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Similar to Heart of the Beast
After a harrowing plane crash, Special Forces officer James Belmont and his combat dog, Odin, find themselves stranded deep in the Alaskan wilderness. Together, they are forced into a brutal fight for survival against the elements.
James Belmont
Watkins
Amber
Military Soldier
**Brave, emotional, and beautiful** I had the opportunity to watch this movie before its official release, experiencing the premiere early. The film is gripping, and several scenes had me on the edge of my seat. The direction is excellent, and Brad Pitt's performance is outstanding. Although the story is set in Alaska, most of the shooting took place in New Zealand, showcasing a beautiful wilderness. The emotional scenes were well-executed, making it easy to relate to the protagonist. Not to mention, the dog also did a fantastic job. Overall, it is a great watch. While the survival concept isn't new, this is one of the most well-executed films in the genre.
Check out my full review @ https://www.manuelsbento.com/heart-of-the-beast-2026-david-ayer-finds-his-gentlest-film-yet-in-a-dogs-steady-gaze/ Rating: B HEART OF THE BEAST sends Brad Pitt and his real-life canine co-star(s) into New Zealand's wilderness for a survival story you've essentially seen before: man and dog, cold and hunger, one obstacle after another. What saves it is restraint. David Ayer lets his camera simply sit with two creatures who trust each other completely, and set against absolutely gorgeous landscapes, that trust becomes genuinely moving. Predictable, formulaic, and I cried anyway.
September 19, 2026
James Belmont
Watkins
Amber
Military Soldier
**Brave, emotional, and beautiful** I had the opportunity to watch this movie before its official release, experiencing the premiere early. The film is gripping, and several scenes had me on the edge of my seat. The direction is excellent, and Brad Pitt's performance is outstanding. Although the story is set in Alaska, most of the shooting took place in New Zealand, showcasing a beautiful wilderness. The emotional scenes were well-executed, making it easy to relate to the protagonist. Not to mention, the dog also did a fantastic job. Overall, it is a great watch. While the survival concept isn't new, this is one of the most well-executed films in the genre.
Check out my full review @ https://www.manuelsbento.com/heart-of-the-beast-2026-david-ayer-finds-his-gentlest-film-yet-in-a-dogs-steady-gaze/ Rating: B HEART OF THE BEAST sends Brad Pitt and his real-life canine co-star(s) into New Zealand's wilderness for a survival story you've essentially seen before: man and dog, cold and hunger, one obstacle after another. What saves it is restraint. David Ayer lets his camera simply sit with two creatures who trust each other completely, and set against absolutely gorgeous landscapes, that trust becomes genuinely moving. Predictable, formulaic, and I cried anyway.
