Survival Struggles in Ridley Scott's 'The Dog Stars' Fall Flat

In Ridley Scott's latest film, "The Dog Stars," the haunting aftermath of a flu pandemic unfolds through the lives of four survivors, who navigate a landscape stripped of vitality. Released at the tail end of a bustling summer movie season, this adaptation of Peter Heller's novel is marked by its low-energy approach, leaving audiences yearning for a more engaging experience.

The film, set in a desolate 2035, features Jacob Elordi as Hig, a mechanic living on an abandoned airstrip in rural Colorado. While the source material is rich with emotional depth and humor, the adaptation misses the mark, opting for a sparse, narration-free script by Mark L. Smith. Instead of a compelling voice, viewers are left to rely on Elordi's performance, which, despite his talent, feels insufficient against the dull backdrop.

Hig's character, though portrayed as practical and resourceful, lacks the depth needed to resonate with the audience. His interactions with fellow survivor Bangley, played by Josh Brolin, provide some structure to their bleak existence, but even these moments lack the dynamism needed to elevate the film. The duo’s routine—flying to the ghost town of Denver for supplies and fending off potential intruders—sets a monotonous tone that fails to inspire excitement.

The introduction of rancher Jack (Guy Pearce) and his daughter Cima (Margaret Qualley) adds a thin layer of potential romance to the story, but the overall pacing remains consistently dreary. The film's attempts to echo classic Westerns are apparent, particularly in its action sequences, which include a buffalo stampede and confrontations with a hostile tribe. However, these moments feel more like missed opportunities than gripping encounters.

Despite its promising premise, "The Dog Stars" struggles to maintain narrative momentum, culminating in a late twist that shifts the film from somber drama to a bizarre blend of horror-comedy. This abrupt tonal shift not only disrupts the film's established rhythm but also undermines the credibility of its world. Scott's directorial prowess shines through in visual storytelling, yet even the film's stunning landscapes, shot in Northern Italy, cannot mask its overarching sense of ennui.

Ultimately, while the film's cast delivers strong performances, they are hindered by a lack of character development and engaging dialogue. "The Dog Stars" ends up relying heavily on its actors’ charisma and Scott's visual flair, yet it remains a missed opportunity to explore deeper themes of survival and humanity in an unforgiving world.

Source: variety.com