Dog Stars Opens to Mixed Reviews, 40% on Rotten Tomatoes

Ridley Scott's postapocalyptic drama "The Dog Stars" opened in theaters nationwide on August 28, 2026, to a divided critical reception, with early reviews highlighting a tension between the film's visual grandeur and emotional core versus its familiar genre elements. The film, adapted from Peter Heller's 2012 novel, stars Jacob Elordi as Hig, a pilot navigating a world devastated by a flu pandemic and blood disease, alongside Josh Brolin as the survivalist Bangley.

As of its opening day, the film held a 40% "rotten" rating on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes based on over 100 reviews. Several critics cited a slow pace, clichéd story beats, and a derivative feel within the postapocalyptic genre. Reviews from outlets like the Seattle Times and the Denver Post described the film as "clunky" and noted it "squanders its actors' talents." However, other critics praised Scott's direction and the performances, with reviews in The Hollywood Reporter and Time Out highlighting the film's "restorative grace" and "sensitive meditation" on loss and hope.

Director Ridley Scott, 88, discussed his approach in a recent interview, emphasizing his preference for restrained emotion over...