Brad Pitt plays a retired Special Forces veteran, James Belmont. His combat German Shepherd, Odin, accompanies Belmont on what begins as a camping getaway. Early on it becomes clear that both hound and master are suffering from post-battle PTSD.
Set in Alaska (actually New Zealand), expert cinematographer Mauro Fiore’s talent comes into its own, giving the viewer an appreciation of earth’s natural wilderness – the lonely places. In short, it’s easy on the eye.
Given the subject matter, this reviewer conjectured the film would end in one of two ways: the dog saves his master, or the master saves the dog. No letting the cat out of the bag, but I was right.
Directed by American producer David Ayer, the film is at heart a survival story. Writer Cameron Alexander barks up the right tree and delivers a sparse screenplay that incorporates genuinely moving moments.
While flying his seaplane home, Belmont suffers a heart attack and the plane crashes. Although both recover, they now have to trek miles through dangerous and unforgiving landscape – off leash. Will they get out alive?
J.K. Simmons gives an intriguing cameo performance as Watkins, an allusion to the mythic ferryman, bringing an appreciated layer of  nuance.
In theatrical circles, the adage to never work “with children or animals” proves correct. There’s no question that the dog – or rather dogs – steal the show. They’ll have you at the first woof!
Yes, the CGI was a bit ruff in patches, and the use of flashbacks a case of overkill. However, this is an honest and entertaining film. Pitt doesn’t disappoint, even if he is upstaged by his canine co-stars.
Let’s hope this release doesn’t cause a run on German Shepherds and then, later, abandoned dogs.
My Rating: A pedigree production, four paws out of…well, four!