What you need to know...
Hope is a dangerous transmission.
Following the epic scale of Gladiator II, legendary director Ridley Scott returns to the realm of gritty sci-fi with The Dog Stars, a haunting post-apocalyptic thriller arriving at Everyman 28th Aug 2026.
Based on Peter Heller's acclaimed novel, the film drops us into a ravaged, desolate world where a devastating virus has wiped out most of humanity. Wuthering Heights star Jacob Elordi leads the cast as Hig, a young pilot who has carved out a lonely but efficient survivalist existence in an abandoned Colorado airplane hangar alongside his dog and a heavily armed, hardened military veteran named Bangley (Josh Brolin). Their fragile peace is shattered when Hig's Cessna picks up a mysterious, distant radio transmission. Desperate for human connection and clinging to the belief that something better exists, he risks everything to venture out into the brutal, lawless unknown.
Adapted by Mark L. Smith (The Revenant), the film trades massive alien invasions for a deeply grounded, meditative look at isolation and the heavy cost of survival. The stunning, atmospheric cinematography is anchored by a heavyweight supporting cast including Margaret Qualley, Allison Janney, Benedict Wong, and Guy Pearce.
Expect a visually sweeping, lean, and deliberate survival story from a master filmmaker. It is a powerful reminder of what we are willing to risk when we refuse to let go of our humanity.
Did you know?
Paul Mescal was originally lined up to reunite with Ridley Scott and star as Hig, but had to exit the project due to scheduling conflicts with Sam Mendes' massive Beatles biopics.
Additionally, Josh Brolin revealed he actually almost quit the film on his first day of rehearsals because of Scott's famously fast, multi-camera shooting style, but was quickly won over after the director showed him the raw, dynamic footage they had just captured.
See this if you liked...
The Revenant (2015), Children of Men (2006), I Am Legend (2007), Blade Runner 2049 (2017)