NEWS

Based on the 2012 book by Peter Heller, “The Dog Stars” takes place in a post-apocalyptic Colorado and centers on Hig, played by Jacob Elordi. Along with his friend Bangley, played by Josh Brolin, Hig, a mechanic and pilot, has been surviving by scavenging supplies and creating a fortress against pillagers.

While facing limited resources and violent survivors, Hig hears a radio broadcast telling of a potential safe haven and decides to investigate, leading him to find Cima, played by Margaret Qualley, and Pops, played by Guy Pearce. Their stories and survival become intertwined, progressing to a new chapter in this new world.

Taking place a significant time after the apocalypse, “The Dog Stars” focuses heavily on the societal fallout and resulting desperation of the survivors. With some exceptions, most people are not keen on trusting each other for fear of an attack. Bangley typifies this anxiety, yet this character has some emotional awakening, adeptly played by Brolin. Though Hig's charm often helps people loosen up, most are still wary of strangers. Jacob Elordi gives an emotional performance as Hig. Having lost his wife and unborn child shortly before the apocalypse, Hig has very little left to hold onto. Despite the devastation, he still manages to be lighthearted and charming when interacting with others in an attempt to hold onto remnants of a more civilized time.

The film reveals different groups of survivors, from those locked away to those in communities, some of which have devolved to barbaric means of survival. This eclectic mix of characters adds interest and suspense to the film, and certainly makes the audience wonder which group they would fall into. Allison Janney and Benedict Wong are excellent as leaders of very different collectives.

“The Dog Stars,” however, does suffer from some pacing issues. Many of the events happen in waves with heavy emphasis on the aftermath. This makes for a heavy contrast between brief moments of intensity and long scenes of characters silently pondering their situation, the resulting whiplash hindering the film instead of elevating it. Still an interesting film, “The Dog Stars” tells a compelling story of grief and desperation. Despite some of the pacing difficulty, audiences won't regret going to see it, but most people may wish to wait until its streaming release.

6/10

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