The first reactions to Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars have arrived ahead of the film’s theatrical release. Early reactions have highlighted Scott’s direction and the performances, particularly Josh Brolin’s. Meanwhile, several viewers have raised issues with the screenplay. The reactions provide an early picture of what audiences can expect from the post-apocalyptic sci-fi movie.
The Dog Stars’ first reactions are in
Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars has received its first wave of reactions ahead of its August 28 theatrical release. The film premiered in London on August 20, followed by press screenings that allowed attendees to share their initial impressions online. Initial responses have been divided, with Scott’s visual work and Josh Brolin’s performance receiving praise. However, the screenplay has received criticism.
Junior Felix described the film as visually strong, praising Josh Brolin’s performance. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “#TheDogStars is a fine film that at under two hours still feels like its missing something. Ridley Scott knows how to film stunning landscapes, but falls short with a run of the mill post-apocalyptic film that-just-is. Josh Brolin is superb as always and eats up every scene he’s in. I need an grumpy old man film with Brolin and Pearce ASAP!”
Brandon Davis was more favorable toward the film’s latter half. “#TheDogStars felt like it forced from-the-book moments in, drawing it out a bit. That said, the second hour is intense & quite good. The characters are developed well enough to care into wild story turns. Also, get unexpectedly close to Josh Brolin in CoD Zombies short film,” he noted.
Matt Neglia was more critical of the film overall. He explained, “For every smart decision Scott makes behind the camera, the screenplay seems determined to counteract it with a dumb or undercooked one. With Scott cruising on auto-pilot, this is another painfully average offering from a filmmaker that we know is capable of so much more.”
Zach Pope found Scott’s approach more effective as the story progressed. He wrote, “#TheDogStars kinda surprised me? It definitely feels like it’s pulling from a lot of things we’ve already seen in the post-apocalyptic genre, but Ridley Scott slowly brings all of those familiar pieces together into something much more thematically sincere.” He concluded, “Definitely not what I expected from #TheDogStars, but I walked away pleasantly surprised even if I just found it solid. A lowkey recommendation.”
The Dog Stars was written by Mark L. Smith and is based on Peter Heller’s 2012 novel of the same name. Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, and Margaret Qualley lead the cast.
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