Ridley Scott's Post-Apocalyptic Film 'The Dog Stars' Receives Mixed Early Reactions
Early social-media feedback to Ridley Scott's new sci-fi movie, based on Peter Heller's novel, highlights strong visuals but divided opinions on the screenplay.
Ridley Scott's latest feature, The Dog Stars, opened worldwide on Aug. 28 after premiering in London on Aug. 20. The post-apocalyptic science-fiction drama, adapted from Peter Heller's 2012 novel, follows former pilot Hig (Jacob Elordi) and his ex-Marine companion Bangley (Josh Brolin) as they navigate a world devastated by a flu pandemic. The film also stars Margaret Qualley, Alison Janney, Guy Pearce and Benedict Wong, with a screenplay by Mark L. Smith.
Press screenings organized by 20th Century Studios allowed attendees to share brief impressions on social media, while full critic reviews remain under embargo until Aug. 25. Early online comments noted that the movie showcases Scott's characteristic visual style, but reactions to the script were split.
"The visuals are stunning, but the story feels uneven," one viewer wrote.
The release follows Scott's recent projects, including Napoleon (2023) and Gladiator II (2024), and precedes his upcoming adaptation of Treasure Island starring Hugh Jackman.