Jacob Elordi on why The Dog Stars had him asking 'What am I missing' in life?

Director Sir Ridley Scott's latest sci-fi thriller, The Dog Stars, is set to open in UK cinemas on August 28, bringing a post-apocalyptic story of pandemic recovery and environmental decay to the big screen.

Based on the 2012 novel by Peter Heller, the film takes place in the 2030s after a deadly flu pandemic has wiped out most of the global population. The story follows Hig, played by Jacob Elordi, a former mechanic and pilot who travels across a desolate Colorado with his German shepherd, Jasper, in search of resources and a better life. The cast also features Guy Pearce as a fellow survivor named Pops, alongside Margaret Qualley and Josh Brolin.

The narrative draws clear parallels to recent global events, featuring imagery of abandoned cities and scorched landscapes reminiscent of real-world wildfires. Speaking about the project, Elordi said the film portrays the human condition, with characters living through an apocalypse who are still looking and hoping for something else. He added that making the film was surreal, noting it felt strange to be doing make-believe when the reality was just behind and in front of them.

For Pearce and Elordi, both raised in Australia, the film's environmental themes hit close to home. Pearce pointed to the increasing global effects of climate change and recalled experiencing serious bushfires in his home country, calling the close reality terrifying. However, Elordi highlighted a sense of redemption within the story, noting that the depiction of nature rebuilding itself four or five years after human catastrophe offers a note of hope similar to real-life ecological recovery.

The film also explores themes of modern privilege and contentment. Elordi observed that despite living in a world where people can freely walk around, visit shops, and have dinner together, many still go to bed wondering what they are missing. Pearce agreed, emphasizing that the film highlights a world many take for granted while being aware of his own privilege.

Director Scott explained that his vision was shaped by both the COVID-19 pandemic and the context of the original book, which was written after the 2008 financial crisis. Scott noted that putting those two elements together creates a combination of chaos, panic, and anarchy. He also cited his childhood memories during World War II, recalling sheltering under the stairs during bombing raids, as his personal reference point for apocalyptic conditions.

Working with Scott was a major draw for Elordi, who admitted to being afraid of large action-packed movies but felt reassured by the director, calling it an unfathomable privilege to work with a pioneer of the industry.

Early critical reception for The Dog Stars has been mixed. Reviews have ranged from describing the film as an appealingly mellow watch to criticizing its pacing and action sequences, with several commentators debating whether the movie successfully balances its themes of survival and human connection.