MOVIE REVIEW

 

The Power of the Dog

RELEASE DATE:  November 17, 2021 (limited)

December 1, 2021 (streaming)

RATING:  R (full nudity; brief sexual content)

 

Writer/director Jane Campion (Bright Star, The Piano) brings us a cinematically exquisite experience that requires some patience on the part of audiences.  While the pacing is intentionally slow, this allows the plot’s drama to develop and for the interesting characters to grow on us.

 

Centered in mid-1920s Montana, the story, essentially a modern Western, centers around Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch) a tough talking, good looking rancher and his strained relationship with his soft-spoken, kind-hearted brother, George (Jesse Plemons).

 

When George falls for and eventually marries Rose (Kirsten Dunst), the widowed owner of a smalltown restaurant, this life changing event moves Phil to rage and a dislike for both Rose and her son, Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee).  

 

Over time, Phil seems to take a liking to Peter in hopes of turning what is perceived as a soft young man into someone he feels would be more appropriate to the ranching lifestyle.  Peter, however, has disgust for Phil as he resents the way the man has taunted and treated not only himself previously but also his mother, Rose.  

 

There are plot twists that culminate in the resolution of the story, one of mistrust, betrayal, and vengeance.

 

In addition to strong direction by Campion, kudos to cinematographer Ari Wegner and production designer Grant Major.