WNN Monday Movie Review: Heart of the Beast

To me, the film was emotional, especially for someone who has a dog, and the sacrifices our veterans make.”

Rusty Wise (WNN)

Cherryville, NC (WNN) - The Heart of the Beast movie, released this past weekend on September 25th, 2026, is a PG-13 rated survival-action-drama film starring Brad Pitt and a dog named Odin.

Heart of the Beast (2026)

Paramount Pictures

No Spoiler Plot

The plot is fairly simple but moving, where Pitt plays James Belmont, a retired special ops military veteran. James and Odin strike out into the Alaskan wilderness to enjoy retirement. Odin is also a retired military veteran, having served as a special ops canine. They both battle their PTSD memories as well as the Alaskan wilderness battles they encounter. The movie is about the love they have for each other and the extent they will go for one another. The movie's wilderness scenery is stunning, but their bond is the movie's main character. The Heart of the Beast can seem slow at times, but the action is timed perfectly to keep you engaged.

Heart of the Beast (2026)

Paramount Pictures

Filming

The movie is actually filmed in New Zealand, with the film setting supposedly in the Alaskan wilderness. The German Shepard dog Odin, played by a real New Zealand search-and-rescue dog named Uber, and 3 other dogs, which were Uber's sons. Most of the scenes with Odin and James are real and not CGI. There is some CGI throughout the movie, especially in some of the predator scenes. The dog Uber and his sons are as much of a star as Pitt in this approximately 1-hour and 41-minute feature film. The director is David Ayer, and Paramount Pictures released the 82-million-dollar-budget movie. Its first weekend is projected to bring in $20 million domestically.

Heart of the Beast (2026)

Paramount Pictures

The Hoot Review Scale

• 5 Hoots - Outstanding filmmaking with emotional or cultural impact
• 4 hoots - Great movie with some minor flaws. Would recommend to a friend.
• 3 Hoots. Enjoyable, but not groundbreaking. 
• 2 Hoots - It was okay, but it falls short of expectations or potential. 
• 1 Hoot - Weak story and/or poor execution. 

4.5 Hoot Review Rating

To me, the film was emotional, especially for someone who has a dog, and the sacrifices our veterans make. I give Heart of the Beast 4.5 Hoots. It's worth a watch and may make your eyeballs sweat. If you see it, let me know what you think and share at the links below.