Fi Thriller Fiercely Divides Critics in First Reactions
MovieWeb • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Ridley Scott returns to sci-fi with The Dog Stars, an adaptation of Peter Heller's novel, focusing on a post-apocalyptic world where a pilot and an ex-Marine navigate survival and human connection after a global pandemic.
- The film premiered in London on August 20, 2026, with a theatrical release scheduled for August 28, 2026, generating mixed early reviews from critics and audiences.
- Praise centers on the movie's emotional depth, strong cast chemistry between Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin, and its grounded human drama amidst post-apocalyptic violence.
- Criticisms highlight sluggish pacing, a bloated runtime, and a screenplay perceived as underdeveloped or derivative, with some reviewers calling the story generic and lacking soul.
- Overall, The Dog Stars is seen as an ambitious but divisive film, with some considering it among Scott's best recent work while others feel it falls short due to its narrative execution.
