From The Wizard of Oz (1939) to 101 Dalmatians (1961/1996) to Turner & Hooch (1989), Hollywood—and cinema audiences—have always loved films with dogs in them.

Directed by David Ayer, who’s last two films were the underwhelming The Beekeeper (2024) and A Working Man (2025), both starring Jason Statham, Heart of the Beast sees former Special Forces officer James Belmont (Brad Pitt) and his ex-combat dog, Odin, heading out for some much-needed me time in the remote Alaskan wilderness.

The pair fly out in a small plane and set up camp beside a lake, where Belmont spends his days drinking beer and fishing. But with a storm approaching, the pair take to the skies again, only for Belmont to suffer a heart attack. After a spectacular crash landing in the middle of nowhere, the rest of Heart of the Beast sees Belmont and Odin battling not only the elements but also angry wolves, raging rivers and unfriendly bears as they attempt to make their way back to civilisation.

Pitt, who has to carry the film pretty much on his own, is joined by J.K. Simmons and Anna Lambe, although both appear only briefly. As usual, Pitt brings plenty of charisma to the role, but this is very much a case of the human playing second fiddle to his canine co-star. Four dogs were used to portray Odin, and they do a remarkable job, particularly during the film's more physically demanding sequences.

At its best, Heart of the Beast is a straightforward survival adventure built around the bond between a man and his dog. Ayer throws plenty at the pair—freezing temperatures, difficult terrain and assorted wildlife—and the Alaskan wilderness provides some spectacular scenery. There is also an appealing simplicity to the story: man, dog, wilderness and the desperate journey home.

If you’re a sucker for a good dog movie, Heart of the Beast has enough going for it. Odin is undoubtedly the star of the show, and the film's wilderness setting gives it a scale that helps compensate for its relatively simple story. It may not be one of Ayer's more memorable films, but for an audience happy to spend a couple of hours watching Brad Pitt and a very good dog trying to survive in Alaska, there are worse ways to spend an afternoon.