UPDATE: Paramount Pictures announced that “Heart of the Beast” will be released in theaters on September 25.
EARLIER: I was wondering when Paramount would date this one. David Ayer’s Heart of the Beast, starring Brad Pitt, will come to theaters this fall, according to the studio. The film has been tested multiple times in recent months.
Early word is that it’s solid—nothing spectacular or especially original, but a sturdy survival thriller anchored by strong central performances and a standout dog performance. One attendee called it the “best thing Ayer has directed since Fury.”
In a recent InSneider newsletter, additional details about the film emerged. Here’s the synopsis:
Pitt plays an ex-soldier who, along with his German Shepherd dog, is suffering from PTSD. Their plane crashes after he suffers a heart attack while flying, so the film is about their struggle to get back to the mainland and survive the elements.
Word is that Pitt anchors the film with a strong sense of humanity, delivering a performance that blends strength with gentle composure. J.K. Simmons appears in a small but memorable role. The 100-minute film embraces a rugged survival tone reminiscent of Joe Carnahan’s The Grey, focusing on resilience and instinct in harsh conditions.
Written by newcomer Cameron Alexander, and co-produced by Damien Chazelle, this is one of three films Pitt might have coning in the fall, the other two being “The Adventures of Cliff Booth,” and “The Riders,” although both are still undated.
Pitt and Ayer previously collaborated on 2014’s “Fury,” an excellent WWII epic that grossed over $200M at the worldwide box-office. In fact, it’s probably Ayer’s best movie. The filmmaker’s other credits include “Harsh Times,” “Street Kings,” “End of Watch,” and “The Beekeeper.” Let’s not mention “Suicide Squad,” which Ayer has now completely disowned.