Why you really want to see The Dog Stars dystopian film with Jacob Elordi and Margaret Qualley

Ridley Scott (of Gladiator and The Martian) behind the camera, Jacob Elordi and Margaret Qualley in front of the camera, and a post-apocalyptic world where almost all of humanity has been wiped out. That sounds like a film that can't possibly fail, right? Well, many film critics think otherwise. The Dog Stars is receiving quite a bit of criticism for its pace, the familiar story, and characters with little depth. Still, we are far from planning to skip this dystopian film. Not every movie needs to consist of two hours of explosions and bloodthirsty survivors. Sometimes you just want to watch Jacob Elordi as he searches for hope and love with his dog.

What is The Dog Stars about?

The Dog Stars, which at first glance sounds like we The Fault in Our Stars are going to watch with dogs, is about the pilot Hig (Jacob Elordi). Nine years after a deadly flu pandemic that resembles corona has wiped out almost the entire world population, he lives with his dog Jasper and survival expert Bangley (Josh Brolin) at an abandoned airport. Their safe place seems like a safe haven. But nothing could be further from the truth. At any moment, an intruder could come in, and Bangley trusts no one. He doesn't want to leave the airport, but Hig? He believes that there is still a better life out there. After picking up a mysterious radio message, he decides to investigate what is going on. On his way to the source of the mystery, he meets Cima (Margaret Qualley). During this journey, Hig discovers that there is more to life than just surviving.

Don't expect a new action movie a la Gladiator

The fact that Ridley Scott directed the film naturally creates expectations. The man behind Gladiator knows better than anyone how to shake a cinema to its foundations. Those who expect The Dog Stars to see two hours of explosions, shootouts, and flying debris may find themselves waiting a long time on the edge of their seats.

The film certainly contains action, but takes its time, especially in the first hour. We see how Hig and Bangley survive, gather supplies, and cope with a world where almost everyone they knew has disappeared. Only later does all hell break loose. That slow pace is exactly what many reviewers criticize, but it can also be the film's strength. The Dog Stars is not just about how to survive a pandemic. The film primarily asks the question of why you would still want to survive when everything you lived for has disappeared.

Jacob Elordi plays not an unreachable heartthrob

We know Jacob Elordi, of course, as the rather problematic Nate from Euphoria, the spoiled Felix from Saltburn , and Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights. Roles in which he is usually handsome, mysterious, and at least a little intimidating. In The Dog Stars he shows a very different side of himself.

His character Hig is not a tough action hero who takes out whole groups of enemies without emotion. He is an ordinary, kind man who mourns his deceased wife and refuses to lose his humanity completely. While Bangley sees every stranger as a threat, Hig continues to search for something good. FilmTotaal even calls it the most sympathetic portrayal of Elordi's career. Not every reviewer is equally enthusiastic about his performance, but for fans, it is interesting to see him in such a vulnerable role. And let's be honest: watching Jacob Elordi for almost two hours is not a huge punishment.

The combination of Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin works well

One thing multiple positive reviews agree on: Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin make a surprisingly good duo. Hig and Bangley could hardly be more different. Hig continues to hope for a better future, while Bangley prefers to pull out his weapons before anyone has even had a chance to say hello. Yet the two need each other. Bangley keeps Hig alive, and Hig ensures that Bangley doesn't become a bitter man who has a weapon as his best friend. It's not the tension, but rather their humor and emotional scenes that make this film.

Dog Jasper may be the real star of The Dog Stars

As if Jacob Elordi and Margaret Qualley weren't enough reasons to watch, there's also dog Jasper. He is not only Hig's loyal companion but also reminds him of his deceased wife and the life he had before the pandemic. While Bangley is mainly concerned with weapons, intruders, and survival plans, Jasper ensures that Hig still has something to love and protect. The Dog Stars The bond between Hig and Jasper thus forms an important emotional part of the film. Moreover, everyone knows that a dog in a post-apocalyptic story immediately doubles the tension. People may be chased, shot at, and nearly eaten without us blinking, but as soon as Jasper takes even one step in the wrong direction, we collectively hold our breath.

so is it too exciting and are you in need of a calm film that emotionally stimulates you? Then.

Did you think The Last of Us is something for you. I, for one, am looking forward to a film with Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, and Margaret Qualley, while a nice dog frolics around. The Dog Stars A film with Jacob Elordi where he plays not an arrogant jerk, but a sweet tough hero? And there's also a dog that steals the show? We definitely want to see that.