Our Review

            Movie: HEART OF THE BEAST

            Rating: PG-13, violence, peril,   bloody/injury images and some language

                           Length: 1:41

         Release Date: SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

JEANNE: Brad Pitt and a handsome dog --- what more could one possibly want? In director David Ayer’s latest film, HEART OF THE BEAST, Pitt plays James Belmont, a retired Special Forces officer whose only companion is his faithful combat dog named Odin (played with unparalleled canine bravura by Uber, a mountain rescue dog).

The movie begins with James and Odin flying in a seaplane over the unbelievably beautiful landscape of Alaska. The plane is packed with gear for a trip for two in the wilderness. James secures a spot and sets up camp. Then he and Odin do some exploring. Thinking they are totally alone, James is completely surprised to run into another human.

Watkins (J.K. Simmons) is another loner. He has set up his camp right next to James, curious as to why this man and his dog are out roaming the backwoods of Alaska. At first James is wary of this stranger, but they bond over James’ Belgian ale, with Watkins promising he’ll be gone before first light. He does warn James that a storm is coming.

The next morning as the skies darken, James packs up and he and Odin take off. An unforeseen complication causes James to crash the plane, throwing Odin away from the wreckage. Once James recovers and takes care of his own injuries, he finds Odin and works on him. Now they are faced with walking 58 miles to the nearest road through treacherous terrain filled with dangerous wild animals.

Working on a screenplay by Cameron Alexander, Ayer has done an exemplary job honing in on this very special bond between a soldier and his combat dog. Using flashbacks, we get to see and experience snippets of the drama both James and Odin endured while fighting in Iraq. As James explains, Odin has witnessed the most horrific aspects of war, and yet his relationship with James has never wavered. And James’ entire life was dedicated to being a good soldier --- and an even better handler.

Pitt and Uber spent the first three weeks of the shooting schedule just becoming comfortable with one another and forming the bond necessary to make this story believable. And it shows. Uber was raised in New Zealand and trained to work with first responders. He is an absolutely gorgeous German Shepherd --- and when he looks at Pitt with such love, it’s heart wrenching. I want to watch HEART OF THE BEAST a second time just so I can stare at his calm and beautiful face --- Uber’s not Pitt’s, though his isn’t bad either.

The South Island of New Zealand stands in for Alaska --- the stunning vistas are incomparable. Cinematographer Mauro Fiore certainly provides many breathtaking shots, along with those glorious closeups of Uber.

HEART OF THE BEAST has quite a few harrowing sequences, so the action is virtually nonstop. But ultimately this film is about a man and his best friend. Pitt and Uber remind us what is really, truly most important in life.

      Opens September 25 in theaters

OPINION: STRONG SEE IT NOW!

DAVID: HEART OF THE BEAST is why we go to the movies --- and not just because Brad Pitt stars. We can experience something that most of us would never dream of doing, and Pitt, along with his super canine Odin, a.k.a. Odie (Uber in real life), keep us rapt from beginning to end. 

Only a slight interruption by a grizzled, white-bearded Watkins (J.K. Simmons) breaks up what begins as an adventure in the Alaskan wilderness for James (Pitt) and Odin. After James crashes his plane, he and Odin run into unimaginable obstacles as they attempt to trek 58 miles searching for the closest road on James’ map.

Special Forces officer James Belmont is quite adept at handling unique situations, many of which are truly terrifying. In one they encounter a giant bear and react the way you should ---  do not move and definitely DO NOT RUN! They also are confronted by a pack of murderous wolves, a decidedly horrific sequence. The bear and the wolves are CGI, but still frightening, nonetheless. 

Pitt delivers a bravura performance, especially since his only co-star is an animal. He and Uber share an amazing rapport --- they spent weeks together forming a bond. James suffers from PTSD due to his many tours in Iraq where he is also Odin’s handler. Told via flashbacks, the film showcases the drama of battle and what James and Odin endured.

HEART OF THE BEAST is extraordinary filmmaking by accomplished director David Ayer, along with the original screenplay by Cameron Alexander. In fact, this film reunites Pitt and Ayer who worked together on the excellent 2014 war film FURY. Ayer also was the writer/director for the great movie TRAINING DAY (2001) which starred Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke.

At 101 minutes, HEART OF THE BEAST is the perfect running time, never wearing out its welcome. It’s easily one of the best films of the year, especially because it features the incredible relationship between a man and his dog.

           Opens September 25 in theaters

OPINION: STRONG SEE IT NOW!