Fans of dogs, Brad Pitt and survivalist movies are most likely to enjoy Heart of the Beast.
The movie tells of the struggles of Odin (Uber), a specialist trained German Shepherd dog, and James Belmont (Brad Pitt), a former specialist US Army officer, to survive in the scenically stunning Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash.
Unsurprisingly the pair face all those ingredients essential for such a movie based in Alaska – appalling weather, roaring rapids, rampaging wolves and an angry bear!
When we first meet Odin and James they are in a small sea plane on their way to an idyllic isolated camp site in the Alaskan wilderness.
Despite the beautiful location we quickly discover both are suffering from PTSD as a result of their service in a war zone.
We learn a little more of this service and their backgrounds when they share their camp site with kayaker Watkins (J.K. Simmons).
Realising the weather is about to change Watkins heads off after the one night and James knows he too will have to leave shortly due to the forecast of a major storm.
It’s during their flight home that James has a heart attack and crashes his plane into a large body of water.
Amazingly both survive the crash (one of many remarkable survivals for the duo) and as a result find themselves around 90 kilometres from help. The 100-minute movie then follows their many challenges to find that help.
James’ excellent survival skills including packing essential items and inventiveness with those items, Odin’s bravery, intelligence and loyalty and the trust between the two are on display as they tackle life-threatening situations.
Given Pitt and Odin dominate the screen and a rather unrealistic storyline, the appeal of Heart of the Beast is very much dependent on the chemistry between the two leads. And here they deliver in spades. The strong emotional attachment between the two is palpable. Pitt is totally believable as a tortured soul whose greatest love is his dog.
Director David Ayer does an excellent job in illustrating the war traumas that have affected Odin and the dog’s love and loyalty to James.
It’s this connection that is likely to ensure Heart of the Beast becomes a favourite with those who love a good ‘brave dog’ story!
It’s also one of those movies that the less research you do beforehand the better, especially given where the movie was filmed (which doesn’t take away from the magnificent scenery and cinematography) although many will no doubt be tempted to check the fate of the two leads before attending!
Heart of the Beast opens in Australian cinemas on September 24.
*Photo Credit: Scott Garfield. All photos © 2026 Paramount Pictures
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