Cook review: Love between man and dog is core of ‘Heart of the Beast’ adventure
Cook review: Love between man and dog is core of ‘Heart of the Beast’ adventure
Linda Cook Wed, September 30, 2026 at 3:10 AM UTC
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It's an adventure movie.
It's a dramatic film.
It's a man-against-the-wilderness story.
But, most of all, "Heart of the Beast" is a tale of love - not the romantic kind of love, but the kind of love only a person and a loyal dog can share. If you ever have known the love of a dog, you will understand every frame of this movie. It's one of the most moving films of 2026.
Director David Ayer, who directed Brad Pitt in "Fury," knows how to draw emotion from the actor.
Pitt stars here as James, a former Special Forces soldier who is retired after seeing action in Iraq and Afghanistan. He goes camping in the woods with his beloved former combat dog, Odin, who is the only other living creature who shares James' life.
Both of them carry scars from their experiences. Odin's are visible on his face. The canine also has titanium teeth and an artificial leg. Both suffer from nightmares, in which they relive the horrors of combat.
James camps out with Odin, who goes with him when he fly-fishes. Both are contented to share the other's company. So when a stranger (JK Simmons) arrives and wants to chat, both the man and the dog are wary.
A storm is on its way, so James and Odin take off, only to have the plane crash. And there they are, miles from anywhere, both injured and with no help in sight.
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Cameron Alexander's screenplay has some surprises in store, for the characters as well as the audience.
All the way through, the love between James and Odin is obvious, reflected in James' dialogue and tender care-taking of Odin. As for the dog - and as a tribute to director Ayer - you can see the dog's love for James in the canine's eyes. Talk about chemistry - these two have it.
Hike out to see this wonderful adventure, and pack some tissues in you pocket.
4 stars
Rated PG-13 for scenes of severe injuries, and foul language.
Running time: One hour and 41 minutes.
In theaters.
Watch the trailer here.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
