“Heart of the Beast” Hits Cinemas Today: Brad Pitt and Dog Odin in David Ayer’s Survival Drama

“Heart of the Beast,” the new film starring Brad Pitt and directed by David Ayer, opens today, September 25, 2026, in American cinemas. The 101-minute survival thriller is a Paramount Pictures production and co-stars J.K. Simmons and Anna Lambe in supporting roles.

Pitt, 62, plays James Belmont, a former special-forces officer forced to crash-land in the Alaskan wilderness with his war dog, Odin — played in the film by the dog Uber. The two face a fierce battle for survival in one of the planet’s most unforgiving territories.

The first reviews were published September 22, and many critics praised especially the on-screen bond between the actor and the dog. Robbie Collin of The Telegraph gave the film 4 stars and called it “the most powerful update of the dog-movie genre since ‘Marley & Me.'” Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter praised Pitt’s chemistry with the canine actor, while Owen Gleiberman of Variety called Uber’s performance “one of the most touching pieces of dog acting since ‘Old Yeller.'”

But not all critics were convinced. Lindsey Bahr of the Associated Press gave the film 2.5 stars, describing it as an “effectively jarring adventure,” while some other critics called the film tiring and Ayer heavy-handed in his treatment.

For Ayer, the director of “Training Day,” “End of Watch” and “Fury,” the project marks a turn toward a more intimate survival drama. The film enters a crowded weekend in American cinemas, alongside “Avengers: Endgame Encore,” “Forgotten Island” and “Primetime,” each expected to gross $18–24 million on opening weekend.

Source: PEOPLE