“The Dog Stars” Review

“The Dog Stars” Review

We’re at a coin flip stage when it comes to Scott Free Productions or simply put a film directed by Ridley Scott. I’ve enjoyed his films over the years, but it’s been tempered the last few years except “The Last Duel” and “Gladiator 2”. I was nervous going into “The Dog Stars” and I have to say I’m in the neutral camp of I’m impressed on a craft structure, but sorely disappointed on the screenplay. 

I don’t like to stray negative on my reviews because there is a major effort that is put into every production. With “The Dog Stars” there is the phase of “untapped potential” and this film could’ve shined, but only dimmed. What I will say is that Jacob Elordi does prove he can lead the screen after his followup of “Wuthering Heights” and came in as a strong replacement for the original casting of Paul Mescal in the lead role of Hig. Elordi is captivating on the camera and his relationship with his partner Jasper who’s a true and under utilized star in the film as his loyal companion who happens to be a dog. The buildup and structure of the first act is quite strong and seeing Ridley Scott’s vision of a post-apocalyptic world is absorbing. He pulls the grimness and desertion of a world that clearly has since better days, but isn’t too far from our current year only being dated in the year of 2035. 

Within this world we see pockets of how survivors of the plague that hit have adjusted to the current circumstances and yet we’re felt short changed in this small pocket because this could’ve expanded more. In many ways “The Dog Stars” reminds me of what “28 Years Later” attempted to deliver but failed to connect with audiences. The question is can “The Dog Stars” succeed where others have fumbled?

I will highlight this is the best I’ve seen Margaret Qualley here since her breakout role in Netflix’s. “Maid”. She is excellent here with not only her delivery of what could’ve been clunky dialogue but is able to embody emotion for the little everyday thing we might take for granted such as listening to music on an music player. Additionally, I wouldn’t be surprised if Josh Brolin ends up teaming with Ridley Scott again because these two work so well. Brolin is so comfortable with the environment, language and delivery of his character Bangley that you’re left wondering if Brolin himself inspired the character. 

Now I don’t want to give too many spoilers since we can discuss that with its upcoming weekend box office ahead, but I will say don’t underestimate a late summer entry, but don’t expect an over performance. 

Stay tune to later this week!

Please catch my social review linked below!

“The Dog Stars” Social Media Thoughts

Letterboxd Review – “The Dog Stars”