If you are craving a good one man and his dog film then David Ayers Heart of the Beast is the film you've been looking for. In a very specific genre that often feels over saturated, Heart of the Beast is unique, engaging and emotional. The simple concept enhances the films message to create an incredible impact, which makes Heart of the Beast a must watch. The one element that loses the one man and his dog films viewers is the fate of the dog, Director David Ayer has already confirmed the outcome, so I will spoil it for you now, Odin the stunning German Shepard survives the film, but that doesn't mean you can leave the tissues at home. Read on for my review - there will be some spoilers.
James Belmont (Brad Pitt) is an army special forces veteran that is seeking the peaceful life with his retired military dog Odin (Uber). Together they explore the Alaskan wilderness, eating together, playing together and healing together. Their lives so at odds with their past which flickers out in flashbacks. Belmont armed to the teeth opts, more often than not to lower his weapons and appreciate the nature around him, even ticking off birds in a bird spotting book. So at odds with the wartime flashbacks. There is a lot of joy in their simple way of life, that is until Belmont suffers a heart attack mid flight and his plane crashes to the ground. Their peaceful life turns into a survival mission which proves difficult, pushing them to the limits. The wilderness proves to be one of the greatest adversaries, one that is brutal and unyielding. Heart of the Beast puts both character and audiences into tense situations, that are only made more unbearable by the inseparable bond shared by Belmont and Odin. It's a challenge watch, but it will keep viewers on the edge of their seats flicking between fear, anxiety and joy. For such a simple survival narrative it sure packs an emotional punch.
.jpg)
One of the best things about Heart of the Beast is indeed its simple narrative, it avoids any padding and subplots that would detract from the main message which is how incredible service animals are. This may be a Brad Pitt film and believe me he deserves all the praise for his performance, it is a career best, but it is Uber as Odin that is the protagonist. Not only do we see the PTSD he is suffering with, but we explore the way he copes, and heals, fights and protects. There is no stronger bond between human and animal than the one showcased in Heart of the Beast. It is beautiful and heart wrenching to watch, perfectly balanced. Outside of the characters we explore the Alaskan wilderness, which is played by New Zealand's South Island. The rugged and harsh terrain is beautifully depicted, creating a realism that can only be achieved when filming on location. Bringing audiences closer to the action, making every bear, wolf or mountain encounter all the more adrenaline inducing. Audiences are not simply viewing the film, they are engaging, grasping, covering bring their eyes, truly in the action with Pitt and Uber. A wonderfully unique experience.
Overall, Heart of the Beast is a triumph! It strips back any filler or distractions to create a beautiful story about one man and his incredible service dog. Even the toughest of viewers will be melted by this film, leaving the cinema in desperate need of hugging Uber. The film sheds light on the thousands of military dogs that have been on active services throughout history, showcasing their incredible bravery loyalty and loving hearts. Heart of the Beast leaves an impact that you wouldn't get from any other survivor movie. A must watch.
5 stars
Thank you for reading! xx
Comments
Post a Comment