Brad Pitt returns to the big screen this week in the survival thriller Heart of the Beast, a film that pairs the Hollywood veteran with a four-legged co-star in a gruelling battle against the Alaskan wilderness. Now showing at Cineworld Chichester, the production has drawn early attention for the performance of its lead canine.
Directed by David Ayer and written by Cameron Alexander, the film stars Pitt as James Belmont, a retired Special Forces officer. Belmont finds himself fighting for survival in the remote wild, accompanied only by Odin, a German Shepherd. For many viewers, the presence of a dog in a survival film brings an immediate sense of dread regarding the animal’s fate; however, official production notes confirm that Odin does not die in the film, allowing audiences to focus on the action without the usual trepidation associated with the genre.
Production and Cast
The cinematography captures the stark beauty of the environment—actually filmed in New Zealand rather than Alaska. Pitt’s performance is understated, leaning into the physical demands of the role, but it is often his canine companion who steals the spotlight.
The dog playing Odin is a German Shepherd named Uber. Unlike many Hollywood animals, Uber was not a traditional “theatre dog” but a real search-and-rescue dog from Heisenberg Kennels in New Zealand. Director David Ayer has noted that Uber’s natural instincts and training brought a level of authenticity to the screen that often eludes digital or purely theatrical animal performers.
Screenings in Chichester
The film was released in UK cinemas on 25 September 2026 and has a relatively lean runtime of 101 minutes. It carries a 12A certificate, making it suitable for older children and adults, though parents should be aware of the intense survival themes and peril throughout.
Local residents can find Heart of the Beast screening daily at Cineworld Chichester, located within the Chichester Gate leisure complex. Current schedules for late September include multiple afternoon and evening slots, though viewers are advised to check the latest times directly with the venue as schedules are subject to change.
The combination of Pitt’s star power and Uber’s performance makes it a notable addition to the autumn cinema calendar.
