The Dog Stars

8/26/2026

Life in a post-apocalyptic world is a common theme in movies (especially, if you believe what’s published in the media, the increasing prospect that such an outcome may be coming closer to a reality than any of us might like). In many cases, these films follow the experiences of a resourceful, innovative protagonist who quietly but skillfully struggles to survive, successfully managing to fend off foes while cerebrally wrestling with feelings about what’s been lost. That scenario is apparent once again in this latest release from legendary director Ridley Scott. Unfortunately, however, this is not one of the filmmaker’s better efforts, a blatantly uneven production that gets things right in some regards but woefully misses the mark in others. Based on the 2012 novel of the same name by Pet

8/29/2026

What a great movie!! One of those worth seeing in the theater—and one that leaves you hoping for a sequel! Great story, great actors, great direction! No racial quotas, no trendy interracial couples, and no gender issues shoved down our throats—in short, no “woke” garbage! A breath of fresh air. I want more of this. I highly recommend it! I’m looking forward to a sequel!

8/30/2026

Check out my full review @ https://www.manuelsbento.com/the-dog-stars-2026-ridley-scotts-gorgeous-grief-stricken-post-apocalypse-never-quite-takes-flight/ Rating: C+ THE DOG STARS is a gorgeous, contemplative post-apocalyptic thriller that never fully earns its two-hour runtime. Ridley Scott finds real tenderness in a story about grief, isolation, and the fragile work of learning to hope again, and the ensemble cast sells that journey beautifully. But the screenplay leans too hard on familiar genre beats and repetitive detours, leaving even its most striking visuals feeling more decorative than purposeful. A film that looks and sounds wonderful, but rarely says anything new.

9/3/2026

In a world where a flu virus has wiped out most of the human population, mechanic-cum-pilot "Hig" (Jacob Elordi) lives on a remote farm with his world-weary pal "Bangley" (Josh Brolin). He makes occassional sorties with his beloved dog "Jasper" into town (think "Omega Man" - 1971) for supplies and to reminisce at the home he shared with his late wife and unborn bairn but is spotted from the ground as he returns home one day and a violent tragedy ensues. That galvanises him to set off in his plane to find the town of Grand Rapids from where he has had intermittent radio contact over the years. It's at the extreme edge of his range, though, and so it's no great suprise when his aircraft blows a gasket and he finds himself crash-landed in a field. Luckily, that just happens to be adjacent to