Fort Worth readers looking for a thoughtful cinematic experience will find it in Ridley Scott’s latest release, The Dog Stars. Set in 2035 after a deadly flu has wiped out most of humanity, the film centers on Jacob Elordi’s character, Hig, a former mechanic‑pilot who lost his wife and unborn child to the pandemic.
Grief and survival on the Colorado airstrip
Hig and his companion, ex‑Marine sharpshooter Bangley (Josh Brolin), make their home at an abandoned airport in Erie, Colorado. While Bangley embraces a hardened survivalist mindset, Hig longs for human connection, a tension that drives the story. Their loyal Belgian Malinois, Jasper, provides emotional grounding as the duo scours the wasteland for supplies.
Encounters that spark hope
During a daring flight to the ruined city of Denver, Hig discovers a small Mennonite community nestled in the mountains, led by Benedict Wong’s character, Aaron. The community’s modest farm and shared medicines offer a glimpse of pre‑pandemic society and a brief respite from the bleakness.
Further north, Hig meets former Navy SEAL Pops (Guy Pearce) and his daughter Cima (Margaret Qualley), a med student living on an isolated ranch. Their father‑daughter bond, forged through shared loss, adds depth to the film’s exploration of grief.
Action and atmosphere
Scott intersperses the human drama with signature action set‑pieces: a horseback raid reminiscent of classic westerns, a siege by skinhead‑like “Reapers,” and a tense showdown at a Grand Junction airport led by Allison Janney’s character, Darlene. These sequences provide a welcome counterpoint to the film’s quieter moments without overwhelming the central theme.
While the screenplay, adapted by Mark L. Smith, leans more toward action than Peter Heller’s novel, the core of the story—grief, hope, and the search for connection—remains intact. Elordi delivers a gentle‑giant performance, and Brolin’s familiar tough‑guy charm adds a layer of humor.
Final thoughts
For audiences seeking a post‑apocalyptic narrative that balances melancholy with moments of optimism, The Dog Stars offers a reflective journey. Its focus on personal loss, community resilience, and the enduring human spirit makes it a worthwhile addition to the current theatrical lineup.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
