Sergeant Major James Belmont (Brad Pitt) and his heroic companion Odin (played by Uber). Photograph: Scott Garfield/Paramount Pictures / Click to view the trailer.
When Odin, a gorgeous German Shepherd, looks out the window of a seaplane and his nose leaves moist, round marks on the glass, the animal lover instinctively knows that a furry adventure awaits.
But one should also be prepared with a case of napkins and place it next to the popcorn, although the napkins may be needed before the popcorn.
David Ayer’s latest film, Heart of the Beast, keeps your eyes glued to the screen, drawing you into the story of James Belmont (Brad Pitt), a retired special forces officer, and Odin, his wise, highly trained companion, who has a prosthetic leg and teeth made of titanium.
James is a recluse by will, roaming in the forest, searching for a place to be still. He flies a plane, and Odin reads the map.
They defy storms but have seen worse in combat.
But soon a turn of events finds them on the ground, on a via dolorosa across the Alaskan wilderness.
American director and screenwriter David Ayer has brought fun, joy and chills over the years, whether he’s helming a blockbuster like Suicide Squad, or writing the screenplay for one of the best cop films of our time, Training Day, or letting Jason Statham loose as a beekeeper.
But Heart of the Beast is his most moving film to date; it’s his masterpiece. It’s one of the best man-against-nature tales I’ve seen. It certainly is the best film about man’s best friend.
Ayer has worked with Pitt before in the intense war story Fury. Pitt was good in it, and his career is filled with great roles, but in Heart of the Beast, Pitt gives one of his most affecting performances as James Belmont, thanks to the profound bond he shares with Odin.
Don’t. Forget. Your. Napkins.
‘Heart of the Beast’ opens in cinemas on September 25.
FILM DETAILS
Title: Heart of the Beast
Running time: 101 minutes
Cast: Brad Pitt, Uber, J.K. Simmons, Anna Lambe
Director: David Ayer
Screenwriter: Cameron Alexander
