The Power of the Dog (2021)

Director: Jane Campion
Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons
Runtime: 126 minutes

Synopsis: Charismatic rancher Phil Burbank inspires fear and awe in those around him. When his brother brings home a new wife and her son, Phil torments them until he finds himself exposed to the possibility of love. 

Verdict: Applauded at every film festival it’s been screened at, Jane Campion’s first directorial effort since 2009’s “Bright Star” has proven that the Kiwi filmmaker has not lost her artistic touch despite her 12-year long hiatus. A western drenched in a sensual touch only she holds the secret to, it’s a period piece aimed at defying gender norms by exploring the relationship between an experienced, rugged cowboy and the softer son of his brother’s wife.

Starring a menacing Benedict Cumberbatch and a convincing Kodi Smit-McPhee as well as one of Hollywood’s most overlooked couples in Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst, one of the film’s strongest assets are the performance of this fine quartet. Not only do they shine individually as their respective characters, but they also work together splendidly, allowing their chemistry to blossom and their arcs to organically materialize to shape the narrative’s aforementioned themes. It’s also a beautifully shot picture, aided by an appropriate musical score composed by Jonny Greenwood.

While being an excellent film overall, it still struggled to detach itself from similarly themed projects released in the not-so-distant past. There wasn’t much room for surprises, and it did ultimately leave me craving for something a little more memorable. Nevertheless, “The Power of the Dog” will most certainly find its way to the prestigious awards conversation that keeps cinephiles busy from December to February, and I’m willing to bet a pretty penny that it will come out with a bunch of awards under its belt.

FINAL GRADE: 7/10