Ridley Scott's The Dog Stars boasts stunning cinematography and a strong supporting cast, but slow pacing and a disjointed story keep this adaptation grounded.
With little in the way of original material these days, more often than not, films are remakes of past movies, sequels/franchises, or adaptations of best-selling novels. However, just because a novel is critically acclaimed and/or sells a million copies worldwide doesn't necessarily mean it will make a good film. Case in point, World War Z, the Percy Jackson films, the 1984 Dune movie, etc. Often, because novels are so long, details and/or characters need to be excluded or, because of special effects/budget limitations, plots need to be altered. The latest disappointing film adaptation is this week's Ridley Scott-directed feature film, The Dog Stars.
Hig (Jacob Elordi; Wuthering Heights) lives at an abandoned airport with his dog, Jasper, and Bangley (Josh Brolin; Avengers: Endgame), a retired Marine with defense and tactical knowledge. Together, they live quietly after a flu pandemic wiped out most of the human race, including Hig's wife and unborn child. Hig, who can fly a plane, goes on supply runs and reconnaissance missions looking for "reavers," other survivors moving in packs who overtake those who are more vulnerable. When Hig hears a transmission from other survivors, he goes to investigate, but it doesn't turn out to be what he hoped. However, along the way, he meets and befriends Pops (Guy Pearce; L.A. Confidential) and his daughter, Cima (Margaret Qualley; The Substance).
One of the strengths of this film is its cast. Brolin and Pearce are excellent as the elder statesmen of the movie, with Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) taking a smaller role. Allison Janney (I, Tonya) also has a smaller yet memorable role as the leader of one of the many "packs." Elordi is the only one who seems miscast, which is a shame and, dare I say, may be part of the reason for the film's lethargy. He seems less emotional than the other actors, and I didn't feel as if he and Qualley had much chemistry.
However, I'm certainly not accusing Elordi of being the only problem with The Dog Stars. Part of the blame must be given to Scott. As a four-time Oscar nominee, I expected more from him. The pacing is slow and, after getting over the anxiety of the first act, Scott doesn't let the momentum continue to build, but instead deflates it, giving the viewer no reason to continue watching. I think Scott should shy away from the post-apocalyptic world and instead return to outer space and aliens.
The highlight of The Dog Stars for me was all of the flying/soaring/gliding scenes. Cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt (Ferrari) deserves every accolade thrown at him, and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if he were nominated for another Academy Award. Between the visuals and the soundtrack during the flight scenes, my attention was captured, and I was utterly enthralled. The view of the riverbed below from atop the beat-up Cessna airplane is incredible and will leave an indelible mark on my brain.
The screenplay does its best to cram in details from the 336-page novel but, having not read the source material, I can only guess the script rushes some scenes and completely deletes others. Although I can't say anything really seems missing from the film per se, it all just seems a little disjointed.
Since The Dog Stars (which I don't exactly understand what the title has to do with the film) is based on an acclaimed novel and it is definitely a heavy drama, one could wonder if this is 20th Century Studios' attempt at "Oscar bait." Sadly, it falls short in the Best Picture and Best Actor categories but could get nominations in others.
Overall, not Ridley Scott's best work.
Grade: C-
