Jacob Elordi's latest film, "The Dog Stars," is facing a critical reception described as harsh ahead of its wide release. The post-apocalyptic drama, directed by Ridley Scott, debuted on Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 38%, positioning it among the year's less favorably reviewed blockbusters.
The film is set after a severe flu pandemic and centers on a former pilot, portrayed by Elordi, who embarks on a journey from a protected zone in search of a better life after detecting a mysterious radio signal. The ensemble cast includes Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, and Allison Janney.
Critics have delivered sharp assessments. The Daily Beast characterized the film as derivative, stating, "No amount of aesthetic splendor can compensate for the derivativeness of the director’s latest, a post-apocalyptic yarn that’s stitched together from the decomposing parts of its genre ancestors." Similarly, The A.V. Club described "The Dog Stars" as "a strange, misbegotten beast, a post-apocalyptic drama worse for wear even before the bandits arrive." RogerEbert.com found the narrative to be "the most tedious film of Ridley Scott’s career."
However, some reviews offered a more positive outlook. Polygon praised the film's scope, noting, "Ridley Scott piles on epic action set pieces and surreal, surprising sequences that sometimes push the film from prestige drama into absurdist spectacle." Screen Daily suggested that "Even though The Dog Stars can be wobbly in its execution, Scott’s affection for his main characters gives the story an understated warmth."
"The Dog Stars" is released months after Elordi publicly acknowledged his relationship with Kendall Jenner. The couple first appeared together in April, reportedly set up by Jenner's sister, Kylie. Their romance has since been documented through public appearances, including trips to Hawaii and Japan, and attending the London premiere of "The Dog Stars" together. For the premiere, reports indicated Elordi booked a high-end hotel suite in London for the occasion.
Elordi's recent career has included a string of successful projects such as "Frankenstein," "Euphoria," "Wuthering Heights," and "Saltburn." His past relationships have included Olivia Jade, Kaia Gerber, and Joey King. Jenner's previous relationships include Bad Bunny and a series of NBA athletes.