The Dog Stars: First Reactions To Ridley Scott's Sci-Fi Movie Surface Online

Sir Ridley Scott is currently 88 years young, and he's still cranking out feature films with the energy of up-and-coming artists a third (or even a quarter) of his age. His latest effort is "The Dog Stars," a post-apocalyptic thriller starring Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, and Josh Brolin ... along with their dog Jasper, of course. And even if mainstream audiences may no longer be turning out in droves to his movies the way they used to (as the early box office projections for "The Dog Stars" would appear to indicate), any film Scott releases feels like an event for cinephiles. You're telling us the mastermind behind "Alien," "Blade Runner," "Gladiator," and "Kingdom of Heaven" is making another sci-fi movie starring some of the biggest names in town? Sign us up!

We're apparently not alone in our devotion, as "The Dog Stars" recently held its world premiere in London, and early reactions have begun trickling out of the screening. While critics at large will only get a chance to check out the film for themselves next week, a small group of lucky attendees were able to catch it early and make their way to social media with their thoughts. The verdict? It appears Scott might have yet another critical hit on his hands.

You can see what people are saying about "The Dog Stars" for yourself below.

Has Ridley Scott done it again? As anyone who enjoyed the chaotic vibes of "House of Gucci" or the "Rashomon"-like story of "The Last Duel" could tell you, it's not terribly surprising to see the acclaimed filmmaker come out with another hit this late in his career. That appears to be no different with "The Dog Stars," at least according to the early word.

Let's start with the highest praise yet, as Scott's latest is already drawing comparisons to one of the most celebrated action films of the century. Internet personality and freelancer Patrick Tomasso took to X (formerly Twitter) to laud the movie as "soothing and grueling. A Western set at the end of the world with a big heart. Some intense ['Mad Max: Fury Road'] energy mixed with quiet campfires under the stars. Acoustic guitars, Josh Brolin smoking cigars, and a dog. Ridley Scott knows what we want."

Others echoed the plaudits for a more lowkey story than some may be anticipating. As Liz Slade put it, "Really enjoyed 'The Dog Stars.' It's quiet and contemplative, which I didn't expect, with unexpected moments of ferocity and violence. The score is particularly beautiful, the cast is excellent, and I think Ridley Scott has created something unique. And there's a wonderful dog!"

Elsewhere, Gavin Spoors of Filmhounds Magazine called the movie "a warm, human, post-apocalyptic drama about the need for community. Slow, but consistently engaging, with smart editing." In keeping with that, Phil Roberts of Future Of The Force described the film as being "a surprisingly humble and emotionally weighted change of pace" for Scott.

Hyped? We are, too. "The Dog Stars" flies into theaters August 28, 2026.