{
  "id": 9738879,
  "title": "Heart of the Beast movie review: Brad Pitt powers a gripping, deeply moving survival drama",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/heart-of-the-beast-movie-review-brad-pitt-powers-a-gripping-deeply",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T09:10:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/heart-of-the-beast-review-brad-pitt-powers-gripping-deeply-moving-survival-drama-10893602/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Heart of the Beast unfolds the story of a retired U.S. Special Forces Sergeant Major, James, and his combat scout dog, Odin. Their journey across 58 miles of Alaska's wilderness is fraught with adversity - a heart attack, plane crash, injuries, and encounters with bears and wolves. The film is a collaboration of director David Ayer and Brad Pitt, who previously worked together in Fury.\n\nJames and Odin share a profound bond, forged during their time in the war. The isolation in the remote part of Alaska further strengthens their connection. They carry only essentials - medicines, maps, food, clothes, and Odin's belt of pouches. Yet, amidst the inherent beauty of nature - the rustle of leaves after a rain, the call of birds, the swish of wind - their peaceful retreat is abruptly interrupted.\n\nJames's journey through the harsh wilderness is brutal and heart-wrenching, but his companionship with Odin makes it bearable. Pitt's performance, embracing his age and the depth of his experience with Odin, adds a raw, emotional layer to the film. The narrative, devoid of unnecessary flashbacks and dramatizations, stays focused on their survival journey.\n\nThe film's perils, although common, are depicted with a genuine sense of threat. The struggle with wolves adds a genuinely chilling element. Although the plot may have benefited from a few more respite moments or quieter flashbacks, the overall narrative is captivating. When James and Odin find solace in a tent against the dark outside, it's impossible not to feel like an intruder, and the film succeeds in evoking a strong sense of connection and empathy.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Tom's Guide",
        "title": "'Heart of the Beast' review: I wanted to love Brad Pitt's new survival thriller. Then it got really cheesy",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/heart-of-the-beast-review-i-wanted-to-love-brad-pitts-new-survival",
        "published": "2026-09-25T06:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}