Ridley Scott Takes Flight After the Fall: The Dog Stars Review

This The Dog Stars review starts with a simple fact: Ridley Scott has made a post-apocalyptic film that cares more about loneliness than explosions. Jacob Elordi leads a small cast through a quiet, beautiful ruin. It is not always as gripping as its premise suggests, but it has real heart.

The Dog Stars Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Dog Stars plot begins after a pandemic has ravaged the world's population. Hig (Jacob Elordi) lives in a Colorado airplane hangar with his dog and Bangley (Josh Brolin), a dour gunman he has befriended. Their days are built around survival, routine and the occasional flight in Hig's old Cessna.

Then a mysterious transmission crackles over the radio while Hig is in the air. That faint voice sparks a hunt for where it came from. The film turns from daily endurance into a journey with a purpose, and the story keeps its focus on hope rather than horror.

If you like your Sci-Fi movie reviews on the thoughtful side, this setup will feel familiar but welcoming. The film is based on a simple idea: at the end of the world, no one survives alone.

What Works in The Dog Stars

The biggest strength is mood. Scott treats the empty landscape as a character, and the aerial scenes give the film a sense of freedom that most apocalypse stories lack. Flying becomes Hig's one escape from grief.

The film also finds tenderness in small moments. A man talking to his dog, a radio left on in the dark, a memory of a lost home: these touches carry more weight than the bigger set pieces.

• Striking, wide-open visuals that make good use of the Colorado setting

• A grief-driven story that gives the genre some emotional grounding

• A steady, patient tone that lets quiet scenes breathe

Audience reaction on TMDB sits at 7.2/10 from 791 votes, which fits the film's solid, if divisive, appeal.

The Dog Stars Cast and Performances

The Dog Stars cast is its calling card. Jacob Elordi plays Hig with a wounded softness, and he is convincing as a man who has learned to live inside his own silence. He carries the film without needing speeches.

Josh Brolin is a good counterweight as Bangley, all gravel and suspicion. Their odd-couple bond gives the early scenes their spark. Margaret Qualley (Cima), Guy Pearce (Pops), Benedict Wong (Aaron) and Allison Janney (Darlene) round out a supporting group that adds colour to the wider world.

The Dog Steals Moments Too

Hig's canine companion adds warmth and stakes. Even in a bleak setting, the animal keeps the film human.

Where The Dog Stars Stumbles

The film is not as sharp as its setting. At 119 minutes, it can feel stretched, and some detours repeat ideas we have already seen. Viewers who have watched other lone-survivor stories may spot the beats coming.

Some critics also felt the striking images are more decorative than purposeful. That is a fair complaint: the film looks wonderful but rarely says anything new about loss or survival. Under Ridley Scott, an action and thriller veteran, you may expect more tension than you get. For more genre picks, browse our Action movie reviews.

For background on the production, the film's IMDb page lists the full credits.

Is The Dog Stars Worth Watching?

Yes, if you want a reflective, well-acted post-apocalyptic drama rather than a loud survival thriller. The performances and visuals are worth the ticket, even when the script drifts.

The story is familiar, and the pacing asks for patience. But Scott's craft and Elordi's quiet lead keep it engaging. Think of it as a mood piece with a mystery at its centre. The Dog Stars release date is 26 August 2026, and the film is rated R.

Who Will Enjoy The Dog Stars

• Fans of slow-burn, character-led apocalypse stories

• Viewers who like Ridley Scott's visual style and big-screen landscapes

• Anyone drawn to Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin and Margaret Qualley