The Power of the Dog (2021)
Director: Jane Campion · Writer: Jane Campion
A domineering but charismatic rancher wages a war of intimidation on his brother's new wife and her teen son, until long-hidden secrets come to light.
Where to watch
Netflix
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Trailer
Director
Jane Campion
Cast
Benedict Cumberbatch
Phil Burbank 
Kodi Smit-McPhee
Peter Gordon 
Kirsten Dunst
Rose Gordon 
Jesse Plemons
George Burbank 
Thomasin McKenzie
Lola 
Geneviève Lemon
Mrs. Lewis 
Keith Carradine
The Governor 
Frances Conroy
Old Lady 
Kenneth Radley
Barkeep 
Sean Keenan
Sven 
George Mason
Cricket 
Ramontay McConnell
Theo User Reviews (6)
FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://www.msbreviews.com/movie-reviews/the-power-of-the-dog-spoiler-free-review "The Power of the Dog is a thought-provoking, deep study of (toxic) masculinity surrounded by exceptional performances and truly stunning cinematography (Ari Wegner). Jane Campion breaks her decade-long directing hiatus, returning with an unconventional take on the western genre packed with heavy, rich themes, all developed through emotionally powerful, extraordinary character arcs. Despite the occasionally dull pacing and underwhelming ending, the layered narrative holds numerous interesting topics that Benedict Cumberbatch and co. Approach in incredibly tense interactions through the lingering camera, minimal editing (Peter Sciberras), and contemplative music (Jonny Greenwood). The aimless first half might only be a first-watch issue, but nothing that profoundly hurts t…
Jane Campion's direction is top-notch, beautifully shot by Ari Wegner, and Johnny Greenwood's score fits like a soft leather glove. But that script - oh so Hollywood and oh so boring!! I want my 127 minutes back.
**Full Explanation and Analysis at Spotamovie.com - The Story** - The Power of the Dog, a book written by Thomas Savage in 1967, inspires the film. It’s not your typical western. No guns are involved, but something more complex and psychological. Located in Montana in 1925, two wealthy and different brothers, George and Phil, own a ranch.Their lives change when they meet Rose, a widow, mum to Peter, a delicate but intelligent guy. Different personalities and interests generate a hostile environment for all of our characters. After the chaos, the dreamed balance may rise again, but, first, the story will become intense, engaging and exhausting.What will happen between them? Why George and Phil are different? And what is The Power of the Dog? It’s a complex film, full of symbolism, metaphors and psychology. It’s well-directed, excellently performed by the whole cast. And it’s not a…
The ending does not match the pacing of the the entire film at all. It's almost abrupt - and not in a terribly satisfying way. It could have been 30 minutes shorter if it did less artful shots of wheat or a horse standing. Or at least for less time. It doesn't even really say anything interesting about it either.
Brothers "Phil" (Benedict Cumberbatch) and "George" (Jesse Plemons) are the bit chalk-and-cheese brothers who own a successful cattle ranch. On a trip to town, "Phil" upsets the owner of the hotel "Rose" (an effective Kirstin Dunst) after he rather cruelly insults her extremely svelte teenage son "Peter" (Kodi Smit-McPhee) who had taken some care to prepare intricate paper decorations for their dining table. We don't know how long "George" and "Rose" have been friends, but next thing we know they are married and the pretty unpleasant "Phil" sets out to make her life as miserable as possible. He is never overtly cruel - there is no violence, but mental abuse that sends her seeking solace in the bottle. When her son joins them from school, he fixes him fairly and squarely in his sights too - introducing a hint of homo-eroticism and scheming to the last fifteen minutes that makes you sit up…
Full review: https://www.tinakakadelis.com/beyond-the-cinerama-dome/2021/12/28/not-quiet-on-the-western-front-the-power-of-the-dog-review The film centers on two brothers, Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch) and George Burbank (Jesse Plemmons) in 1925 Montana. They’re wealthy ranchers who are polar opposites. Where Phil is brutal and ruthless, George is kind and quiet. Their relationship splinters when George marries Rose, a widow (Kirsten Dunst). Campion makes you believe that this is where the meat of the movie will be, in this fractured brotherly relationship, and for a while it is. It’s a fascinating look at two versions of masculinity at odds with each other in a world that could be considered the peak of masculinity. I couldn’t help but think of Kelly Reichardt’s First Cow and Andrew Haigh’s Lean on Pete, two lovely movies grappling with the same concept of masculinity in the …
