Ridley Scott's 'The Dog Stars' Splits Critics at Early Screenings
Early press screenings of Ridley Scott's new sci-fi thriller 'The Dog Stars' have generated mixed reactions, with some praising its human drama and performances while others criticize its pacing and screenplay.
Ridley Scott’s latest science-fiction thriller, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin, premiered in London on Aug. 20, 2026, ahead of its wide release on Aug. 28. The film, adapted from Peter Heller’s 2012 novel, follows a civilian pilot and a former Marine as they survive in a world devastated by a pandemic.
Early reactions from critics and industry observers are sharply divided. Some reviewers highlighted the film’s emotional focus and the chemistry between Elordi and Brolin. Film on Tap’s Tom Chatalbash described it as “a highly entertaining and achingly raw post-apocalyptic knockout that leans far more human than apocalypse,” and called it one of Scott’s stronger recent works. Gavin Spoors noted that “Scott has proven yet again that his finger is on the pulse when it comes to current themes.”
MovieWeb’s deputy editor Rob Sperduto called the movie “surprisingly optimistic” and suggested a longer cut might improve the pacing, while lead features editor Charlie Papadopoulos said it is “thoroughly entertaining and emotional, though occasionally heavy-handed.”
Other critics were less favorable. Matt Neglia of Next Best Picture wrote, “The Dog Stars is yet another example of how Scott is only as good as the screenplay he’s given,” and Adam Patla labeled the screenplay “heavy-handed,” calling the film “well-made but utterly soulless.” The HoloFiles compared it unfavorably to other post-apocalyptic titles, calling it “painfully generic.”
The divergent views suggest that while the film may appeal to audiences seeking character-driven drama, its narrative execution may limit broader critical acclaim.