Heart Of The Beast Early Reviews Out: Brad Pitt’s Film Gets Strong First Reactions, But Odin The Dog Is The Real Star!

Heart of the Beast recently had its premiere, and the critics are out with their first-hand reactions for this Brad Pitt starrer survival thriller. The movie is by David Ayer and is one of the big debuts of the upcoming weekend, which is completely packed. It needs to land with absolutely amazing ratings from critics and audiences to shine in theaters. But ahead of that, let’s see what the early reviews on X are saying about Pitt’s upcoming movie. Keep scrolling for the deets.
The film by David Ayer was written by Cameron Alexander. With Brad Pitt in the lead role, the movie is thus automatically one of the most anticipated releases of the year. It is also because of Pitt’s F1, which was released in 2025. For the unversed, F1 is his all-time highest-grossing movie ever worldwide. Brad Pitt fans are waiting eagerly for this survival thriller.
Heart of the Beast’s early reviews are out on X [formerly Twitter]
Brad Pitt starrer Heart of the Beast held its premiere recently, and there are all kinds of reactions to it on social media. Movie critic Brandon Davis said, “Heart of the Beast sees David Ayer’s affinity for gritty depictions of humanity and war revived in strong fashion. Brad Pitt is great in an emotionally vicious story with intense moments where some might have cover their own eyes. The dog, real name Uber, deserves awards.”
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— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) September 17, 2026Heart of the Beast sees David Ayer’s affinity for gritty depictions of humanity and war revived in strong fashion.
Brad Pitt is great in an emotionally vicious story with intense moments where some might have cover their own eyes.
The dog, real name Uber, deserves awards. pic.twitter.com/Fp6GWcAzXH
Luke Hearfield another movie critic said, “The day has arrived where I finally like, maybe even love, a David Ayer film. I am a wreck after watching HEART OF THE BEAST. A simple story but impeccably well executed. One man and his dog face the elements in this brutal tale of survival. Thrilling set pieces, luscious scenery, and plenty of heart thanks to the wholly relatable connection between Pitt and his dog Odin. Pitt is great but there’s some heart-tugging dog acting going on in this film. I had a lump in my throat for the last 20 mins. If you’re a dog-lover, watch out

I was a mess by the end. Full review for #HeartOfTheBeast coming next week.”
The day has arrived where I finally like, maybe even love, a David Ayer film. I am a wreck after watching HEART OF THE BEAST. A simple story but impeccably well executed. One man and his dog face the elements in this brutal tale of survival. Thrilling set pieces, luscious scenery… pic.twitter.com/0fvNAYKYlj
— Luke Hearfield (@LukeHearfield) September 17, 2026
Rotten Tomatoes certified critic Joey Magidson wrote, “Heart of the Beast asked a lot of me today, putting a very good boy in danger for 100 minutes (Brad Pitt, I can deal with). Minimal characterization, but suitably intense, it’s effective at what it sets out today. Excellent use of a Stephen Wilson Jr. song. And yes, I cried.”
Heart of the Beast asked a lot of me today, putting a very good boy in danger for 100 minutes (Brad Pitt, I can deal with). Minimal characterization, but suitably intense, it’s effective at what it sets out today. Excellent use of a Stephen Wilson Jr. song. And yes, I cried. pic.twitter.com/UuWdSKeA3D
— Joey Magidson (@JoeyMagidson) September 17, 2026
Owner & Editor-In-Chief of the entertainment awards site Next Best Picture, Matt Negalia, wrote, “HEART OF THE BEAST is the first David Ayer film I’ve tolerated since ‘Fury,’ and wouldn’t you know it? They both happen to star Brad Pitt. But Pitt isn’t even really the star here. No, that title belongs to his canine co-star, Uber, who, along with some decent visual effects work, takes us through a grueling man-and-dog vs. nature survival story that’s quiet, rugged, at times moving, and yes, features a ton of American propaganda. Is it a bit eye-rolling? Sure. But it’s also more soulful than I anticipated, with a splendid score from Jared Michael Fry that matches the sweeping vastness of the Alaskan wilderness. Could’ve been a lot worse, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say it got me a bit choked up towards the end. Simple but effective for the Paramount+ crowd.”
