Heart of the Beast is pitched as a tribute to military working dogs.  Soldiers put their lives in harm’s way when fighting for their country but so too are highly trained canines who can scout and attack on command.  As for the film’s premise, war is not the focus.  Rather, we follow two retirees.  Special Forces officer James Belmont (Pitt) and his loyal dog, Odin, were sufficiently banged up when serving in the American military and they now live a solitary life in the Alaskan wilderness.

One afternoon, while flying above some of the world’s most picturesque locations, James suffers a mild heart attack and his single-engine Cessna plane crashes into a shallow lake.  Both he and Odin suffer injuries but can still walk, albeit slowly.  Guided by a compass, a map, and a few other useful tools, they embark on a trek across rugged terrain of roughly 50 miles to find the nearest road and seek medical assistance.  It’s their only chance of survival as the territory is uninhabited and they have no radio or phone.

James interacts with a fellow adventurer (Simmons) in the opening act.  It’s a plot device that allows him to briefly explain his backstory but aside from that, dialogue is used sparingly.  It’s the kind of movie where imagery does the talking and while I didn’t think the flashback sequences added much, I applaud the approach of director David Ayer (Fury).  Judging from responses at my preview screening, there’s plenty to keep audiences squirming.  From the close-up visuals of broken bones and seeping wounds… through to the piercing eyes of a wild animal looking upon them, you feel the stakes and the tension.  It’s a survival tale above all else.

62-year-old Oscar winner Brad Pitt (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) embraces the film’s challenges.  Aside from parts of Ad Astra, I’m struggling to think of another film where he interacts with so few people.  Just like what we saw from Robert Redford in All is Lost, Pitt delivers a quiet, subtle performance that slowly weaves its way into viewers’ hearts.  You can see the affection James and Odin have for each other and you’ll want them to overcome the painful circumstances thrown their way.

I wanted a dash more action but Heart of the Beast remains a likeable movie.