(Image Source: Esquire)
Prolific director Ridley Scott is set to deliver his new post-apocalyptic sci-fi film "The Dog Stars" this summer, with the first official stills released tonight via Esquire magazine. The film boasts a strong ensemble cast, featuring Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce (who previously collaborated with Scott on the "Alien" prequel series), and Kai H. Huang.
"The Dog Stars" is penned by Mark L. Smith, screenwriter of "Twisters," and is an adaptation of Peter Heller's 2012 novel of the same name. It is slated for an August 28 release in North America.
(Image Source: Esquire)
Coincidentally, and somewhat awkwardly, a wave of early reactions from test screenings for "The Dog Stars" emerged yesterday, and these reviews are largely unfavorable. Foreign outlet World of Reel reported that "The Dog Stars" has held several test screenings since last October, but audience and media feedback has consistently been "boring." Renowned American film critic and journalist Jeff Sneider stated directly on his blog, The InSneider, that while the art direction and performances were excellent, the plot was too bland, lacked direction, had a vague theme, and its exploration of the meaning of life was tedious.
Sneider also shared feedback he received privately from a friend after watching the film, who felt that while they truly didn't want to say it, it was time for Ridley Scott to retire, even if he wouldn't want to.
(Image Source: Esquire)
Set in the near future, the film depicts an unnamed pandemic that has ravaged American society. Civilian pilot Hig, his dog, and Benley, a hardened former Marine, live a solitary existence at an abandoned Colorado Air Force base.
Despite their clashing personalities, they rely on each other to fend off roving intruders. When a randomly transmitted signal is picked up by the radio in Hig's 1956 Cessna, its sound ignites a spark of hope in him, a longing to leave the strictly controlled borders and find a better life beyond. Hig decides to risk everything, flying beyond the border guided by this faint message in search of new hope. Elordi plays Hig, Brolin portrays Benley, while Qualley and Pearce play a father-daughter duo living on a ranch.