Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars is off to a rocky start, earning one of the most brutal critical receptions of his career. As one of the year’s most anticipated post-apocalyptic films, the movie had plenty going for it, with Scott's brilliant vision and a star-studded cast led by Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, and Margaret Qualley. However, high expectations have quickly given way to disappointment, as critics remain divided over the film’s vision and execution. 

With its early reviews finally out, The Dog Stars has now landed among the lowest-rated films of Scott’s career.

The first reviews for The Dog Stars are finally out, and the film has earned a disappointing 44% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. It has become one of Scott’s lowest-rated movies of the 2020s. His last film, Gladiator II, earned a 70% score, while Napoleon and House of Gucci received 58% and 63%, respectively.

Scott’s lowest-rated films remain Exodus: Gods and Kings and The Counselor, both of which barely managed a 30% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. While critics has massively praised the post-apocalyptic sci-fi film’s visuals and the performances of the cast, including Jacob Elordi and Margaret Qualley on social media, many were not impressed by the storytelling. Some described the movie as mellow, while others called it boring, pointing out that it fails to capture the novel’s unique voice.

Jacob Elordi Gets Mogged by His Canine Co-Star Rak Jasper at ‘The Dog Stars’ London Premiere

While critics remain divided over Scott’s vision, the film is based on a promising post-apocalyptic premise that explores survival, isolation, and the search for hope. But what exactly is The Dog Stars about?

The Dog Stars is based on Peter Heller’s best-selling novel of the same name. It is set in a world where a virus has wiped out much of the population, leaving only a handful of survivors. Hig and Bangley, played by Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin, are among those who have survived the outbreak. 

The film follows their journey as they search for hope in a devastated world. However, things take a turn when Hig decides to leave the safety of their isolated home in hopes of discovering what lies beyond their small corner of the world. And he is accompanied by his loyal and beloved dog. However, audiences are yet to give their verdict, which could turn things around for the movie. That remains to be seen when The Dog Stars arrives in theaters on August 28, 2026.

Josh Brolin Almost Quit 'The Dog Stars' Over Ridley Scott's Unconventional Filming Style

What do you think about the reviews about The Dog Stars? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.