HEART OF THE BEAST is the first David Ayer film I’ve tolerated since “Fury,” and wouldn’t you know it? They both happen to star Brad Pitt. But Pitt isn’t even really the star here. No, that title belongs to his canine co-star, Uber, who, along with some decent visual effects… pic.twitter.com/lGpjC3Cpgg
— Matt Neglia @NYFF (@NextBestPicture) September 18, 2026
Creator and co-host of @filmontap, Tom Chatalbash added, “#HeartoftheBeast got me good, real good. This is a fiercely gripping and emotionally compelling tale of survival and companionship that thrills as much as it pulls on the heartstrings. Pitt and Odin the dog make for a wonderful on-screen pair, always engaging and magnetic to watch, their tried and true bond felt in each and every frame. Ayer handsomely crafts this one behind the camera, giving the more propulsive sequences the visceral, stripped down pop they need, proving he’s got plenty of juice behind the camera that lends exceedingly well to mid-budget fare. Pitt delivers a physically committed, nuanced, and understated performance that helps provide the bedrock here. It may lean a bit too conventional and predictable in terms of its storytelling, but as a dog owner myself, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t let some ugly tears fly before the credits rolled. Full review next week!”
#HeartoftheBeast got me good, real good. This is a fiercely gripping and emotionally compelling tale of survival and companionship that thrills as much as it pulls on the heartstrings. Pitt and Odin the dog make for a wonderful on screen pair, always engaging and magnetic to… pic.twitter.com/IqP7mK8T12
— Tom Chatalbash (@TomChatalbash) September 18, 2026
Courtney Howard, a Tomatoemeter-approved critic, wrote, “Ran home to bear hug my dog after seeing @DavidAyerMovies #HeartOfTheBeast. It’s a harrowing, contemplative & heartrending film about trust, survival & loyalty. Circumstances are intense, but also hope-filled. Hats off to the 4 goodest pups playing Odin & the 1 & only Brad Pitt.”
AMC A-List member, Nathan Vance added, “#HeartOfTheBeast is one of the year’s most sensational and unforgettable films. An emotional story of survival, unwavering loyalty, and perseverance, with breathtaking cinematography, this is a must-see for all dog lovers.”
Journalist Maggie_in_LA says, “As expected, walked out the theater with tears all over my face I always cry during movies with animals but this one hits hard. Brad Pitt’s “Heart of the Beast” honors the soldiers and military dogs who served in wars. They were brave companions that fight and survive together. It was a wonderful movie about survive, loyalty and friendship. Odin is such a tough but also cute pup has been through a lot in his life. A true hero. There isn’t much dialogue, but both #BradPitt and the dog actors did wonderful jobs that will surely bring tears to your eyes .”
As expected, walked out the theater with tears all over my face 🥲 I always cry during movies with animals but this one hits hard . Brad Pitt’s "Heart of the Beast" honors the soldiers and military dogs that served at wars . They were brave companions that fight and survive… pic.twitter.com/IlHAt1FNYr
— Maggie_in_LA (@MaggieM_in_LA) September 18, 2026
“HEART OF THE BEAST is a handsome, stripped-down survival thriller. Operates like a cuddlier THE GREY with a dash of THE REVENANT. It’s not terribly deep, but both Brad Pitt and the impressive dog actors convey a moving sense of perseverance and loyalty against harsh odds,” said Tomatometer-approved critic Bill Bria.
HEART OF THE BEAST is a handsome, stripped-down survival thriller. Operates like a cuddlier THE GREY with a dash of THE REVENANT. It’s not terribly deep, but both Brad Pitt as well as the impressive dog actors convey a moving sense of perseverance and loyalty against harsh odds. pic.twitter.com/3KmZUEqFQN
— Bill Bria (@billbria) September 11, 2026
Maria Leah said, “Kudos to Uber (aka Odin) the dog for his superior acting chops and professionalism in having to act alongside subpar actor Brad Pitt in the movie ‘Heart of the Beast’. No matter how many times scenes had to be repeated due to Pitt’s lack of acting skills, Uber never complained.”
— Maria Leah (@maria_leah385) September 17, 2026Kudos to Uber (aka Odin) the dog for his superior acting chops and professionalism in having to act alongside subpar actor Brad Pitt in the movie “Heart of the Beast”.
No matter how many times scenes had to be repeated due to Pitt’s lack of acting skills, Uber never complained. pic.twitter.com/eAFZNhEBVn
What is the film about?
The film follows Special Forces officer James Belmont and his retired combat dog Odin after a plane crash leaves them stranded in the Alaskan wilderness. Battling brutal conditions and dangerous threats, the duo must fight to survive while relying on their unbreakable bond. Brad Pitt starrer Heart of the Beast will be released on September 25.
For more such updates, check out Hollywood News
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