The end of the world was just the beginning as one of the greats makes his triumphant return to the world of sci-fi action to deliver one of the biggest surprises of the year. Best known for changing the science fiction landscape forever thanks to the genre masterpieces Alien and Blade Runner, director Ridley Scott hurls us into his own western-infused post-apocalypse, with the first reactions hailing the movie as “gruelling,” “impressive,” and surprisingly optimistic considering the subject matter.
Based on the best-selling, critically acclaimed 2012 novel of the same name by Peter Heller, The Dog Stars features an all-star cast led by Euphoria and Frankenstein star Jacob Elordi and including Josh Brolin (Dune), Margaret Qualley (The Substance), and Guy Pearce (Memento) among the supporting players. The post-apocalyptic action thriller follows a survivor of a deadly pandemic as he traverses a desolate, dangerous landscape to find the origin of a mysterious radio transmission. Following its world premiere at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London, the first reactions have begun to emerge, with praise being heaped once again on Ridley Scott’s affinity for blockbuster movie making.
THE DOG STARS is soothing and gruelling.
A western set at the end of the world with a big heart. Some intense FURY ROAD energy mixed with quiet campfires under the stars.
Acoustic guitars, Josh Brolin smoking cigars, and a dog.
Ridley Scott knows what we want.
Further reactions call The Dog Stars “a surprisingly humble and emotionally weighted change of pace for the director,” while applauding the performances from Oscar-nominees Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin and highlighting the “impressive” cinematography. The Dog Stars has seemingly taken many by surprise, with the movie perhaps not quite getting the attention you’d expect from Ridley Scott’s sci-fi action return. However, this could well work in its favor, has many have been left pleasantly surprised, with another reaction stating that The Dog Stars “has proven yet again that his finger is on the pulse when it comes to current themes. A warm, human, post-apocalyptic drama about the need for community. Slow, but consistently engaging, with smart editing.”
While not everyone was as enamored (one reaction called it “Far better than expected” and “surprisingly optimistic,” but added “Ridley is largely on autopilot”), the consensus, at least, so far, has been extremely positive, with a final reaction declaring it a “unique” installment in the post-apocalypse genre.
Really enjoyed The Dog Stars. It’s quiet and contemplative, which I didn’t expect, with unexpected moments of ferocity and violence. The score is particularly beautiful, the cast is excellent and I think Ridley Scott has created something unique. And there’s a wonderful dog!
While Ridley Scott’s most recent cinematic effort, 2024’s Gladiator II, was met with solid reviews, many felt that it didn’t quite reach the heights the filmmaker is rightly associated with. Thankfully, it looks like The Dog Stars will offer something warmly familiar-yet-uniquely different for the director when it hits theaters on Aug. 28, 2026.
- Release Date
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August 28, 2026
- Runtime
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100 Minutes
