Behind the Scenes of the Movie ‘The Dog Stars’

Movies

Aug 28

Written By VS BRANDS

Plot Synopsis written by Michael Lee

*All Media used in this article is courtesy of 20th Century Studios

Official Trailer: ‘The Dog Stars’ (2026)

Video Courtesy of 20th Century Studios/YouTube

Plot Synopsis

‘The Dog Stars’ Featurette: “Cinematic Hero” • Video Courtesy of 20th Century Studios

Set in a post-apocalyptic future, The Dog Stars takes place after a devastating pandemic has wiped out most of humanity. Hig, a former mechanic, lives on the outskirts of the nearly abandoned Denver area with his dog, Jasper, and Bangley, a former Marine turned survivalist.

Hig occasionally flies a small propeller plane into Denver to search for fuel and food, while also helping a nearby Mennonite community with supplies and mechanical repairs—something Bangley strongly disapproves of.

‘The Dog Stars’ Film Clip: “I Miss Music” • Video Courtesy of 20th Century Studios

When two teenage strangers approach their property, Bangley shoots and kills them from his lookout position, highlighting the growing divide between his ruthless survival instincts and Hig's more compassionate nature.

Hig's routine changes when he picks up a recurring radio signal from Grand Junction while flying. The signal appears to come from other survivors, but Hig has never been able to maintain contact.

‘The Dog Stars’ Featurette: “Meet the Survivors” • Video Courtesy of 20th Century Studios

One day, Hig and Jasper are ambushed by a large group while sleeping outside. They manage to fight off the attackers with Bangley's help, but Jasper is killed. Devastated, Hig travels to Denver to bury Jasper beside his late wife at their former home.

‘The Dog Stars’ Special Look • Video Courtesy of 20th Century Studios

Determined to discover who is broadcasting the mysterious signal, Hig sets out for Grand Junction. Bangley refuses to go and remains behind in Erie. During the journey, Hig's plane suffers a mechanical failure, forcing him to crash-land in a remote valley inhabited by a father and daughter, Pops and Cima.

After some initial distrust, they form an uneasy partnership while Hig repairs his plane and clears a runway. Hig and Cima eventually become romantically involved, and she asks him to stay.

‘The Dog Stars’ Film Clip: “This World Fits You Bangley” • Video Courtesy of 20th Century Studios

Their fragile peace is shattered when their farm is attacked. Hig, Cima, and Pops escape aboard the repaired plane and eventually reach Grand Junction Regional Airport. The radio operator allows them to land and enter the settlement unarmed, but something about the community immediately feels wrong.

The settlement's leader proposes that Cima marry one of the soldiers, citing her medical training as a reason she would be valuable to the community. Suspicious, the three flee and discover the horrifying truth: the survivors in Grand Junction have resorted to cannibalism. Before leaving, Hig, Cima, and Pops attack the settlement from the air, dropping grenades on it.

‘The Dog Stars’ Film Clip: “We’re Too Heavy” • Video Courtesy of 20th Century Studios

They then return to Erie to find Bangley, only to discover that the airfield has been attacked. Bangley is badly injured but still alive. Despite his reluctance, he joins Hig, Cima, and Pops as they travel to the nearby Mennonite community, where they hope to establish a new settlement and begin rebuilding their lives.