A 60something Brad Pitt, of course, headlines this familiar but nevertheless enjoyable drama, although the star is actually the gorgeous Odin, a German Shepherd portrayed by four pooches, depending on what was required: Uber, Seeka, Ryker, and Hondo.
Co-producer/director David Ayer and screenwriter Cameron Alexander’s epic is set in Alaska (but filmed, sometimes obviously, in New Zealand), and opens with Pitt’s retired Special Forces Command Sergeant Major James Belmont and combat dog Odin making camp after James lands his plane by a remote lake. James and his devoted companion suffer from PTSD, with scary flashbacks showing what they’ve barely lived through, and both react with suspicion when they’re approached by a friendly stranger named Watkins (J.K. Simmons in a nice, Oscar-bait bit).
When James attempts to relocate, he suffers a heart attack and crashes the plane, leading to his decision to then trek 58 or so miles to civilisation for help. And whether you’ve seen the trailer or not, you know what to expect, with director Ayer reminding us of his background in action and suspense thrillers during sequences involving treacherous river crossings, attacks by wolves, and further cardiac troubles.
Despite the classic structure and a few choice clichés, this is still entertaining and sweetly moving, with Brad at his underplaying best (and the only human onscreen for much of the narrative), and the dog(s) delivering excellent canine performances.
Good boy(s).
(Heart Of The Beast is now screening at cinemas everywhere)
Follow Fifty+SA on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
