Thescreescore – Veteran auteur Ridley Scott, a titan of cinematic storytelling, faces an unexpected critical hurdle with his latest sci-fi thriller, The Dog Stars. Adapted from Peter Heller’s celebrated post-apocalyptic novel, the film, which Scott himself boldly declared "probably the best movie I’ve done since The Martian," has debuted to a reception that has officially marked a significant Rotten Tomatoes record for the director, earning his lowest critical score in the last six years.
The narrative plunges audiences into a world decimated by an influenza pandemic, following the arduous journey of Hig (Jacob Elordi) and Bangley (Josh Brolin), two of humanity’s dwindling survivors. They navigate the perilous remnants of civilization in a desperate search for meaning and a brighter future. Despite the compelling premise and Scott’s formidable reputation, the initial critical consensus, reflected in a 44% Rotten Tomatoes score, paints a stark contrast to the filmmaker’s own high expectations.
This critical performance places The Dog Stars not only as Scott’s lowest-rated film of the 2020s, falling notably below Napoleon‘s 58%, but also as his most critically divisive project in over a decade. Its 44% rating surpasses only 2014’s Exodus: Gods and Kings, which garnered a 29%.
Related Post
Despite the overall critical apprehension, certain elements of The Dog Stars have garnered praise. The performances of lead actors Jacob Elordi and Margaret Qualley, alongside the film’s striking visual aesthetic, are frequently cited as standout achievements. However, the primary criticisms revolve around the film’s perceived lack of originality within the post-apocalyptic genre, often accused of recycling established tropes rather than innovating. Many reviewers also pointed to the adaptation’s departure from the novel’s intimate first-person narrative, suggesting this shift diluted the emotional depth and the protagonist Hig’s profound sense of grief.
In a nuanced take from thescreescore.com, staff writer Jordan William acknowledged that while the narrative might not be "groundbreaking," it still delivered an "entertaining, visually stunning ride with a refreshing focus on hope." William argued that despite its reliance on familiar post-apocalyptic clichés, the film effectively "drives home these themes on humanity with a heavier hand," ultimately earning a respectable 6 out of 10 stars as a compelling "easy-to-watch adventure among summer blockbuster fare" amidst the season’s blockbusters.
While Scott’s latest thriller is not without its imperfections, the ensemble cast is noted for elevating the material, helping to overcome some of the perceived shortcomings in character development and secondary plotlines. Audiences will have the opportunity to form their own opinions when The Dog Stars arrives in theaters on August 28, 2026.
The Dog Stars (2026)
- Release Date: August 28, 2026
- Runtime: 119 minutes
- Director: Ridley Scott
- Writers: Mark L. Smith
- Producers: Mark L. Smith, Michael A. Pruss, Ridley Scott, Cliff Roberts
- Cast: Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley
Leave a Comment