Mark Twain wrote, “Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.” For the fortunate souls that have experienced the unwavering bonds of a dog’s love, these words are an absolute truth. David Ayer’s latest film as director is a departure from the usual macho posturing, bullets flying, worlds of his previous works. Heart of the Beast is a stirring tale of survival between two friends that reveals itself to be something deeper and more profound.
Ayer is not a director known for emotional pull. As a screenwriter, his scripts for films such as Training Day, Dark Blue, and Harsh Times are populated with tough men who move amongst the darker areas of society where no one gets away clean. When behind the camera, Ayer creates works dedicated to brotherhood and camaraderie. 2012’s End of Watch focused on modern day Los Angeles police officers while 2014’s Fury saw Brad Pitt leading a tank regiment during WWII. Each film found a certain bond between their characters, but every emotional beat felt manipulative. With his newest release, David Ayer moves away from these violent worlds, crafting a motion picture that highlights the best of humanity and gets to the core of friendship and selflessness.
Pitt plays Sergeant Major James Belmont. The now retired Special Forces officer has flown his plane to the tranquility of the Alaskan wilderness to exist amongst the quiet with his best friend, his faithful German Shepard, Odin.
The two veterans have been through it. Both are battled scarred inside and out. Belmont lost his entire squad during a mission. Odin was a combat dog who Belmont found when he was only a puppy. The two share the trauma of their many missions together. Odin now has titanium teeth and wears a prosthetic leg. Belmont has wounds on his stomach, but the memory of being a lone survivor continues to haunt him. Odin suffers from Canine Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) and is afflicted with terrifying nightmares.
There are many moments that movingly portray the depth of their bond. The most beautiful being a scene where Belmont gently holds Odin after one of his bad dreams. To witness Odin’s night terrors fall away, while Belmont (in a calming voice) tells him, “We’re home. It’s over.” is a deeply moving display of their closeness. Now in a place of beauty and peace, some scars will never heal. Belmont and Odin are always there for one another during such devastating moments of pain.
Fishing, frolicking, and existing together, Belmont and Odin are content. While walking through the woods, Odin alerts Belmont of an approaching stranger who introduces himself as Watkins (J.K. Simmons). James is standoffish, pointing his rifle down but holding it tight. Watkins appears to be a kind soul and eventually makes Belmont feel less uneasy. As a Special Forces war vet, he will never be completely comfortable around anyone, let alone a stranger in the remote wilds. Belmont lightens his grip on the gun and begins to realize the weapon will not be necessary. This is not that type of film.
Watkins is “a friendly” and camps next to Belmont and Odin for the night. The three sit by a fire, sharing food and drink and kindness. The scene is well-written and shot with a tenderness that makes it human. Simmons’ time in the film is short, but his character speaks to the film’s through-line of connection and trust.
When a storm gets closer, Belmont packs up the camp so he and Odin can get out of the area. While flying into the safety of being above the clouds, James has a heart attack. He tries hard to radio for help, but passes out. Odin does his best to wake him, but the plane spins out of control, eventually crashing into the water and sinking.
The plane crash is one of the best-directed sequences of Ayer’s career. Intense and frantic, the filmmaker keeps the framing tight and doesn’t allow the camera to distort the imagery. Watching Odin trying to save his friend as the plane comes apart around them is heartbreaking. Scenes like these can be overly manipulative, but Ayer finds the right balance of thrilling and harrowing.
As the film is about their journey, it is no secret the two survive the crash. What follows is a tale of man and dog against nature, as the two best friends are forced to hike 50-plus miles to the nearest road.
Mother Nature can be beautiful but unforgiving. As Belmont and Odin traverse the Alaskan lands (shot in New Zealand with breathtaking cinematography from Mauro Fiore), the wilds get more dangerous. Bears and wolves and dangerous rapids will try to beat them every day. Chomping aspirin like candy, Belmont may know his heart doesn’t have the strength for such a journey. He fights anyway. With Odin by his side, there is always a reason for hope.
Heart of the Beast is a film of dignity. First-time screenwriter Cameron Alexander takes a well-worn template and creates something truly exceptional. A survival story, to be sure, but audiences should come out feeling they have witnessed a cinematic beating heart of human kindness and compassion. It has been some time since a film co-starring an animal has felt so natural. Pulling on the audience’s heartstrings is not the purpose here. Alexander designed his characters with truth and respect. Odin isn’t relegated to silly reaction shots. There is real emotion on his face and one can feel the love he has for Belmont. Uber, the main animal who portrays Odin, gives a performance that is every bit as effective as his human co-star.
Brad Pitt just keeps getting better and has become a master of portraying grief, but there is no overacting to be found. Through tired eyes that hold memories good and bad, the actor shows a man who made it through the worst one could imagine. Belmont is rugged and assured, but emotionally hobbled by the weight of death. This is terrific work from the deserved Oscar-winner. Pitt’s portrayal comes from a hard-earned place; showing genuine compassion for the soldiers who fight and for those who don’t make it home. The soulful connection between Belmont and Odin (and the actors who play them) brings a Zen-like balance to Ayer’s film.
The picture works due to supreme dedication (from the cast and crew to the beautiful, Indigenous-tinged, ambient score from Jared Michael Fry); their collective work honoring the poignant screenplay. In a Hollywood full of superheroes and space adventures, Ayer and company have created something truly special.
Cameron Alexander has written a heartfelt and meaningful tribute to veterans and the canines that serve alongside them. After their service, many of the canine veterans are available for adoption. Many servicemen and women who bonded with their animals during wartime bring them home. Perhaps, after surviving hell on earth together, their continued partnering can bring forth a brighter life. Whatever may come, true companions are always loyal.
Such is the story of Belmont and Odin.
Heart of the Beast is a beautiful piece about the purity of friendship that you will never forget.
Heart of the Beast
Screenplay by Cameron Alexander
Directed by David Ayer
Starring Brad Pitt, Uber, J.K. Simmons, Anna Lambe
PG-13, 111 Minutes, Paramount Pictures
