Heart of the Beast is a triumph! It strips away filler and distractions to create a beautiful story about one man and his incredible service dog. Even the toughest of viewers will be melted by this film.
If you are craving a good one-man-and-his-dog film, then David Ayerâs Heart of the Beast is the film youâve been looking for. In a very specific genre that often feels oversaturated, Heart of the Beast stands out as unique, engaging, and emotional. The simple concept strengthens the filmâs message and creates an incredible impact. This makes Heart of the Beast a must-watch. The one element that loses the one-man-and-his-dog filmâs viewers is the dogâs fate. Director David Ayer has already confirmed the outcome, so I will spoil it for you now: Odin, the stunning German Shepherd, survives the film. However, that doesnât mean you can leave the tissues at home. Read on for my review â there will be some spoilers.
THE STORY
James Belmont (Brad Pitt) is an Army Special Forces veteran seeking a peaceful life with his retired military dog, Odin (Uber). Together, they explore the Alaskan wilderness, eating, playing, and healing together. Their lives are so at odds with their past, which flickers out in flashbacks. Belmont, armed to the teeth, opts, more often than not, to lower his weapons and appreciate the nature around him, even ticking off birds in a bird-spotting book. So at odds with the wartime flashbacks. There is a lot of joy in their simple way of life, that is, until Belmont suffers a heart attack mid-flight and his plane crashes to the ground.
Their peaceful life becomes a difficult survival mission that pushes them to their limits. The wilderness proves to be one of the greatest adversaries, brutal and unyielding. Heart of the Beast puts both the characters and the audience in tense situations, made even more unbearable by the inseparable bond between Belmont and Odin. Itâs a challenging watch, but it will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, flicking between fear, anxiety, and joy. For such a simple survival narrative, it sure packs an emotional punch.
A SIMPLE NARRATIVE
One of the best things about Heart of the Beast is its simple narrative; it avoids padding and subplots that would detract from the main message: how incredible service animals are. This may be a Brad Pitt film, and believe me, he deserves all the praise for his performance; it is a career best. However, Uber as Odin is the protagonist. Not only do we see the PTSD he is suffering from, but we also explore the way he copes, heals, fights, and protects. No bond between human and animal is stronger than the one showcased in Heart of the Beast.
It is beautiful and heart-wrenching to watch, perfectly balanced. Beyond the characters, we explore the Alaskan wilderness, played by New Zealandâs South Island. Â The rugged, harsh terrain is beautifully depicted, creating a realism that can only be achieved by filming on location. It brings audiences closer to the action, making every bear, wolf, or mountain encounter even more adrenaline-inducing. Audiences arenât simply viewing the film; they are engaging, grasping, covering, and truly in the action with Pitt and Uber. A wonderfully unique experience.
VERDICT
Overall, Heart of the Beast is a triumph! It strips away filler and distractions to create a beautiful story about one man and his incredible service dog. Even the toughest of viewers will be melted by this film. Many will leave the cinema in desperate need of a hug from Uber. The film sheds light on the thousands of military dogs who have served throughout history. It showcases their incredible bravery, loyalty, and loving hearts. Heart of the Beast leaves an impact that you wouldnât get from any other survivor movie. A must-watch.
Heart of the Beast brings the survival story to cinemas on September 25.
Darcie Gray is the Fashion Editor of The Future of the Force. Aside from being a passionate Star Wars fan, she loves every genre of movies and she channels her passion for film into her personal blog Just Another Film Blog. Follow her on Twitter where she shares her love of film regularly.
