The Dog Stars

Synopsis: After the world's population has been ravaged by a pandemic, a man lives a lonesome existence in a Colorado airplane hangar with his dog and a dour gunman he has befriended. When a mysterious transmission comes through on the radio while he’s flying his old Cessna, it sparks a hunt for the provenance of the sound. 

Movie Review: 

"The Dog Stars," directed by Ridley Scott and based on the sci-fi novel of the same name, follows a young man navigating a post-pandemic world where most of humanity has perished. He discovers hope and connection amidst the chaos. The film is well-directed with stunning cinematography, featuring some intense and enjoyable action sequences, along with solid performances. However, it does feel a bit dull and slow at times, leaving it feeling somewhat lackluster. Jacob Elordi portrays Hig, a former mechanic turned pilot who must find the will to survive. His tragic backstory adds depth, making him more compelling than many characters in this genre, and his performance is emotional at times. Josh Brolin plays Bangley, a former soldier and Hig's only friend in this desolate world. Their chemistry is fantastic, and Bangley is the most charming and humorous character, truly stealing the show. Margaret Qualley plays Cima, a young woman Hig encounters while searching for a mysterious transmission. She brings a strong presence to the film and is capable of taking care of herself, making her a fitting love interest. Guy Pearce plays Pops, Cima's father, delivering the best performance in the film with heartfelt and emotional moments. There's also an intense and entertaining action scene near the end. Allison Janney portrays Darlene, a bizarre cult leader whose over-the-top portrayal feels out of place, almost like a parody. My main issue is that despite its aim to be an emotional human story, it often drags and can be quite boring, making it a slog to get through. While it's a well-crafted film with good performances, it ultimately falls short as another disappointing entry from Ridley Scott. I rate "The Dog Stars" a 3 out of 5 stars.

Director: Ridley Scott 

Cast: Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Benedict Wong, Ewen Brenner, James Craze, Sam Spruell, Sai Bennet, Alara- Star Khan with Allison Janney and Guy Pearce 

Runtime: 119 Minutes