First Reactions to Ridley Scott’s New Sci-Fi Thriller Divide Critics

Early reactions to Ridley Scott’s apocalyptic feature The Dog Stars have split critics and audiences. Some early viewers praise the movie for its striking visuals, emotional depth, and unusually human perspective on societal collapse. Others point to slow pacing, predictable plot points, and an underdeveloped script, suggesting Scott’s direction surpasses the underlying material.

Supporters view the adaptation as an intimate, character-driven story. Phil Roberts of Future of the Force described the film on X as a “humble and emotionally weighted change of pace” for Scott. MovieWeb critic Rob Sperduto called it a “surprisingly optimistic and sincere post-apocalyptic neo-Western” and praised Jacob Elordi’s vulnerability in the lead role.

Other reviewers delivered harsher assessments. Matt Neglia of Next Best Picture wrote that the screenplay undercuts Scott’s strongest work behind the camera. The HoloFiles labeled the release a generic post-apocalyptic thriller, drawing unfavorable comparisons to The Last of Us and 28 Days Later.

The divide largely reflects differing expectations. Audiences looking for a reflective, deliberate drama found plenty to appreciate, while those anticipating an intense, fast-moving action spectacle walked away disappointed.

What is The Dog Stars about?

Adapted from Peter Heller’s 2012 novel, the story unfolds in the aftermath of a lethal pandemic that wiped out most of the global population. Jacob Elordi stars as Hig, a civilian pilot living on an isolated homestead alongside his dog and Bangley, a hardened former Marine portrayed by Josh Brolin.

Hig and Bangley maintain a fragile partnership centered on defending their perimeter and scanning for other survivors. Everything changes when Hig intercepts a mysterious radio transmission, prompting him to leave their secure base and track down the source of the signal.

Heller’s original novel earned widespread acclaim upon release. The book became a New York Times bestseller and landed on best-of-2012 lists from The Atlantic, The Guardian, and Publishers Weekly.

The film’s supporting cast includes Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, Allison Janney, and Benedict Wong. Scott directs from a script by Mark L. Smith, who previously wrote The Revenant and American Primeval.

The Dog Stars arrives in theaters on Aug. 28.

Source: Polygon