The Power of the Dog
Movie Trailer
Release Date
November 17, 2021 (Limited Release)
December 1, 2021 (Netflix)
Genre
Drama, Western, Psychological Thriller
Cast & Crew
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Phil Burbank
- Kirsten Dunst as Rose Gordon
- Jesse Plemons as George Burbank
- Kodi Smit-McPhee as Peter Gordon
- Thomasin McKenzie as Lola
- Genevieve Lemon as Mrs. Lewis
- Keith Carradine as Governor Edward
Director
Jane Campion
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Piano (1993)
- Bright Star (2009)
- In the Cut (2003)
- An Angel at My Table (1990)
Producer
- Jane Campion
- Tanya Seghatchian
- Emile Sherman
- Iain Canning
- Roger Frappier
Writer
- Jane Campion (screenplay)
Based on the novel The Power of the Dog by Thomas Savage
Budget
$30–39 million
Production Company
- See-Saw Films
- Brightstar
- BBC Films
- Cross City Films
Running Time
126 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Mature themes
- Psychological tension
- Some violence
- Sexual content
- Strong language
Movie Story
The Power of the Dog is a masterfully crafted psychological drama set in the rugged and isolated landscapes of 1925 Montana. The film tells the story of two brothers, Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch) and George Burbank (Jesse Plemons), who own a large cattle ranch. The brothers are starkly different: Phil is a charismatic but cruel and domineering figure, while George is gentle, reserved, and compassionate.
The tension between the brothers escalates when George marries Rose Gordon (Kirsten Dunst), a widow with a sensitive teenage son named Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee). Phil immediately takes a disliking to Rose and Peter, viewing them as threats to his way of life and his bond with George. Phil’s tormenting of Rose drives her into a spiral of despair and alcoholism, as she struggles to adjust to life on the ranch under Phil’s oppressive presence.
However, the dynamics shift when Phil begins to take an unexpected interest in Peter, who is more perceptive and cunning than he appears. As Phil and Peter’s relationship evolves, the film delves deep into themes of masculinity, repression, and the complexities of human emotion. The story builds towards a tense and unsettling climax, revealing hidden layers of the characters and the true nature of power and vulnerability.
The Power of the Dog is as much a character study as it is a narrative of psychological warfare. The film explores the ways in which people manipulate, dominate, and protect one another, all set against the backdrop of the harsh and unforgiving Western landscape. Jane Campion’s direction brings out the subtleties of the characters’ inner lives, creating a slow-burning tension that leads to a powerful and unexpected conclusion.
Special Effects
The Power of the Dog relies on its natural setting and meticulous production design rather than heavy special effects. The film’s cinematography captures the vastness and isolation of the Montana landscape, with sweeping shots of mountains, plains, and the Burbank ranch that emphasize the characters’ solitude and emotional distance. The use of lighting and shadow enhances the psychological tension, particularly in scenes that focus on the characters’ internal struggles and the unspoken power dynamics at play.
Box Office Performance
The Power of the Dog had a limited theatrical release before becoming widely available on Netflix. The film garnered significant attention and acclaim, becoming one of the most talked-about films of the year. While its box office earnings were modest due to its limited release, the film’s impact was felt through its critical reception and awards season buzz, making it a standout in 2021.
Filming Locations
- Otago, New Zealand
- Central Otago, New Zealand
- Auckland, New Zealand
Notable Quotes
- “Bronco Henry told me that a man was made by patience in the odds.” – Phil Burbank
- “When my father passed, I wanted nothing more than my mother to be happy.” – Peter Gordon
- “The thing about loneliness is, it eats at you. It chews you up inside.” – Rose Gordon
- “For what kind of man would I be if I did not help my mother?” – Peter Gordon
Behind-the-Scenes
Director Jane Campion returned to feature filmmaking with The Power of the Dog after a 12-year hiatus, bringing her signature style of introspective storytelling to the Western genre. Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Phil Burbank is a career-defining performance, with the actor immersing himself in the role, even learning to play the banjo and adopting method acting techniques to embody the character’s complex persona. Kirsten Dunst and Kodi Smit-McPhee also delivered standout performances, with their characters’ arcs central to the film’s emotional core.
The film was shot in New Zealand, standing in for Montana, with the country’s dramatic landscapes providing the perfect backdrop for the story’s exploration of isolation and power. The production design, costumes, and attention to period detail all contributed to the film’s authenticity, making it both visually stunning and thematically rich.
Awards
- Academy Award: Won for Best Director (Jane Campion)
- Nominated for Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Benedict Cumberbatch), Best Supporting Actor (Kodi Smit-McPhee), and Best Supporting Actress (Kirsten Dunst)
- Golden Globe Award: Won for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor (Kodi Smit-McPhee)
- BAFTA Award: Won for Best Film and Best Director
Final Verdict
The Power of the Dog is a haunting and exquisitely crafted film that examines the complexities of human nature through the lens of a Western drama. Jane Campion’s direction, combined with powerful performances from the cast, particularly Benedict Cumberbatch, creates a film that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually challenging. Its slow-burning tension and exploration of themes such as repression, power, and vulnerability make it a standout film of 2021, earning its place as a modern classic.
IMDb Rating
6.8/10