Elordi and Scott Find Hope in 'The Dog Stars' Amid Mixed Reviews

Key points

• The film, based on Peter Heller’s 2012 novel, is set in a Colorado landscape decimated by a deadly flu, leaving only immune survivors.
• Jacob Elordi plays Hig, a former mechanic and pilot, who searches for resources and meaning alongside his dog Jasper.
• Ridley Scott, 88, states the film aims to offer hope, asserting that humanity will always find a way to restart after catastrophe.
• Elordi notes the film’s themes resonate with current climate anxieties, particularly regarding bushfires in Australia, while also highlighting nature’s capacity for regrowth.
• Critics have offered mixed reviews, with some praising the visual mood and others criticizing the script’s lethargy and lack of conviction.

Background

This release follows the film’s London world premiere in late August 2026, where early reactions were split between praise for the visuals and criticism of the screenplay. Previous coverage noted that the film’s contemplative pace and character-driven approach diverged from Scott’s typical action-heavy epics, leading to varied critical assessments ranging from 'limp' to 'mellow.'

How outlets are covering it

BBC and USA Today highlight the emotional and philosophical core of the film, with Elordi and Scott discussing the privilege of modern life and the importance of hope. The New Yorker focuses on the literary origins, detailing author Peter Heller’s influences, including Melville and Tang Dynasty poetry, and his openness to the adaptation’s creative changes. Critics, however, remain divided; The Guardian and Empire found the film 'limp' and unconvincing, while The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline praised its 'mellow' tone and strong performances, particularly Elordi’s emotional center.

Why it matters

The film serves as a cultural mirror for contemporary anxieties regarding climate change and pandemic recovery. By juxtaposing apocalyptic destruction with scenes of natural regrowth, it challenges audiences to reflect on resilience and the fundamental value of daily life, a theme that resonates with both the cast’s personal experiences and the broader public discourse on survival and hope.

What to watch

The film is currently in UK cinemas and will continue its global rollout. Ridley Scott is set to begin filming 'Treasure Island' with Hugh Jackman this fall and will receive an honorary Academy Award on November 15. Meanwhile, author Peter Heller is promoting his work, and the film’s reception will likely influence future adaptations of literary post-apocalyptic works.