Hideo Kojima has shared his thoughts on The Dog Stars, the latest film directed by Ridley Scott. This sci-fi post-apocalyptic drama, which is based on Peter Heller’s novel of the same title, features actors such as Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, and Guy Pearce. Despite the high-profile cast, the movie has not received favorable reviews from critics.
Kojima, renowned for his creation of the Metal Gear video game series, recently posted his views on The Dog Stars on X. However, his comments were more reflective and less of a critique. He shared his initial impressions and expectations based on his familiarity with Heller’s novel. Read Kojima’s post here:
“The Dog Stars” by Peter Heller, known in Japanese as Itsuka Boku ga Kaeru Basho (The Place I’ll Return to Someday), has been on my shelf for a long time without being read. I thought the film, being based on a literary work rather than a typical sci-fi novel, might resemble Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road.” Harry composed the music for the film, and interestingly, they didn’t sell (didn’t make) a program for the movie.
Many users noted that Kojima usually shares detailed reviews of movies he enjoys, such as his thoughts on The Odyssey (2026) and Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026). When he does not favor a film, like The Last House (2026), which also received negative reviews, he tends to highlight similarities to his own works, such as with his video game Death Stranding.
In The Dog Stars, Elordi plays the role of Hig, a pilot navigating through a devastated Colorado with his dog after a catastrophic virus event. Though he has allies like the characters played by Qualley, Brolin, and Pearce, Hig faces threats from marauding gangs known as Reapers.
If Kojima felt underwhelmed by The Dog Stars, he is not alone. The film was highly anticipated as Scott's return to the sci-fi genre but did not live up to expectations.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, The Dog Stars holds an unimpressive 39% rating from critics, with the common criticisms pointing to its slow pacing and clichéd post-apocalyptic narrative. While the film boasts some striking visuals, the performances of Elordi and his on-screen chemistry with Qualley have been critiqued.
Jordan Williams of ScreenRant gives the film a tepid score of six out of ten, noting that while the film presents some intriguing themes, its pacing and lack of cohesive narrative hinder its effectiveness. Williams states:
The film’s best moments are its quietest, where hope, peace, and humor are found amidst apocalypse. Scott’s ability to convey more in a serene dining scene than in verbose, emotional sequences is noteworthy. Yet, the film struggles with its pacing and tone as Hig moves between different locales and groups.
The audience score on Rotten Tomatoes is somewhat higher at 71%, but this did not translate into box office success. The film grossed a mere $8 million domestically in its opening weekend against a budget of $80 million.
While Scott has directed acclaimed films like Alien (1979), Blade Runner (1982), and Gladiator (2000), his more recent projects have received mixed reviews, including Napoleon (2023). It remains to be seen how The Dog Stars will be viewed over time, but it appears Kojima was not particularly impressed by the film.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
