Director David Ayer has been focused on adrenalized storytelling for as long as he’s been making movies. He’s addicted to the rush of violence, exploring big hurt in pictures such as “End of Watch,” “Fury,” and “The Beekeeper,” so it comes as something of a surprise to see Ayer calm down for a change with “Heart of the Beast.” Written by Cameron Alexander, the film is mostly about a battle for survival involving an ex-military man and his specially trained dog as they try to find safety after being stranded in the wilds of Alaska. It’s reminiscent of 2000’s “Cast Away,” only instead of Wilson, there’s a pooch serving as companion and mental health protector as the dangers of the world come for the characters. “Heart of the Beast” is terrific when Ayer trusts in spare suspense and natural elements, creating some incredibly tense scenes of endurance. Such confidence and quiet doesn’t last all the way through the endeavor, but the production gets most of the way there with this tale of partnership. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com
Leave a comment