'I finally like a David Ayer film': first reactions to Heart of the Beast say Brad Pitt's dog steals it
Early reactions to Brad Pitt’s reunion with Fury director David Ayer single out his combat dog Odin. The film opens in UK cinemas on 25 September.
Right, if you thought Brad Pitt was done living dangerously after Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, think again. The bloke's back with yet another title fight—this time in Heart of the Beast, and honestly, the buzz is already sounding pretty decent. Pitt reunites with David Ayer, the director behind Fury (their grimly entertaining WWII tank drama), hoping to recapture a bit of critical goodwill that's been missing from Ayer's last two outings—let's just say, The Beekeeper and A Working Man did not exactly set reviewers' hair on fire.
Heart of the Beast lands in UK cinemas on 25 September—early reviews have been much kinder to Ayer this time out.
Man, Dog and the Alaskan Wilds
Here's the setup: Pitt plays James Belmont, a battered ex-Special Forces bloke who survives a plane crash somewhere in the most miserable bit of Alaska you can imagine. With him? His loyal war dog, Odin. Cue 100 minutes of extremely bleak survival—nature, wolves, most likely snow, you know the drill. But apparently, what sets this survival tale apart isn't the usual action bombast: instead, it's the emotional bond between Pitt and his canine co-star that’s getting people in their feelings. The basic premise is as stripped-back as it gets, just a man and his four-legged mate against the elements, which seems to be working wonders for those who like a bit of existential grit with their popcorn.
The dog, by all accounts, nearly walks off with the film. Critics are unanimous: bring tissues, especially if you’ve got even a shred of affection left for man’s best friend. Pitt does the stoic thing as usual, but pretty much every early review singles out the dog’s performance—no joke—for being astonishingly emotional.
First Reactions: Bring Tissues
Luke Hearfield, not exactly known for over-the-top sentiment, actually went full-on with the emotional praise after watching:
Here's what British critic Luke Hearfield had to say just after his screening: "The day has arrived where I finally like, maybe even love, a David Ayer film. I am a wreck after watching HEART OF THE BEAST. A simple story but impeccably well executed. One man and his dog face the elements in this brutal tale of survival. Thrilling set pieces, luscious scenery and plenty of heart thanks to the wholly relatable connection between Pitt and his dog Odin. Pitt is great but there’s some heart-tugging dog acting going on in this film. I had a lump in my throat for the last 20 mins. If you’re a dog-lover, watch out, I was a mess by the end."
Joe Magidson pointed out the movie goes a bit minimal on character depth but is still effective, especially if you’re, well, dog-obsessed (to be fair, who isn't?). He said it was "suitably intense", made quite good use of a Stephen Wilson Jr. song, and yes, he also cried. Brandon Davis (of The Brandon Davis Show) threw around phrases like "emotionally vicious story", and he wasn't alone. Everyone’s got their hankies out for this one.
- Brad Pitt as James Belmont (adds 'survivalist' to his already long list)
- Odin the combat dog – reportedly does the best acting of the pair, depending which critic you ask
If you were wondering, yes, Heart of the Beast will be knocking around UK cinemas beginning 25 September. Pitt, a dog, the wilds—what could possibly go wrong?
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