"a pure adventure thriller that celebrates the unbreakable bond between a man and his dog"

After directing him in Fury, David Ayer reunites with Brad Pitt to bring a story of loyalty, friendship, and unconditional love to the screen. 

Heart of the Beast follows retired special forces veteran James Belmont and his combat German Shepherd, Odin. Their journey through the Alaskan wilderness becomes an arduous fight for survival after an unexpected seaplane crash cuts their voyage short. Left with no chance of immediate rescue, James and Odin embark on a 58-mile hike through unstable terrain and deadly wildlife. 

The film is a pure adventure thriller that celebrates the unbreakable bond between a man and his dog. The plot is simple and linear, offering exactly what it advertises without any hidden agendas. 

Ayer masterfully highlights the emotional connection between James and Odin. Through small, mundane moments and scattered memories, their shared history as scarred war veterans becomes clear. Odin suffers from PTSD and only trusts James, while James prefers the companionship of his dog over people. 

Brad Pitt carries the film alongside the dog who plays Odin, save for a brief cameo by J.K. Simmons at the beginning. Pitt delivers a solid, emotionally captivating performance. James is a man of few words, but Pitt clearly conveys his boundless love for Odin through his actions. 

Although the 1-hour-and-40-minute runtime can occasionally feel stretched by the sheer number of obstacles the pair faces, the emotional payoff is worth every hardship. 

Released in cinemas from September the 23rd, Heart of the Beast is a compelling action and adventure movie that reminds us just how strong the bond between a man and his animal can be.