Filmmaker David Ayer has pulled in some of the best reviews of his career with the new Brad Pitt-led survival thriller “Heart of the Beast” opening this week.
Pitt plays a Special Forces officer James Belmont (Pitt) who, along with his German Shepherd combat dog Odin, find themselves stranded deep in the Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash. Together, they are forced into a brutal fight for survival against the elements.
With 37 reviews counted, the film sits at a 92% positive score on Rotten Tomatoes, though notably on a 6.9/10 average rating – suggesting it’s liked but not loved. That’s been repeated on Metacritic, where it has landed a 69/100.
On the latter, that’s the best number Ayer has pulled in for a directorial effort – ahead of the 68 for “End of Watch” and 64 for “Fury,” though behind the 71 that Antoine Fuqua’s “Training Day” scored – a film that Ayer wrote.
Praise is being widely handed out for Ayer’s opting for a more sensitive and emotional side than he usually does, though criticism is mostly about how predictable it is, with most agreeing you’re pretty much getting what you expect with the film:
“Don’t be fooled. Heart of the Beast is actually a love story, and one of the most moving to come along in a long time. That it’s a love story between a man and his dog doesn’t at all detract from its emotional impact.” – Frank Scheck, THR
“Pitt, Ayer, Uber and their collaborators are not reinventing the wheel here, but rather crafting the sturdiest entertainment of its type that they can. Much like lovely Odin, it is a film that knows exactly where its loyalties lie.” – Robbie Collin, The Daily Telegraph
“There’s a way to sum up Heart of the Beast, and that’s by saying, ‘This is a terrific performance — and Brad Pitt is extremely good too.'” – Owen Gleiberman, Variety
“It never strays far from the formula, but while often predictable, occasionally implausible and sometimes even straight propaganda, it’s an effectively thrilling adventure and Pitt can shed a tear (actually, many) like the best of them.” – Lindsey Bahr, Associated Press
“David Ayer’s movies are famous for their rough edges, but when he’s in touch with his sensitive side he does his best work.” – William Bibbiani, The Wrap
“Ayer and Alexander aren’t reinventing the wheel when it comes to survival tales, but they do so with unsparing efficacy, delivering moments of both suspense and compassion.” – Alonso Duralde, The Film Verdict
“Terrific when Ayer trusts in spare suspense and natural elements, creating some incredibly tense scenes of endurance. Such confidence and quiet doesn’t last all the way through the endeavor.” – Brian Orndorf, Blu-ray.com
The 101-minute PG-13 film opens in cinemas Friday.
