salvage the film’s overall lack of emotional resonance.
No discussion of “The Dog Stars” is complete without mentioning Jasper, the loyal canine companion. While viewers often brace themselves for the inevitable emotional manipulation that comes with a beloved animal in these types of films, even Jasper remains at a somewhat icy distance. This detachment extends to all aspects of the film, ultimately leaving viewers feeling disconnected from the characters and their struggles.
Source: IGN
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