Heart of the Beast Review: An Emotional Ode to Man’s Best Friend
Images courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
Heart of the Beast is the newest film from director David Ayer (Fury, The Beekeeper, and Suicide Squad 2016). It stars Brad Pitt as James Belmont, a former Special Forces officer, alongside Uber, who plays his retired combat dog companion, Odin. Together, they seek refuge and peace in the Alaskan wilderness.
Throughout Heart of the Beast, both characters are shown struggling physically and mentally as the last two survivors of their final mission. We first meet them as they fly into the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska. During this time, we see how heavily they rely on each other to cope with their PTSD and find their place in the world after military service. It is clear that neither of them can ever be the same after what they have experienced, and all they can do is make the best of their situation. However, their plans are turned upside down when their plane crashes unexpectedly, forcing them into one final fight for survival.
What stands out about Heart of the Beast is its relatively small cast. With only two other supporting characters the film primarily focuses on the relationship and unbreakable bond between a man and his loyal companion and how that bond strengthens their resolve when they become stranded. Though some of these moments can be impacted by the presence of several plot conveniences within the script. As an example, the opening scene establishes itself as a flash-forward to the end of the film. This scene helps defuse some tension throughout the film as we have a rough idea of where certain characters will end up and is helpful for the film in this instance as it could have been extremely easy to play up the suspense throughout the film for cheap emotional moments. However, there are certain moments in the film where characters should have been incapacitated or even killed but they survive because the plot demands they do. Without going into spoilers there are a few moments like this throughout Heart of the Beast but luckily the film moves at a fast pace that you can quickly move on.
Despite these shortcomings, there is still a lot to enjoy about Heart of the Beast. The onscreen relationship between James and Odin is believable and emotionally engaging, and ultimately the relationship between the two main characters makes this film work with the conclusion giving a satisfying and emotional payoff. The decision to film on location in Otago and Fiordland adds a great deal of atmosphere, effectively bringing the Alaskan setting to life through stunning scenery.
The ending also provides a satisfying farewell to the characters while paying tribute to the real-life service dogs that inspired the film. While Heart of the Beast is not without its flaws, its heartfelt central relationship, beautiful cinematography, and emotional conclusion make it an enjoyable survival drama.
Heart of the Beast is screening in cinemas now. For more information and tickets, click here.
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