Heart of the Beast (PG) – 101 minutes

This is no shaggy dog story.

Rather, it is an American survival thriller starring Brad Pitt as a former special forces soldier, who – like his retired combat dog – suffers from PTSD.

The pair saw plenty of action and came out worse for wear, but both press on.

Pitt, as officer James Belmont, appreciates the Alaskan wilderness, flying around in a seaplane with his beloved compatriot, Odin.

With tent and a whole stack of gear at the ready, Belmont and Odin camp out, before taking to the air again when inclement weather closes in.

Belmont suffers a heart attack mid-flight and his aircraft crash lands.

Ever resourceful, he then plots a path to the nearest road, which is 58 miles away through stunning, but often treacherous terrain.

That doesn’t take into account the threat the duo faces from wild animals and the continuing vicissitudes of the weather.

Both rely heavily upon each other in the many times of need that arise.

Writer Cameron Alexander has crafted a sensitive screenplay that pivots around the strong bond between man and dog, and let’s face it, who doesn’t like that?

Heart of the Beast featured on the 2017 Black List of Hollywood’s most liked unproduced screenplays.

When it was eventually picked up, it was left to the lean cast, under the direction of David Ayer (The Beekeper), to bring it home.

That they have done with heart, capitalising on the perilous journey … the danger and determination.

Even though it is a very different movie, my mind immediately turned to Tom Hanks and “Wilson” in the survival drama Cast Away (2000).

It must have been the isolation and Hanks’ character’s link, in that case to an inanimate object, that took me there.

In any case, in Heart of the Beast, Brad Pitt is called upon to use many of his acting chops and he does that with distinction.

The strength comes from the way Pitt, as an elite, military trained soldier, holds himself … how he goes about his business, and in his interplay with Odin.

As far as the former is concerned, he is highly competent, measured, inventive and strategic.

When it comes to the latter, it is about respect and compassion.

I draw your attention to the fact that, for the most part, it is just Pitt and a dog (well, four, who play Odin) filling the screen.

Acting while interacting with an animal for the lion’s share of 101 minutes and making it feel real is no lay down misère.

And the road to salvation is paved with blind turns (take that to mean obstacles that will continue to test you).

Of course, these are what heighten the drama.

I defy you not to open your heart to Odin, whose loyalty is without question, but who has the most knowing look in his eyes.

I must also come back to the canvas with which the filmmakers had to work.

The sweeping views of the Alaskan wilderness, as magnificently captured by cinematographer Mauro Fiore (Avatar) in New Zealand, are breathtaking.

Rated PG, Heart of the Beast is moving without becoming mawkish.

It scores a 7½ to 8 out of 10.