Brad Pitt fans and dog lovers will both find much to love about the new survival thriller “Heart of the Beast”. The ageless 62-year-old actor teams with a charming German Shepherd to tell a gripping story set in the rugged untamed Alaskan wilderness. Pitt is every bit as sturdy and charismatic as we have come to expect. But the real star of the film is Uber, a scene-stealing canine who gives one of the best animal “performances” ever to appear on screen.

“Heart of the Beast” is directed by David Ayer, who previously collaborated with Pitt on the 2014 war film “Fury”. Here he works from a script by Cameron Alexander, who turns a straightforward and somewhat familiar premise into a powerful story of shared trauma and the unbreakable bond between a man and his dog. The action is harrowing, the central relationship is deeply moving, and the journey we take is as inspirational as it is entertaining.

**Image Courtesy of Paramount Pictures**

Pitt plays Army Special Forces veteran James Belmont. Since retiring from the military, James spends his time in the Alaskan wild with his military combat dog Odin (Uber). Together they travel in his seaplane to the most remote parts of the wilderness, sleeping under the stars, well away from the hustle and bustle of society. For James and Odin it’s a needed retreat and a chance to heal from the active duty wounds they share.

We learn that the relationship between James and Odin goes back years and has remained intensely close. They didn’t just serve in the military together. They faced the horrors of the fiercest combat and both have the scars to prove it. Odin’s can be seen etched into his face. He also has a prosthetic leg and a few titanium teeth to replace those he lost. But there’s also the emotional toll. Both James and Odin suffer from PTSD, and the only comfort they find is in each other.

Their story takes a terrifying turn after James has a heart attack while flying over the forest. Their plane crashes and sinks to the bottom of an icy river. He and Odin manage to survive and salvage as many supplies as they can. After spending the night recuperating and getting their bearings, James determines they are 58 miles from the nearest road. So the two friends set off on a grueling journey across the forbidding Alaskan wilderness. Along the way they’re forced to maneuver through rugged terrain, dangerous wildlife, and their own injuries to make it to safety.

Ayer makes sure there is no shortage of jaw-dropping scenery for us admire. The stunning South Island of New Zealand steps in for Alaska and offers one breathtaking vista after another. But he also captures the peril that coexists with the natural beauty. With the vibrant outdoor setting in place and the high stakes firmly established, much of the rest relies on the two stars. Despite the physical and emotional demands, Pitt delivers a remarkably restrained performance. His intense commitment shows itself in every scene, and the raw authenticity he brings shines, never more than in his captivating chemistry with his canine co-star.

As for Uber, he isn’t your prototypical Hollywood trained pup. He spent time as a mountain search-and-rescue dog which made him comfortable in the harsh and sometimes treacherous shooting locations. But it’s the unexpectedly soulful aspect of his performance that makes it such an achievement. He does more than run when needed and bark on command. He conveys real emotion as he navigates grief, fear, and exhaustion. Whether it’s through his mannerisms or his gaze, Uber becomes the most essential ingredient to the storytelling.

I don’t really consider myself a “dog guy”. But that didn’t stop me from being swept away by “Heart of the Beast”. That’s because the film doesn’t rely on the usual ‘a-man-and-his-dog’ conventions. Instead it defines and sustains a richly genuine relationship rooted in love, loyalty, and unwavering trust. Even the coldest hearts will be warmed by the deeply moving friendship that unfolds on screen. I know I was.