The Power Of The Dog (2021)

Jane Campion’s Western is an exquisite slow-burn of abuse, desire, fear, and revenge.

What is The Power Of The Dog about?

A domineering ranger responds with cruelty when his brother brings home a wife and her son.

Where can you watch The Power Of The Dog?

Netflix.

Trigger Warnings:

Violence. Sexual innuendos and nudity. Substance abuse.

My review of The Power Of The Dog

It’s hard for me to describe this movie and why it’s worth watching. You need to experience it yourself.

There’s a lot to appreciate about The Power Of The Dog: the symbolism, the incisive dialogue, the scrupulous direction, the themes of masculinity and classism (to name a few), the breathtaking cinematography, and of course the layered performances which leave a lot to unpack. 

Overall, the movie is a work of art. It’s a slow-burn character study that unlocks beauty and brutality in equal measure. Yet despite its slowness, there’s this palpable tension that never lets up - a sense of impending doom until the final scene. Even as the credits rolled, I was left feeling uneasy. 

That feeling’s stuck with me and I keep revisiting the movie in my mind.

Krirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons in The Power Of The Dog | from IMDB.com

Benedict Cumberbatch transforms for this role. He and Kirsten Dunst give the performances of a lifetime, and I was captivated by how they embodied Rose and Phil for the tumultuous dynamic between their characters.

While our hearts ache for Dunst’s Rose, Cumberbatch inspires fear as the cruel and abusive Phil. Both actors are excellent.

Have you seen The Power Of The Dog? What did you think of it?