‘The Dog Stars’ Review: Jacob Elordi and Margaret Qualley in Ridley Scott’s Subdued but Pleasingly Soulful Dystopian Western

In Ridley Scott's latest film, "The Dog Stars," the post-apocalyptic America depicted is a dull and uninspired wasteland. Ten years after a deadly flu wiped out most of the population, Denver is left as a desolate graveyard, while survivors struggle to scavenge for basic resources like Sprite. The surviving Mennonite family is fixated on this sugary drink, emphasizing its importance in their meager existence.

Jacob Elordi portrays Hig, a man who pilots a Cessna around the town, accompanied by his pet dog Jasper and an endless supply of gasoline. Hig also sports an arsenal of weapons, reminiscent of a "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare" enthusiast. The film follows Hig's journey to investigate a mysterious radio signal originating from Grand Junction, which eventually leads him to a rancher named Pops and his daughter Cima, played by Guy Pearce and Margaret Qualley, respectively.

Despite Hig's romantic interest in Cima, the script fails to deliver any genuine emotional depth or character development, as they are essentially just convenient plot devices for the protagonists. The post-apocalyptic world Scott has created is a monotonous amalgamation of clichés and tired tropes, with villains sporting face paint, Mohawks, and speaking in unintelligible languages. This film is a hollow, dreary western that fails to offer anything new or compelling to the genre.

Elordi's performance is the film's only saving grace, as his melancholic demeanor leaves little room for any other emotions or complexity. However, the predictable and uninspired plot, alongside the racist and sexist stereotypes, result in a film that is ultimately a disappointing waste of time. As Scott is a seasoned filmmaker known for his visual style, it's disappointing that he couldn't bring fresh ideas to this bleak and tedious story.

In the end, "The Dog Stars" serves as a stark reminder that there are far better ways to spend one's evening than watching this listless, poorly executed apocalypse movie.