The Dog Stars (2026) review: A Lush but Lifeless Post-Apocalyptic Bore
As Boring as Watching Jacob Elordi in Literally Anything
Watching The Dog Stars was an exercise in pure endurance, proving as thoroughly boring as watching Jacob Elordi in literally anything. Pointless from start to finish, the film plays out like a derivative and drowsy tour through the post-apocalypse. While its lush visuals occasionally catch the eye, they do absolutely nothing to compensate for a listless narrative, underpowered pacing, and a total absence of momentum.
The film’s complete lack of interiority actively works against it at every turn. Jacob Elordi and Margaret Qualley certainly look handsome standing next to one another against the desolate backdrops, but that is where the charm ends. Their characters are nothing more than mopey duds who wander through the wasteland speaking in shallow greeting-card sentiments.
Ridley Scott on Pure Autopilot
At this stage of his career, Ridley Scott feels like he’s operating on pure autopilot. He continues churning out movies with remarkably little concern for overall quality, constructive criticism, or even whether the final product actually works on a fundamental level. The narrative follows a lonely survivor piloting a vintage plane through a devastated America, yet the stakes never feel alive or urgent.
The direction feels strangely rushed, lifeless, and indifferent to its own existence. Visually, Scott and his team capture a grand, atmospheric desolation, but without compelling characters or a tight script to anchor the spectacle, the grand scale completely evaporates. It becomes two hours of empty, beautifully shot monotony that fails to give you a reason to care.
A Beautiful Shell With Nothing Inside
Ultimately, The Dog Stars falls completely flat, relying on scenic post-apocalyptic landscapes to hide a deeply hollow core. Neither the star-studded leads nor Scott’s experienced technical hand can save a script that feels entirely devoid of purpose, passion, or narrative drive.
Unless you are looking for gorgeous scenery to sleep through, this is one entry you can safely skip. It stands as a disappointing, flatlined drama that wastes its potential and leaves zero lasting impression once the credits roll.
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