Ridley Scott's 'The Dog Stars' Got Only 39% on RT: Is It Really That Bad? (Spoiler, Yes)

From Alien and Blade Runner to Gladiator and The Martian, Ridley Scott's filmography is full of masterpieces that have redefined genre cinema. So, news of his new post-apocalyptic thriller, The Dog Stars, sparked genuine interest.

However, when the first reviews appeared online, it became clear that this was one of the most disappointing projects of Scott's career. We explore why The Dog Stars failed and whether it's really as bad as people say.

What Is 'The Dog Stars' About?

The story is set in the near future after a global pandemic wiped out most of humanity. Hig, a mechanic and pilot, lost his wife in the early days of the disaster. He now survives the harsh conditions of the post-apocalyptic world with his dog and former Marine, Bangley.

They spend their days flying a small plane in search of provisions and supplies, and their nights constantly on alert to repel attacks by marauders and other scum of the earth.

One day, Hig picks up a radio signal from Grand Junction, a town where civilized life is rumored to still exist. Hoping for a better future, he sets out on a dangerous journey through the devastated lands.

'The Dog Stars' Main Flaw Is Its Complete Lack of Emotional Depth

Jacob Elordi tries to portray the deep emotional pain of a man who has lost his wife, but his performance remains on the surface. The creators show Hig visiting his old home and wandering through his bedroom, however, these scenes are not enough for us to truly connect with his grief.

He hints at suicidal thoughts a couple of times, but these moments feel more like scripted clichés than genuine emotion. Consequently, the man remains cold and distant, and his tragedy fails to evoke sympathy or understanding.

The situation is even worse for Margaret Qualley's character: Cima is a one-dimensional character whose sole purpose is to be the protagonist's love interest. She has no character, goals, or inner life of her own, and her presence adds no drama or tension to the story.

The romantic arc between Hig and Cima, which was supposed to be the movie's emotional center, develops so hastily and unconvincingly that it feels completely contrived.

Only Josh Brolin's character, the stern, sarcastic, and reliable Bangley, stands out: he lives by his own rules, cracks caustic jokes, and commands respect for his competence. However, he gets woefully little screen time.

Ridley Scott Falls Short Even in Terms of Action & Visuals – They're Dull and Bland

Ridley Scott is known for his stunning visual aesthetic, which can transform a weak script into a spectacular event, however, The Dog Stars lacks even this saving grace.

The film lacks the visionary flair for which the director is renowned – the few action scenes are poorly staged.

Furthermore, The Dog Stars is derivative and offers nothing new to the genre. Comparing it to post-apocalyptic classics like 28 Days Later, The Road, or Children of Men is pointless – they're in different leagues entirely.

Low critical acclaim and lackluster box office results are the logical outcomes of a project that attempted to exploit a popular genre without investing soul, originality, or craftsmanship into it.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Dog Stars'?

• The Dog Stars has 39% from critics and 71% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 6.5/10.

• On Letterboxd, The Dog Stars scored 2.9/5.0.

Where to Watch 'The Dog Stars'?

The Dog Stars is currently playing in theaters.