David Ayer made a Brad Pitt survival film about a dog, and critics are calling it a love story — 96% so far
The Hollywood Reporter calls it one of the most moving love stories in a long time. It runs 101 minutes and opens on 25 September.
It's not every day you see Brad Pitt starring in a film about a bloke and his dog braving the wilds, but that's exactly what Heart of the Beast delivers—whether you were ready for it or not.
This one comes courtesy of director David Ayer, who, for once, isn't diving into guns-blazing machismo, but has gone downright sentimental. The early reviews have been rolling in, and, frankly, a lot of critics didn't see this approach coming. Forget gritty crime stuff—Ayer's latest is a survival film that people are calling, without a trace of irony, a love story.
Heart of the Beast scored an eye-opening 96% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics' first 25 takes.
Not Just a Dog Movie
Several big-name reviewers are insisting, in various ways, that Heart of the Beast is less a heart-pounder and more of a heart-melter. Frank Scheck over at The Hollywood Reporter spells it out plainly, calling it "one of the most moving" love stories he's seen in a while—yes, even if it's about a man and his dog. Laura Clifford of Reeling Reviews agrees, saying the film is all about the connection between James (Pitt's character, in case you hadn't clocked it) and Odin, his German Shepherd, and that their bond practically jumps off the screen.
Here's how Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter put it: "Don't be fooled. Heart of the Beast is actually a love story, and one of the most moving to come along in a long time. That it's a love story between a man and his dog doesn't at all detract from its emotional impact."
Predictable, Maybe—Effective, Absolutely
I won't say it's universal praise—some reckon it plays things a bit safe and familiar. Carla Hay (Culture Mix) basically calls it a tug-at-the-heartstrings affair with a “predictable but effective” plot. So if you're after a completely groundbreaking take on lost-in-the-wilderness, you might be barking up the wrong tree.
Grant Watson over at Fiction Machine says this one doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it’s honest about what it is, and does the job so well, even self-described “not dog people” are leaving the cinema thoroughly reeled in.
- Director: David Ayer
- Written by: Cameron Alexander
- Starring: Brad Pitt, J.K. Simmons, Anna Lambe
- Runtime: 101 minutes
- Studio: Paramount Pictures
- US release: 25 September 2026
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