Five reasons why The Dog Stars is a must-watch

1 THE CAST

As is to be expected from a movie by one of the great cinematic masters, Ridley Scott, The Dog Stars boasts an all-star cast, each of whom deliver riveting performances. Leading the way is Euphoria star Jacob Elordi, who’s magnetic as quietly spoken civilian pilot Hig. With a flu pandemic having almost eradicated humanity, Hig survives in a remote rural hideaway alongside grizzled ex-marine Bangley (No Country For Old Men’s Josh Brolin) and his trusty dog Jasper.

Finally tempted to explore beyond their immediate horizons, Hig strikes up a relationship with former Navy Seal, Pops (screen legend Guy Pearce), and also develops a love interest in his daughter Cima, brilliantly played by Once Upon A Time In Hollywood and Blue Moon star Margaret Qualley. Throw in bravura turns from the likes of Alison Janney and Benedict Wong, and you’ve got one of the year’s most exciting casts.

2 RIDLEY SCOTT

One of the most acclaimed filmmakers of all time, Ridley Scott secured his cinematic immortality with the back-to-back masterpieces of 1979’s Alien and 1982’s Blade Runner. In the time since, he has also helmed a further raft of classics, including Thelma & Louise, Gladiator and Prometheus. Incorporating some of the sci-fi elements for which he is renowned, The Dog Stars finds Scott on vintage form.

As well as eliciting top-notch performances form his exalted cast, Scott delivers a series of rip-roaring action scenes – including stunning aerial photography – in addition to a supremely stylish, night-vision battle sequence that immediately takes its place on his career highlights reel.

3 THE STORY

If you’re in the mood for an exhilarating thrill-ride, The Dog Stars is just the ticket. Adapted from Peter Heller’s novel by Mark. L Smith (co-writer of Oscar-winning smash The Revenant), The Dog Stars brilliantly blends elements of western, action and dystopian sci-fi, making for an irresistible high octane mix. At the heart of it all is Hig’s search for a sense of family and home, which ensures the film packs serious emotional punch.

Combined with the rollercoaster set-pieces, and gorgeous photography of rural vistas and rugged mountaintops, it all makes for a memorably immersive cinematic experience.

4 THE MUSIC

Throughout his career, Ridley Scott has used score to masterful effect, with one of the most unforgettable examples being Vangelis’ electronic soundscapes for Blade Runner. On The Dog Stars, Scott has again teamed up with regular composer Harry Gregson-Williams, renowned for his work on a raft of Hollywood classics. As ever, Gregson-Williams provides a series of stirring compositions, adding extra propulsion to The Dog Stars’ action-packed story.

5 THE BUZZ

As a no-holds-barred action flick helmed by a legendary director, and boasting an A-list array of acting talent, The Dog Stars is the kind of cinematic spectacle that gets audiences talking. In the way it subtly touches upon contemporary social concerns and aspects of post-pandemic life, it’s sure to find itself the subject of much cultural conversation. So get in on the ground-floor – and brace yourself for one of the most epic movie experiences of the year.

• The Dog Stars is released on Wednesday, August 26. Get your tickets here. Watch the preview below: