The Power of the Dog is an exceptionally potent exploration of toxic masculinity, sexual identity, and isolation. It stands as a triumph in filmmaking, with Jane Campion‘s masterful direction and outstanding performances by Benedict Cumberbatch, Jesse Plemons, Kirsten Dunst, and Kodi Smit-McPhee anchoring the narrative.
The Catalyst
Set in 1920s Montana and based on Thomas Savage‘s novel, the story revolves around two brothers, Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch) and George (Jesse Plemons), whose lives take a dramatic turn when George falls in love with Rose (Kirsten Dunst), a widow who runs a small inn where the men stay during a cattle run. Rose is also the mother of Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee), a sweet yet enigmatic teenage boy. They make quick work of it with marriage and her and her son returning to live with them.
This newfound relationship creates a significant rift between the two brothers, with Phil (Cumberbatch) exuding a quietly sinister presence that burdens the household, especially Rose, whom he consistently bullies. Each scene between them is tenuous and tense as if the home could shatter at any moment. The atmospheric score by Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood heightens the film’s tone.
Throughout the film, a prevailing sense of isolation is palpable, from Kirsten Dunst’s performance to the portrayal of rural life and the emotional distance one can experience in a new environment. Phil’s complex relationship with Peter and the ominous aura surrounding them contribute significantly to the mounting tensions at home.
The Turmoil
Although it’s a slow burn, the film’s fiery ending makes the wait worthwhile. Each scene unfolds deliberately, and purposefully, revealing beauty in the unconventional corners of the narrative and terror in the silence. Cumberbatch delivers a phenomenal performance, as does Smit-McPhee, and their on-screen dynamic crackles with palpable intensity. The entire cast excels, showcasing Campion‘s directorial prowess akin to The Piano. The costume and production design, combined with the building of emotional intensity, are profoundly effective, leaving the audience haunted.
It’s a film that transports you into its visceral western backdrop, where clashing gender roles and simmering contention find their home. The movie gradually draws you in, foreshadowing the eventual outcome in a manner that compels you to keep your eyes glued to the screen. Each of the actors are locked in a duel, and that tension is perceptible in every glance, sneer or line of dialogue. The script by Jane Campion and Thomas Savage is witty when needed, offering a range of emotions as sharp as the performances and as compelling as the imagery.
Conclusion:
The Power of the Dog grips you like a tightening hand around your throat, making every breath feel like an interruption. It masterfully explores themes such as repressed emotions and the human desire for power, offering both psychological torment and dramatic heft. The rugged ranch landscape plays a vital role in shaping the story’s aesthetic, adding to the film’s overall impact. It’s one of the best films of the last decade.
The Power of the Dog is screening at this year’s Femme Filmmaker’s Festival. For more information click here.
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