The Power of the Dog is a Netflix movie that recently scored 12 Oscar nominations and for the most part, it’s not hard to see why.
It’s a western drama that’s filled with remarkable direction and writing from Jane Campion, an outstanding performance from Benedict Cumberbatch and an effective supporting cast and exquisite cinematography and score that stays with you long after it’s over.
Cumberbatch plays Phil Burbank, a rancher in 1925 Montana. He and his brother, George (Jessie Plemons) own the ranch and they befriend in an inn owner named Rose (Kirsten Dunst) and her son Peter, (Kodi Smit-McPhee). George is immediately smitten with her while Phil has nothing but contempt for them especially the latter’s son whom he mocks due to his lisp and unorthodox behavior.
George and Rose get married much to Phil’s chagrin because he believes Rose just married George for his money. Phil subsequently continues to increase his intolerance by humiliating Rose and Peter at every turn and it eventually leads Rose to become an alcoholic.
Despite his contempt, Phil tries to establish a relationship with Peter by teaching him the ways of his ranch and even gives him some insight into his deceased mentor, Bronco Henry.
Cumberbatch and the rest of the cast bring their A-game to their roles and thoroughly commit to making these characters seem accessible and grounded. We never know if Phil will ever change his ways. We never know if blind optimism will be George’s Achilles heel. We hope for Rose to overcome her alcoholism. We believe for Peter to have a father figure.
Campion’s treatment of this material is confident and methodical throughout. The movie is a slow burn so that it can make the story nuanced and some audiences may grow restless at that attempt and I can understand that.
At times it does have pacing issues and every once in a while I did have a hard time understanding the dialogue due to Phil’s gruff exterior. However, these are minor issues that are compensated by the aforementioned performances, direction and powerful cinematography that creates a landscape that looks and feels authentic and surrounds us.
I think the movie is about acceptance and struggling to overcome the inner demons of rage, jealousy and loss in order to make one’s life better for themselves and each other.
Grade: A-
(Rated R for brief sexual content/full nudity.)
