Ridley Scott’s new post-apocalyptic science-fiction film, *The Dog Stars*, is set to open in theaters on Aug. 28, and early reviews from critics and audience members have started to appear online. Multiple outlets report that the initial reactions are widely mixed, with some viewers praising the film’s handling of themes while others say the movie struggles to rise above its premise.
Across the early commentary, attention frequently falls on Scott’s direction and the performances—especially Josh Brolin’s—suggesting that acting and filmmaking choices are key points of discussion. At the same time, several reactions converge on concerns about the screenplay, with some critics arguing that the script may be uneven or not developed strongly enough. Together, the sources portray a film that viewers are engaging with in different ways: some see it as thoughtful and effective, while others view it as having elevated elements that do not fully overcome weaknesses in the writing.
The divide appears to center less on whether the film attempts ambitious ideas and more on how well those ideas translate onscreen, according to the differing first-impression takes reported so far.
