Heart of the Beast

My first question with any film featuring a canine: “Does the dog die?” When animals appear my film critic armor disappears. I spend the whole show worrying about the animal’s fate, too distracted to enjoy or evaluate anything else. So points to writer Cameron Alexander and Director David Ayer in Heart of the Beast. They tell me right away: the dog lives. However, this does not mean I can relax. Furry star Uber as Oden shares the screen with Brad Pitt, whose fate remains uncertain throughout the film. Pitt plays a retired soldier who likes risk and prefers avoiding society. He puts himself and his beloved dog in harm’s way by flying his pontoon plane into remote Alaskan territory, so no surprise when he gets into trouble. The plane crashes, setting the duo on a 58-mile journey across wilderness to the nearest road. Echoes of Rambo, The Revenant, and All is Lost surface as man and dog battle nature and find ways to survive. These challenges feel familiar to movies set in Alaska—a bear, wolves, and one of those raging rivers to fall into while trying to cross from high above. Pitt adds to those visuals, looking tough and capable with his usual screen magnetism.  The dog ups the ante with big brown eyes and a cock of the head that indicates he understands everything. Neither character displays a wide emotional range, instead defined by their bond and resilient quest for survival. As such, Heart of the Beast offers minimal plotting or depth, instead favoring physical obstacles made easier to watch since (spoiler alert) the dog lives.