Hideo Kojima Says Brad Pitt’s ‘Heart of the Beast’ Hit Him Like a Body Blow in a New Review

Few voices in pop culture carry as much weight with film fans as Hideo Kojima, and the gaming legend’s reaction to ‘Heart of the Beast’ has quickly become part of the movie’s story. The creator behind ‘Metal Gear’ and ‘Death Stranding’ is famously vocal about what he watches, and he isn’t shy about admitting when a story gets to him.

This isn’t the first time a project has moved him publicly. Kojima once praised an episode of ‘The Boys’ on X for its excellent pacing, saying it had everything and even brought him to tears. Now, Brad Pitt and David Ayer’s survival thriller has joined that list.

After seeing the film, Kojima shared his thoughts in a post. He described it as the story of a veteran and a former military reconnaissance dog, both living with PTSD, trying to survive and make their way home through the beautiful but unforgiving Alaskan wilderness.

What struck him most was how much the film conveys without words. Kojima noted there’s very little dialogue, yet the bond between Pitt’s character and the dog comes through powerfully, and he openly admitted the movie made him cry. He added that the dog’s name, Odin, lands like a body blow by the end, and lamented that no program had been made for the film.

His post was accompanied by the film’s Japanese poster, featuring Pitt alongside the canine lead, and a selfie of Kojima himself. Screen Rant noted that his emotional response lines up with the reception the film has received since arriving in theaters on September 25.

Watched David Ayer’s “Heart of the Beast.” A story about a veteran and a former military reconnaissance dog, both suffering from PTSD, trying to survive and make their way home. The beautiful but unforgiving Alaskan wilderness stands in their way. There’s very little dialogue, but you can really feel the strong bond between the two of them (Brad Pitt and the dog). I have to admit, it made me cry. And in the end, the dog’s name, “Odin,” hits you like a body blow. It’s a shame they didn’t make a program for the film. 🐕‍🦺

— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) September 26, 2026

The film follows James Belmont, played by Pitt, and Odin, his beloved partner, traveling by prop plane through snowy mountain wilderness. Odin wakes from nightmares about their Iraq tours, and his prosthetic leg makes clear he has seen his share of hell.

Things take a dangerous turn when James suffers a heart attack mid-flight, sending the plane into a nose-dive. The crash briefly separates them before they reunite, with James nursing the dog back to health as they fight to survive. The script comes from Cameron Alexander.

First trailer for David Ayer's ‘HEART OF THE BEAST’, starring Brad Pitt.

The survival thriller follows a former soldier & his dog who battle for survival after a plane crash in the wilderness.

In theaters on September 25. pic.twitter.com/xTT9b9vFbN

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) June 11, 2026

It also marks a very different reunion for Pitt and Ayer after ‘Fury’, placing most of the focus on Pitt, Odin, and their struggle to stay alive. That intimate approach is exactly what seemed to resonate with Kojima.

Kojima is far from alone in his praise. ‘Heart of the Beast’ opened with a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, the best of Pitt’s career in a starring role. First reactions repeatedly singled out Odin as one of the film’s standouts.

Some writers had a similar experience to Kojima. One critic confessed the dog movie had them blubbering, calling the unbreakable bond between the pair the true backbone of the film. Not every review was as moved, though, with The Daily Beast labeling it a prototypical male weepie but arguing its tragedy feels too preordained to truly inspire waterworks.

Endorsements like Kojima’s could matter in the weeks ahead. The film earned an A- CinemaScore, while tracking pointed to a $17 million to $20 million opening against an $82 million budget.

With reactions this emotional spreading online, Paramount will be hoping audiences follow Kojima’s lead. For now, the legendary creator has made it clear that Odin’s journey is one worth bringing tissues for.

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