Heart of the Beast

"Survival depends on their bond."

2026 1h 41m EN

👍

7.4

SOLID

★7.4TMDB · 257

AdventureThriller

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

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.

“Survival depends on their bond.”

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Cast

Brad Pitt
James Belmont
J.K. Simmons
Watkins
Anna Lambe
Amber
Justin Melnick
Military Soldier
Shaun DeZern
Military Soldier
Uber
Odin

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: David Ayer
Writers: Cameron Alexander
Languages: English
Countries: United States of America

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 8

MONEY

Did you know

Mid-budget at $82M — the now-extinct middle tier of Hollywood.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 8

MONEY

Did you know

Earned back only 74% of its budget on initial theatrical — a commercial disappointment on release.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 8

ERA

Did you know

Released this year — you're seeing it while it's still in the cultural conversation.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by David Ayer, shot by Mauro Fiore. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Jared Michael Fry. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Dody Dorn shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 8

CAST

Did you know

Brad Pitt and J.K. Simmons and Anna Lambe carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

8 / 8

FACT

Did you know

Marketing tagline: "Survival depends on their bond.".

MoodPlayr · trivia#08

Cinephile deep dive

The take

David Ayer directs. Mauro Fiore behind the camera. Jared Michael Fry scores. Dody Dorn cuts. A commercial under-performer on release. Produced in United States of America. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

1Mid-budget at $82M — the now-extinct middle tier of Hollywood.
2Earned back only 74% of its budget on initial theatrical — a commercial disappointment on release.
3Released this year — you're seeing it while it's still in the cultural conversation.
4Directed by David Ayer, shot by Mauro Fiore. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
5Original score by Jared Michael Fry. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
6Editor Dody Dorn shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
7Brad Pitt and J.K. Simmons and Anna Lambe carry the top of the cast.
8Marketing tagline: "Survival depends on their bond.".
9IMDB entry: tt7526136 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
10Classified under 10 themes, including "alaska", "dog", "special forces", "military".

The technical file

Cinematography: Mauro Fiore
Original score: Jared Michael Fry
Editing: Dody Dorn
Production design: Greg Berry
Costume design: Amanda Neale
Makeup / hair: Gabrielle Jones
VFX supervisor: François Dumoulin
Sound: Laurent Kossayan
Stunt coordinator: Allan Poppleton
Runtime: 101 min · 1h 41m
Aspect ratio (typical): 1.37:1 (Academy)
Status: Released
Budget: $82,000,000
Box office: $60,649,111
Return: 74% of budget
Original language: EN
Certification (US): PG-13
IMDB: Heart of the Beast (2026)

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David Ayer

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What people are saying

dumasori2026-09-19
★ 7/10
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.
Manuel São Bento2026-09-26
★ 7/10
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.
Zeus2026-09-27
★ 10/10
10/10 stars review ratings from me. As always Brad really nail it .. and he didn't even look like he is trying hard. Its just comes naturally for him to be ex vet.. special forces the usuals. But then again it is not a military movie . it's the effect and side effects.The cinematographic is stunning and although it is not the actual wild forest of Alaska. But it did the trick and still looks stunning. t manage to make yo glued to your seat and mesmerized by the journey .. the forest , river and of course the great and high mountains above. Paired with excellent story telling and the acting from Mr Pitt it just jive in almost every angle.Nature , dogs and aman thats all it is being presented to you for more and one hour plus. It is a journey worth watching escpially if you are an out door hiking person. You gonna love it .Finally a master piece ... emotions and bonding all in one hour plus watch its all worth it.