“ScreenPICK” is a column that highlights the must-see moments of movies released in theaters this week. <Editor’s Note>
[Edaily Reporter YUN GI BACK ] A survival action film starring Hollywood star Brad Pitt and a zany comedy about the hijinks of college entrance exam question writers are going head-to-head at the box office. “Heart of the Beast” and “The Secret of the College Entrance Exam” both opened on the 28th. One film depicts an extreme survival story rooted in the bond between humans and animals, while the other offers a lighthearted look at the behind-the-scenes world of CSAT question creation—a process everyone has experienced but few have ever seen up close. Though they belong to different genres, both films share the common theme of portraying characters struggling to cope with unexpected situations.

◇ “Heart of the Beast”… A Four-Legged Actor as Captivating as Pitt
A plane crash occurs in the Alaskan wilderness. James (played by Brad Pitt), a former Army Special Forces soldier, barely survives alongside Odin, a retired military working dog. However, in the rugged wilderness beyond the reach of rescue, the two constantly face threats to their survival.
“Heart of the Beast” is a survival drama that focuses less on flashy action and more on the journey of a man and a dog relying on each other to survive. The crises unfolding against the backdrop of vast wilderness build tension, while the actions and expressions of Odin—a military dog who cannot speak—drive emotional immersion.
Above all, the chemistry between Brad Pitt and the military dog is a highlight. The role of Odin was shared by a German Shepherd named Uber and his three puppies. Pitt went to great lengths to build a natural bond, even carrying boiled chicken in his pocket during filming to attract the animal actor’s attention. His passionate performance—including climbing into a submerged airplane to act—is also worth noting.
Director David Ayer, known for films such as “Fury” and “Suicide Squad,” captures the trust and camaraderie between humans and animals within the familiar framework of a survival drama. The film’s appeal truly comes to life when the focus is on the emotions arising from the relationship between the two protagonists rather than on the story itself.

◇“The Secret of the College Scholastic Ability Test”… South Korea’s Most Secretive 40 Days
The College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) determines the fate of hundreds of thousands of students every year. What is life like for the people who create those test questions? “CSAT: The Secret of the Exam Questions” is a comedy that depicts the 40 days spent by exam question writers who are completely isolated from the outside world.
Maeng Bo-ram (played by Lee Seon-bin), a Korean language teacher, joins the CSAT question-setting committee due to a computer error. She is tasked with creating a flawless exam—free of typos and controversy—amidst experts led by Korean language committee chair Moon Ju-yeol (played by Yoo Jae-myung). As characters with differing educational philosophies and personalities gather in one space, unexpected conflicts and commotion ensue.
The film’s appeal lies in its portrayal of the CSAT—a test familiar to every South Korean—from the perspective of the test creators. While it is a crucial exam in the lives of test-takers, for the committee members, it is a highly demanding collaborative effort where not even a single character error is permitted. The psychological battles and power struggles that unfold in the pursuit of a single fair question generate laughter.
Lee Seon-bin’s bright and spirited performance anchors the film, while seasoned actors such as Yoo Jae-myung, Kim Young-min, and Jeon Seok-ho work in harmony as exam committee members with strong personalities. It is also interesting that the film goes beyond a simple situational comedy to lightly satirize our society’s excessive obsession with education and its grade-oriented culture.
However, since the conflicts among the exam committee members take up a significant portion of the story, viewers expecting dramatic twists or big laughs may find it somewhat dull. It’s more of a film that takes a lighthearted look at the ordinary people caught up in the massive system of the CSAT rather than the system itself.