Dog parents should prepare to shed some tears during David Ayer’s Heart of the Beast, starring Brad Pitt and a scene-stealing furry actor named Uber II. The survivalist film has emotion, heart and great action pieces.
James Belmont (Pitt), a Special Forces veteran, and his combat dog, Odin, head into the Alaskan wilderness for an adventure. After their plane crashes, the two must rely on each other to survive the treacherous terrain and wild animals.
Heart of the Beast is an emotional roller coaster filled with peril for both man and his best friend. James and Odin are in constant danger from the natural elements of the wilderness, and they take turns saving each other.
Heart of the Beast opens with a scene that somewhat gives away the ending. For some, it may spoil the movie, but for others, it serves as a sigh of relief knowing the outcome.
Brad Pitt’s performance packs a wallop. James’ love for Odin is unwavering, and both carry scars from their time in the armed forces. The wear and tear of his service to his country is reflected in Pitt’s haggard face.
Odin steals most of the scenes with expressive eyes that convey his love and loyalty for James. Ayer places the camera at just the right angles to capture the canine’s spirit through Odin’s eyes. No other live-action film has captured that kind of unconditional love through a dog’s eyes. Uber II is quite the actor, and his trainer accomplished a miracle capturing how a dog looks lovingly at their owner.
The gorgeous cinematography of the wilderness is inviting until Mother Nature shows her cruel hand to these two characters.
Most pet parents will find the dog’s loyalty to his human partner relatable, instantly reminding them of their own dog or dogs. The finale will have most audiences sobbing, so bring lots of tissues.
Heart of the Beast is now playing in movie theaters.