Ridley Scott’s latest release, The Dog Stars, brings a surprisingly gentle love story to the post‑apocalyptic genre. Based on Peter Heller’s novel, the film follows Hig (Jacob Elordi), a mechanic‑pilot who survived a pandemic that wiped out most of humanity. He lives in an abandoned airport in Erie, Colorado, with his ever‑alert Malinois, Jasper, and a grizzled ex‑military companion, Bangley (Josh Brolin).
While the world outside is riddled with sniper fire, RPGs and dwindling fuel, the heart of the movie is the connection between Hig and a young widow (Margaret Qualley) she meets along the way, as well as her protective father (Guy Pearce). Their brief moments of normalcy—listening to recorded music, recalling traffic jams, and sharing simple pleasures—provide a stark contrast to the bleak surroundings.
Survival and Hope
Hig spends his days flying a Cessna to Denver for supplies and assisting other survivor groups, including a Mennonite community that clings to traditional, land‑based living. The film balances scenes of tense scavenging with quieter, character‑driven moments, showing that even in the darkest times, hope can surface.
Bangley, the hardened survivor, argues for staying in the fortified compound, warning that venturing out could lead to death. Hig, however, refuses to accept a life of isolation, setting out for Grand Junction after hearing a possible radio transmission. His journey underscores the film’s central theme: the human desire to seek connection despite overwhelming odds.
Unexpected Performances
Allison Janney makes a memorable cameo, delivering martinis while singing “Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words).” Though her scene feels out of place, it adds a quirky note to an otherwise somber narrative. The film’s soundtrack, highlighted by Hozier’s “Like Real People Do,” bookends the story with a hopeful tone.
Scott and screenwriter Mark L. Smith manage to weave a romance into a setting usually dominated by relentless violence. The movie’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to feel the weight of survivor’s guilt and the yearning for a life that once was.
Production Notes
Although set in Colorado, the movie was filmed in Italy’s Dolomite mountains, which stand in for the Rocky Mountains. The production’s choice of location adds a striking visual backdrop while keeping the story grounded in its Colorado roots.
Rated R for strong violence and language, The Dog Stars runs 118 minutes and is distributed by 20th Century Studios. Critics have given it a mixed but generally positive reception, awarding it two and a half stars out of four.
For viewers seeking a post‑apocalyptic film that emphasizes love, loyalty, and the small joys of everyday life, Scott’s latest effort provides a refreshing, if unconventional, take on the genre.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
