The Reel Review
A retired Army Special Forces officer and his retired combat dog must endure injuries, harsh terrain, extreme weather and wild animal attacks during a grueling 58-mile trek back to civilization after their plane crashes in the remote Alaskan wilderness. Brad Pitt, J.K. Simmons and Anna Lambe star in this survival thriller.
At its core, Heart of the Beast is a very literal love letter to working dogs and their unyielding loyalty to the humans who care for them. The film’s three main stars – a top-of-his-game Pitt; Uber, an exceptional canine with sad, soulful eyes who plays Odin; and the gorgeous but unforgiving wilderness (New Zealand stands in as Alaska) – are all spectacular and awe-inspiring.
There isn’t much story – just a man and his beloved dog trying to survive – but then again, in a survival drama like this, the journey IS the story. The animal CGI, military flashbacks and cinematography are all well done, even if some of the action strains believability. Dog owners, brace yourself for a cascade of tears in that beautifully moving and surprising finale.
REEL FACTS
• Canadian Anna Lambe is the great-great-granddaughter of filmmaker Robert J. Flaherty, director of 1922’s Nanook of the North. She stars in the Netflix comedy series North of North, set in her hometown of Iqaluit, Nunavut.
• Director David Ayer worked with Brad Pitt in 2014’s Fury and with JK Simmons in 2005’s Harsh Times.
• Odin was played by Uber, a New Zealand search and rescue German Shepherd. Pitt says Uber was the true star of the movie, and that filming with him was a deeply moving experience.
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