Heart of the Beast – Movie Review
There’s a good survival film buried inside Heart of the Beast, but it never quite breaks free from its familiar beats. David Ayer strips things back for a quieter, more reflective story, following former Special Forces soldier James Belmont (Brad Pitt) after a plane crash leaves him stranded in the Alaskan wilderness with his retired military dog, Odin. It’s part survival thriller, part character study, even if the balance between the two never fully clicks.
Brad Pitt does exactly what you’d expect from a role like this. He’s understated, believable and carries much of the film through long stretches of silence, letting exhaustion and regret do most of the talking. The real standout, though, is the relationship between James and Odin. Their trust in each other becomes the emotional centre of the film, and it’s easily what keeps you invested when the story starts treading familiar ground.
Visually, it’s hard to fault. The icy mountains, dense forests and freezing rivers create a constant sense of isolation, making every step through the wilderness feel earned. Ayer leans into the harshness of nature rather than turning it into an action playground, which gives the survival sequences a grounded, almost old-school feel.
The biggest issue is that the story unfolds exactly as you’d expect. It feels beat for beat at times, and while there are moments that hint at something more emotionally devastating, the film rarely takes that extra step. It’s caught somewhere between Cast Away and The Revenant, borrowing pieces from both without finding its own distinct identity.
Still, there’s enough here to make it worthwhile. Strong performances, beautiful cinematography and a genuine emotional connection between man and dog carry Heart of the Beast across the finish line, even if it never becomes the unforgettable survival drama it seems to be reaching for.
Heart of the Beast is in Australian cinemas September 24
